Mt. Moosilauke is one of the designated
48 Four Thousand Footers in New Hampshire. Its wide, bald (i.e.
treeless) peak makes it a classic. The views from the top are
spectacular. You see the imposing Kinsmans to the northeast and
basically a very scenic 360 degree view. It is the most southwest
of the high peaks in the White Mountains that are found mainly
in the Franconia and Presidential Ranges. The Appalachian Trail
goes over the summit of Moosilauke, coming up the Glencliff Trail
from the west, and down the very steep Beaver Brook trail to the
northeast. There are many trails leading to the summit from all
directions. One of the starting points is Moosilauke Ravine Lodge,
owned and operated by Dartmouth College. Dartmouth College students
run the Lodge and provide dinner, lodging, and breakfast to guests
from May through October. The Dartmouth Outing Club has a tradition
every fall called the Moose Hike: up and down the mountain three
times in one day using six trails, a total of 36 miles. The summit
of Moosilauke, like many of the 4,000 footers in the Whites, is
perpetually in and out of the clouds. It is also often very windy,
so bring warm clothes. On a clear day, the views are impressive
and vast.
