15.8 mi • 3,146 ft gain • 7-12 hours • Lincoln Woods Trailhead
White Mountain National Forest to Temporarily Close Section of Lincoln Woods Trail for Public Health and Safety
Release Date: February 2, 2026 Contact Information: Colleen Mainville [email protected] Campton, NH, February 2, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is temporarily closing a portion of the Lincoln Woods Trail to protect health and safety due to construction activities. Beginning February 9, the Lincoln Woods Trail from Route 112-Kancamagus Highway to the junction of the Osseo trail will be closed. The construction activity will take place for several weeks and a closure notice will be posted. This portion of the trail was originally damaged during Hurricane Irene, and the riverside trail has continued to be undermined. Without needed repairs, unchecked erosion will put the trail at risk for complete loss. Parking and trail access to the East Side Trail will continue to be available at Lincoln Woods Trailhead. The project will resume in June with another closure of the Lincoln Woods Trail. The Forest Service will provide additional details at that time. For more information or contact the Pemigewasset Ranger District at (603) 536-6100 x 0 Main Desk.
Source: Forest Service
Feels like -21°F
Best Hiking Window
Postpone until the wind chill warning expires and temperatures moderate. Monday brings continued sub-zero temperatures and decreasing but still significant winds. The most viable near-term window opens Monday afternoon into early evening as winds subside under the high pressure — but temperatures will remain below zero all day and the wind chill warning persists through early Tuesday. A better window may emerge mid-Tuesday as temperatures rise into the upper teens, though increasing clouds and light snow are forecast Tuesday evening. Experienced winter hikers with full cold-weather gear who cannot postpone should consider an early morning start Monday, allowing maximum daylight and the calmest wind period of the day.
Distance
15.8 mi
Elevation Gain
3,146 ft
Duration
7-12 hours
Trailhead
Lincoln Woods Trailhead
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