4.2 mi • 1,638 ft gain • 2-4 hours • Welch-Dickey Loop 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 -10°F
Best Hiking Window
Tuesday (March 3) conditions will worsen with moderate snow at 72% probability, and Monday brings the coldest temperatures of the stretch — a high of only 11°F. The best available window in the next 48 hours is Sunday or early Monday if temperatures are tolerable for your group, but both days carry dangerous wind chills. Early morning starts are recommended to maximize the roughly 11 hours of available daylight. Given the sustained cold, this hike is best postponed until a warmer, more stable window if possible.
Distance
4.2 mi
Elevation Gain
1,638 ft
Duration
2-4 hours
Trailhead
Welch-Dickey Loop Trailhead
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