2,557 ft | Franconia | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Mount Pemigewasset are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 33°F at the summit (2,557 ft), feeling like 20°F, with NW winds at 19 mph. See the hour-by-hour Mount Pemigewasset weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 20°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.06" (24h) · 0.58" (48h)
Snow: 0.3" (24h) · 0.3" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, breezy mid-October conditions with temperatures near or below freezing at both trailhead and summit, and gusty NW winds making it feel near 10-20°F. Light snow in the last day and freezing overnight temps mean possible icy or slick spots on rock and leaves, especially in shaded sections. This is a fully below-treeline peak, so wind is manageable on the trail, but daylight is limited, so plan an early start.
Temperatures run roughly 25-39°F across the hike with winds increasing toward the summit, and the freezing level covers the entire route, so expect icy or frosty surfaces throughout. Start with a warm base and mid layer, carry a windproof shell, and add insulation at the open summit where wind chill drops to around 9°F.
Best Hiking Window
Saturday late morning through early afternoon, after the sun has had time to soften any ice, finishing well before sunset. Sunday offers slightly warmer temperatures and lower precipitation chances if you prefer more margin.
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: Mt. Pemigewasset Trail, Indian Head Trail, Daniel Webster Highway
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Trails are in excellent shape, get out there and have fun”
Trail: Mt. Pemigewasset Trail
Conditions: Wet Trail
“Very nice, cool, clear, dry day for this hike with the OTHH. We were a large group, and we used both trails up.”
Trail: Mt. Pemigewasset Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Small Patches
“It was too nice of an afternoon to stay inside so we decided to take a little family rip and get J back uphill after a winter off. Spikes can stay home, let’s officially declare ice out on Pemi. A couple of small patches just below the summit that can easily be avoided.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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25°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 25°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 above the town of Lincoln in New Hampshire's White Mountains, this 2,557-foot summit sits within the iconic Franconia Range and offers a rewarding outing for hikers of varied experience levels. The peak is best known for its dramatic rocky summit ledge, which features a natural formation resembling a Native American profile — a striking geological curiosity that gives the mountain much of its character. The primary route via the Indian Head Trail winds through pleasant northern hardwood forest before emerging at open ledges near the top, rewarding hikers with broad views of Franconia Notch, the surrounding peaks, and the Pemigewasset River valley below. Rated moderate in difficulty, the hike involves a manageable but steady climb. As a member of the 52 With a View list, it attracts peak-baggers seeking quality summit scenery without the demands of the region's higher, more technical terrain.
Elevation
2,557 ft
Range
Franconia
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.0978, -71.6990
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.