Mount Garfield

Trail: Pemi East Side Trail, bushwhack, Osseo Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Twin Brook Trail, Frost Trail, Twinway, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, Lincoln Woods Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Standard (almost) Pemi Loop from Lincoln Woods. This is the easiest loop, and it's still possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. I took the East Side trail about 1.7 miles and then broke toward the river to cross. Look for the spot where the river is straight and wide, with a large eroded dirt cliff on the far side. This cliff is directly at the end of the Osseo Trail. I crossed toward the downstream end of the cliff and was never more than thigh deep. The water is cold and moving pretty fast. I'd recommend poles or a stick for balance. Once I hit the shore, there was a trail of orange tapes leading up to the LW Trail. Turn RIGHT and you'll see the Osseo in a hundred yards or so. I left my wet shoes there for the return trip, but you might consider carrying them so you can cross farther up (less water) on the way back. I wouldn't recommend a barefoot crossing, and would consider scoping/trying out the crossing(s) on a day when you are not doing the hike. I spent a lot of time and energy on that. Crossing back when it's dark and you're tired will be difficult.”

Trail: Gale River Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail, Skookumchuck Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“In all my travels, I’ve never hiked the dreaded Garfield Ridge Trail, so it was time to see for myself. Parked at Skook and caught the AMC shuttle to Gale River, then up Gale River Trail, across the ridge with a stop at Garfield, down Skookumchuck. Tempted to add an up-and-back to Lafayette, but wasn’t in the cards today. It was my first time on Skookumchuck, and the well-placed rocks on the lower portion were a welcome surprise! Weather was sunny and warm all day - layers stayed in the pack. Also experienced a hiking first - encountered close to 100 other people, but not one all day traveling in my same direction. Lots of folks doing Pemi Loops and such ahead of the Lincoln Woods closure. Had Skookumchuck all to myself to end the day. Fun climbing conversation with a trio of New Yorkers on the shuttle. Go Knicks! We agreed the Dean Potter documentary HBO is a must-watch.”

Trail: Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail

Conditions: Dry Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Most of the trail is dry surface. There is some mud here and there. The most mud is in the switchback sections at higher elevation on the Garfield Trail. None of the mud is significant. Not much for wildflowers in bloom. Great views from the summit ledges. Many hikers out today including one day Pemi Loopers, multi day Pemi Loopers, one AT thru hiker, and lots of day hikers. Had a nice conversation with a RI couple on the summit. Many Maine hikers on the trail.”