2,555 ft | Mahoosuc | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Hayes are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 33°F at the summit (2,555 ft), feeling like 22°F, with WNW winds at 16 mph. See the hour-by-hour Mount Hayes weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 22°F
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, windy conditions are expected, with summit temps in the mid-20s to mid-30s and wind chills near 7°F. Recent rain followed by below-freezing temperatures means icy patches are likely on wet rock and steep north-facing sections. Plan for an early start to take advantage of limited daylight and the calmer, milder conditions forecast for Sunday.
The trailhead (~2,000 ft) runs 27–39°F while the summit (~2,555 ft) is 25–37°F with stronger winds, and the freezing level crosses this range, so expect a transition from wet to icy footing as you climb. Start with a warm base layer and bring a windproof shell and insulating layer for the exposed, breezy summit area.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday late morning through mid-afternoon offers lighter precipitation chances and slightly warmer temps (high near 43°F); if hiking Saturday, go in the later morning after any snow showers taper and temps edge above freezing.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Centennial Trail, Mahoosuc Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Met 4 Other hikers at the parking area on Hogan Road. Great views of the Moriah's, Carter's, Wildcats and the presidentials from the SW ledges above Gorham. It's was cool to see a good view of Pine Mountain. The conditions of the trail were very good, some wet spots on some steep ledgy areas, but good enough footing to get through them.”
Trail: North Road, Gates Brook Trail, Austin Brook Trail, Mahoosuc Trail, Centennial Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant
“I looped it Hogan Road -> Gates Brook Trail -> Austin Brook Trail -> Gentian Pond Tentsite -> Mahoosuc Trail to Mt. Success -> back to Gentian Pond -> Mahoosuc Trail to Mt. Hayes -> Centennial Trail back to the trailhead. All told it's around 22 miles/6,500' elevation gain. Gentian Pond tentsite is a gem--lovely pond, nice shelter, tree-covered tent platforms, bear box, and not a long walk to the water. Oh, and not crowded ;) Gates Brook Trail, Austin Brook Trail: significant areas of logging are visible. The trail has been re-routed around the worst of it, so it's not too bad. Footing on these two trails is generally very good as most of the trails are on old logging roads Mahoosuc Trail from Gentian Pond tentsite to Success: quite wet. Almost all of the slabby rock on the steeper portions was wet. Mud was minor and avoidable. Mahoosuc Trail from Gentian Pond tentsite to Hayes: more sigificant mud, particularly east of Wocket Ledge. After Wocket Ledge heading west/south, not only does the trail become generally less rough, but it's also generally drier and less muddy. Water is not at all an issue right now. There are frequent creeks/brooks flowing past the trails. The summer dryness on the Mahoosuc Range is definitely not in place right now. I've never hiked in the Mahoosuc Range, and it was really nice. 10/10, way less crowded than the 4,000 footers but just as scenic (and rough).”
Trail: Centennial Trail, Mahoosuc Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery
“Trail is in good condition other than blowdowns. A little mud here and there but easily avoided. No snow and ice except 2 tiny patches just off the trail that has probably melted by now. Trail is mostly dry and I wore non waterproof trail runners. There's a few small sections of dry slippery leaves but really not an issue other than slowing down a little on the descent. Lovely views on the ledges about a half mile down from the summit heading down the Mahoosuc Trail towards Gorham.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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26°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 26°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising from the northeastern corner of New Hampshire near the town of Gorham, this 2,555-foot summit sits at the southern end of the Mahoosuc Range, one of the state's most rugged and celebrated ridge systems. The hike follows the Mahoosuc Trail, offering a relatively straightforward climb through northern hardwood and boreal forest. Near the summit, hikers are rewarded with open ledges that provide sweeping views of the Presidential Range to the southwest, the Mahoosuc peaks extending to the northeast, and the Androscoggin River valley below. The exposed rocky summit area offers a genuine above-treeline feel despite the modest elevation. As a moderate peak on the 52 With a View list, it appeals to hikers building toward more challenging objectives while still delivering memorable scenery. Its accessibility from Gorham and its commanding position overlooking multiple mountain ranges make it a satisfying standalone objective.
Elevation
2,555 ft
Range
Mahoosuc
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.4157, -71.1603
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.