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 43°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.43" (24h) · 0.49" (48h)
Best Hiking Window
Friday offers the clearest opportunity, particularly the afternoon hours as the building ridge helps clear fog and winds diminish to light from the north. Expect trails to remain deeply muddy and stream crossings elevated throughout Friday. An early start is strongly recommended to allow maximum daylight buffer on the remote approach. Avoid Wednesday night and all of Thursday — the approaching storm system makes those periods genuinely dangerous on this remote peak.
Summit-level conditions by time of day at 4,698' elevation
Distance
18.9 mi
Elevation Gain
3,805 ft
Duration
9-14 hours
Trailhead
Zealand Trailhead
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