A Great First Winter 4000-Footer
Mount Moosilauke (4,802 feet) is the westernmost 4,000-foot peak in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and one of the best introductions to winter above-treeline hiking in the state. The summit is broad and fully exposed, with 360-degree views that stretch across the White Mountains into Vermont, and on clear days, to the Adirondacks. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over the top. Unlike the Presidential Range — where above-treeline exposure can extend for miles — Moosilauke’s exposed summit section is relatively short (roughly a quarter to half mile depending on the route), making it a manageable step up for hikers who’ve done winter hiking below treeline but haven’t yet dealt with summit-level wind, cold, and navigation challenges.
That said, “manageable” doesn’t mean easy. Winter conditions on Moosilauke are serious. The summit is exposed to full-force wind with no shelter, temperatures can drop well below zero, whiteout conditions are possible, and the combination of ice, wind, and cold above treeline demands proper gear and judgment. People die in the White Mountains in winter. Moosilauke is a good place to build experience, but it is not a casual outing.
Trail Options for Winter
Gorge Brook Trail (Most Popular Winter Route)
Distance: ~8.6 miles round trip in winter (includes road walk) · Elevation gain: ~2,800 feet · Time: 5–7 hours
This is the standard winter route and the one most hikers should plan on. The Gorge Brook Trail starts at the Dartmouth Outing Club’s Ravine Lodge, which is the highest trailhead on the mountain, giving this route the least elevation gain of any approach. The trail climbs steadily through forest along Gorge Brook, with moderate grades and no technical scrambling. It’s well-trafficked in winter and usually has a packed-out boot track. The exposed section above treeline is about a quarter mile — the shortest summit exposure of any route.
Winter complication: Ravine Lodge Road (off Route 118) is gated in winter, usually from late November through early May. The gate adds roughly 1.6 miles each way and about 400 feet of additional elevation gain to the round trip, bringing the total to approximately 8.6 miles. Park at the plowed area near the gate on Route 118. A White Mountain National Forest parking pass is required at the winter lot.
Glencliff Trail
Distance: ~7.8 miles round trip · Elevation gain: ~3,300 feet · Time: 5.5–7 hours
The Glencliff Trail approaches from the west, climbing to join the Carriage Road near South Peak before following the final stretch of the AT to the summit. This route has more elevation gain than Gorge Brook and is on the windward (west) side of the mountain, meaning you’ll feel wind exposure even below treeline in places. The final climb to the Carriage Road junction is steep and can be challenging if packed hard by previous hikers or glissaders. The last half mile or so of the Carriage Road to the summit is fully exposed. South Peak, a short 0.1-mile spur off the route, offers excellent views and is worth the brief detour.
Trailhead: From Warren, take Route 25 north, turn right onto Sanatorium Road in Glencliff. The parking area is on the right past the North and South Road junction. WMNF parking pass required.
Beaver Brook Trail
Distance: ~7.6 miles round trip · Elevation gain: ~3,100 feet · Time: 5–7 hours
The Beaver Brook Trail is the most dangerous winter route on Moosilauke and is not recommended for most winter hikers. The trail climbs steeply alongside Beaver Brook cascades on the north side of the mountain. In winter, the cascade section is typically covered in ice, making it extremely treacherous even with crampons. The upper sections are the hardest trails to follow in winter on the entire mountain, with poor blazing and deep snow. If you’re considering Beaver Brook in winter, you should already be experienced with steep ice travel and winter route-finding.
Trailhead: At Kinsman Notch on Route 112, where the Appalachian Trail crosses. WMNF parking pass required.
Loop Option (Gorge Brook up, Carriage Road/Snapper down)
Distance: ~7.5 miles (plus road walk if gated) · Elevation gain: ~2,450 feet · Time: 5–6 hours
If conditions are good and trails are broken out, a popular loop ascends via Gorge Brook Trail and descends via the Carriage Road to the Snapper Trail, which reconnects with the Gorge Brook Trail near the Ravine Lodge. The Carriage Road is wide and gentle — a former vehicle road — making for a pleasant, easier descent. This loop only works if both trails have an established boot track; after fresh snow, an out-and-back on Gorge Brook is the safer choice.
Gear for Winter Moosilauke
Winter hiking in the White Mountains requires significantly more gear than summer hiking. For Moosilauke specifically:
Traction: Microspikes are the minimum for the approach trails. For the summit and above-treeline section, crampons are strongly recommended — ice can form on the exposed summit area even when the lower trail is soft snow. An ice axe is advisable if you plan to go above treeline, particularly for self-arrest on steep, icy terrain.
Snowshoes: Required on most winter days. Even when the trail is packed, you may need them for sections with deep, unconsolidated snow, especially after storms. Snowshoes with built-in crampons (heel and toe traction bars) handle most below-treeline conditions.
Clothing: Dress in layers with a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof shell. The summit is fully exposed — bring a balaclava or face protection, insulated gloves (plus a backup pair), and goggles for wind and blowing snow. Conditions on the summit can be 20–40°F colder than the trailhead with sustained winds.
Emergency gear: Even on a day hike, carry a headlamp with fresh batteries (batteries die faster in cold), extra food and water, fire-starting materials, and an emergency bivy or space blanket. A broken snowshoe or crampon strap, an injury, or a whiteout can turn a day hike into an unplanned overnight. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.
Navigation: Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Above treeline, cairns can be buried in snow, and whiteout conditions can make it impossible to see trail markers. GPS is helpful but should not be your only navigation tool — batteries fail in cold weather.
What to Expect on the Mountain
Conditions vary enormously. After a dry spell in February, the Gorge Brook Trail can be a packed highway where snowshoes aren’t needed. After a storm, the same trail can have thigh-deep unconsolidated snow that requires breaking trail for hours. Check recent trip reports on AllTrails, NewEnglandTrailConditions.com, or the Views from the Top forum before heading out.
The summit is exposed and windy. Even on “nice” winter days, expect sustained winds of 20–40 mph on the summit with gusts potentially much higher. The exposed section is short, but it demands respect. If visibility is poor or winds are extreme, turn around before you leave the trees — there’s no shame in a below-treeline turnaround, and Moosilauke will still be there next weekend.
Daylight is limited. In December and January, you may have only 9 hours of daylight. Start early — a 7 a.m. trailhead departure gives you a reasonable margin. The road walk from the gate to the Ravine Lodge takes 30–45 minutes before you even start climbing.
On a clear day, the views are extraordinary. The broad, open summit provides panoramic views of the Franconia Ridge, the Presidential Range, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and on exceptionally clear days, the Adirondacks of New York. Winter clarity, with no summer haze, can make this one of the best viewpoints in the White Mountains. This is the payoff for all the gear, the cold, and the planning.
Getting There
Gorge Brook (winter): From I-93, take exit 26 toward Route 25 West. Follow Route 25 through Warren. Where Route 118 splits right from Route 25, take Route 118. Drive 5.8 miles on Route 118 and turn left onto Ravine Lodge Road. In winter, the road is gated about 50 yards up. Park in the plowed area along Route 118. The trailhead is approximately 1.6 miles up the road from the gate.
Glencliff: From Warren, continue north on Route 25. In Glencliff, turn right onto Sanatorium Road (look for the sign for the NH Home for the Elderly). The parking area is on the right past the North and South Road junction. WMNF parking pass required.
Beaver Brook: From I-93, take exit 32 for Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway/Lost River Road). Follow Route 112 west through Kinsman Notch to the AT crossing at the height of land. Parking is on the south side. WMNF parking pass required.
For summer hiking information and camping on Moosilauke, see our Mt. Moosilauke camping guide. For more White Mountains hiking, check out our guide to easy hikes in the White Mountains.
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