North & South Twin - Galehead - Garfield
North Twin trail, Twinway, Garfield Ridge Trail, Garfield trail
February 20, 2010
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We have hiked the Twins and Galehead several times before, but today we decided to add Mt Garfield to the agenda. We met Trevor and Craig at 6:30 at 5 Corners, then headed off to Little River road. It is now possible to park at the end of the road and use the new bridge to cross the river.
Across the river we took a quick left to follow the old North Twin trail. Although others had been here recently, with new snow overnight, all signs of previous tracks were gone. By the time we reached the 3rd river crossing we were making our way through 6 inches of fresh powder. The river crossing was well frozen presenting no issues.
Todays forecast called for low clouds and high winds, but as we climbed towards the summit we are suprised to see the sun trying to break though the clouds and find light winds. At various timesm one by one we all switched from bareboots to snowshoes as the snow depth increased and we started to come across snow drifts.
After we summit North Twin we start break through the snow towards South Twin. Along the way we loose the trail a few times, but follow the track of a fox who we had followed up to North Twin -little guy seems to know exactly where to go.
On South Twin we find the wind, but only @ 30 mph. Cold enough that we didn't linger longer than we needed to take a few quick photos before heading down towards the Glaehead hut. Just below the summit we see the first two of only four other hikers that we would see. Good nes as it means the trail is now broken out!
We have a quick descent to the hut where we grab a snack before running up to the summit or Galehead. Back at the hut we gear up for the second half of our day - The Garfield Rdge trail. The GRT has a reputaion of being one of the most unforgiving in the White Mountains. We drop 500 feet to the junction of the Gale River trail then start numerous ups and downs. Up 200 feet, down 100 feet. Hard work after summitting 3 peaks. We have over 1000 feet to gain, most of it in the last half mile.
We pass the Tent site and know we have only 1/2 mile to go. At the juction of the Garfield trail we rest, change into dry clothes and run up to the summit of Garfield, our 4th peak of the day. Photos, and off we go, headed down to our waiting cars. A long but very fun day!
Directions to Trailhead
Rte 93 north to Exit 35. Follow Route 3 East 5.2 miles to the intersection with Trudeau Rd. Leave a car here in the parking area on your left. Continue on @ 2 miles into Twin Mountain - take a right onto Little River Rd, just past a strip plaza on your right. You will see a sign for 7 Dwarfs Motel. Continue down the road for @ 2 miles and park at the dead end.
Length of Hike:
11:00 hours
18.0 miles
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