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North Woodstock, New Hampshire, United States

Mt. Moosilauke

A fun loop hike with an optional epic backcountry ski descent if you choose the right time of year

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.0 miles / 12.9 km
Duration: Half day
Dog Friendly
 
Overview: This hike takes you up the Gorge Brook Trail from the Ravine Lodge Trailhead to the summit of the massive Mt. Moosilauke which used to have a hotel at the top believe it or not. You will still be able to see the old foundation up there. From the top you'll descend/ski to the South Peak to check it out before skiing powder/truding down a wide carraige road and ski connector path to the bottom. Can you guess which season I'm suggesting here???

Tips: Ravine Lodge Trailhead:
Take exit 32 off I-93 to connect with State Route 112 heading West. After just 3 miles turn onto 118 which you will want to follow for 7.2 before turning right onto Ravine Road. Take I-93 to exit 32, North Woodstock, connecting with NH SR-112/118 West. In 3 miles turn on to SR-118 which you will follow for 7.2 miles before turning right on to Ravine Road. Ravine Lodge is at the end of this road.

In winter:
The Ravine Lodge Gate is closed 1.5 miles from the Lodge which will be added to your total distance if you ski it, but realistically this only adds 1.5 miles on the way up as you will be able to ski down the road pretty easily on the way out to your car behind the gate.

There is a $3 per day parking fee here.

Points of Interest

map

Ravine Lodge Trailhead

Mountain
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Summit of Moosilauke

At 4,802 feet you are at the top of this massive dome of a mountain. There is a large cairn marking the summit and you may be able to discern the foundation of an old summit hotel. From here you are going to descend to the South Peak and then head down the Old Carraige Road to the Snap trail back to the Trailhead. If you brought skis, click in because this is where the fun starts!
Mountain
map

South Peak

This peak at 4,523' is too close to the main peak and doesn't have enough vertical above the col to be considered a seperate 4,000 footer but it is still worth the short walk to the top to check it out. Walk back to where the carraige road starts down and get ready for an awesome ski descent/long walk down.
Junction
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Old Carraige Road

Start your descent down this wide old carraige road but watch for the next POI on the track and the trail sign for "Snapper ski trail" that will bring you back to the Ravine Lodge Trailhead. The picture here is the ascent up South Peak from this junction, the other is looking down the carraige road in summer.
Junction
map

Snapper Ski Trail Exit

At this junction get off the Carraige road onto the Snapper ski trail going into the thicker woods (narrower trail) to bring you back to the Ravine Lodge Trailhead. If you keep following the road by accident you may end up far from your vehicle.
Pictures in this guide taken by: Kwyjibo, JonathanEllinger, kga1978, jtagupa, Celo626, HappyRDJ, magellan, imdude4

Jonathan Ellinger

Mt. Moosilauke Trail Map


POIs: numbers | icons View large Trail Map

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About the Author

JonathanEllinger
JonathanEllinger
333 guides
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Although I have climbed over 250 mountains from various places around the U.S. and have hiked in Europe...

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