White Mountains National Recreation Area

TRAIL BEGINS: Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter
TRAIL ENDS: Moose Creek Cabin
LENGTH: 9 trail miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION CHANGE: 275 feet
RECOMMENDED SEASON: Because of wet, muddy sections of trail in the summer, it is easiest to use this trail in the winter when the ground is frozen and covered with snow.
USE: Moderate winter use by snowmobiles, dog sleds, and skiers. Not recommended for summer use.
U.S.G.S. 1:63,360 TOPO MAPS: Livengood A-2, B-2

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
The Moose Creek Trail begins near the Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter at mile 11.2 on the Wickersham Creek Trail. The Moose Creek Trail goes through spruce forests for two miles before crossing Wickersham Creek. After Wickersham Creek, the trail parallels the south side of the Moose Creek drainage, and passes through wooded areas and open meadows for the next 1.5 miles. In the forested areas, the cut trail is visible and marked, but a storm or frequent high winds may drift snow across the open sections of trails, making it difficult to follow.

The trail then enters a large, open burn area for 1.5 miles. The trail crosses a small, narrow tributary that feeds into Moose Creek and goes over a small hill where it enters spruce forests for another two miles. The trail climbs for two miles before breaking out into a large open meadow and connecting with the Trail Creek Trail. The Moose Creek Cabin is 0.25 miles from the Moose Creek Trail junction, at the eastern end of the meadow.

To make a loop out of this trail, follow either the Wickersham Creek Trail or the Trail Creek Trail to its junction with the Moose Creek Trail. Then follow the Moose Creek Trail until it connects with the other trail, and back to the highway. It is 36 miles round-trip.

CABIN INFORMATION:
The Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter is located at mile 11 on the Wickersham Creek Trail. This small 8' by 10' log cabin can sleep two people in bunk beds. There is a small wood stove, a Coleman lantern, and an outhouse. This free trail shelter is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Moose Creek Cabin is located at mile 10.5 on the Trail Creek Trail, on the eastern side of a large meadow. This 12' by 16' cabin has bunk beds and a loft that can sleep four to five people comfortably. There is a wood stove for heat, a Coleman cook stove and lantern, a table and benches, and an outhouse.