White Mountain National Forest

CAUTION! The summits of North and South Twin Mountains are above treeline, where storms quickly intensify. If weather is bad, TURN BACK! Despite the easy to moderate grades, the trail's three river crossings are difficult in high water. North Twin Spur tends to be wet. This is a rigorous, all day, 6.4-mile hike from the North Twin Trailhead to the Galehead Hut, a backcountry facility serving day and overnight hikers. The Appalachian Mountain Club operates the hut under a special use permit.

The North Twin Trailhead, beginning at 1,880 feet, is located at the end of Haystack Road. The trail ends on the 4761-foot summit of North Twin Mountain, at the junction of North Twin Spur. The trail follows the grade of an abandoned logging railroad, ascending gradually to the first river crossing. It is level to the next crossing. Between the second and third crossings, the trail narrows and passes through a spruce-fir forest. After the third crossing at 2.4 miles, the trail steadily climbs for 1.9 miles to the North Twin Mountain summit. There are spectacular, panoramic views. The summit of South Twin Mountain is another 1.3 miles via the North Twin Spur.

Lumber baron George Van Dyke owned the Little River Valley during the latter part of the nineteenth century. In 1893, the Little River Railroad was incorporated, extending six miles up the valley to terminate at the eastern flank of South Twin Mountain. Van Dyke used lumber king J.E. Henry's Zealand Sawmill, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. The Little River Railroad shut down after seven years. Today, the North Twin Trail follows much of the old railroad grade through a regrown, predominantly hardwood forest.

North Twin Spur
This 1.3-mile trail begins on the 4761-foot summit of North Twin Mountain and ends at the junction of the Twinway Trail on the 4902-foot summit of South Twin Mountain. The Twinway Trail is a link in the Appalachian Trail.

Fire permits are not required to use wood or charcoal fires within non-restricted areas. However, fines and suppression costs may be incurred for any kindled fires that escape.

Access: The Haystack Road (FR 304) junction with Rte. 3, approximately 2.4 miles west of Twin Mountain and 2.8 miles east of Trudeau Road. The turn-off is identified by a brown post marked with yellow numbers "304."

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