Pemigewasset Loop (AKA Pemi Loop)

<p>The Pemigewasset Loop begins and ends at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway (1,222'), 5 miles east of Lincoln, NH. The standard direction is clockwise. <p> <p>Cross the suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and head west on the Lincoln Woods Trail. At 1.4 miles, bear left onto the Osseo Trail and begin the sustained steep climb through spruce forest — switchbacks give way to open ledge as you gain the southern end of the Franconia Ridge. <p> <p>Mount Flume (4,328') is reached at approximately 5.3 miles; continue north on the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Liberty (4,459') at 5.9 miles, then to Little Haystack Mountain at 7.4 miles, where the Liberty Spring Trail descends left and the Falling Waters Trail descends right — both emergency bail options. Continue north along exposed above-treeline ridge to Mount Lincoln (5,089') at 8.5 miles and Mount Lafayette (5,260') at 9.4 miles. <p> <p>At Lafayette's summit, turn right onto the Garfield Ridge Trail/Appalachian Trail and follow the AT northeast and then east, descending to the col before Mount Garfield (4,500') at approximately 13.0 miles. Descend the Garfield Ridge Trail to Galehead Hut at 14.8 miles, where water is available — this is the midpoint and the last reliable resupply on the route. <p> <p>Continue on the Twinway Trail northeast to South Twin Mountain (4,902') at 15.5 miles, then east to the Bondcliff Trail junction near Mount Guyot (4,580'). Follow the Bondcliff Trail east to Mount Bond (4,698') at 17.7 miles; a 0.6-mile spur north leads to West Bond (4,540'). Continue south on the Bondcliff Trail to Bondcliff (4,265') at 18.8 miles, where the cliff edge delivers one of the most dramatic summit views on the loop. <p> <p>Descend north into the wilderness valley on the Bondcliff Trail to the Lincoln Woods Trail junction. Turn right and follow the Lincoln Woods Trail 5.6 miles east along the river to the trailhead.<p>