Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement
Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant canister. Alternative methods, including bear hangs, for storing food and bear attractants in the Pemigewasset Wilderness will no longer be permitted as they have proven to be less effective than canisters. The only exceptions are the bear resistant food boxes located at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site.
Source: Forest Service
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 24°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.20" (24h) · 1.57" (48h)
Best Hiking Window
Saturday morning into midday offers the most favorable window, as snowfall tapers and high pressure briefly builds toward clearing. Aim for an early morning start to maximize the stable window before any Sunday deterioration begins. Avoid Sunday entirely — the approaching secondary low brings a hazardous and unpredictable mixed precipitation event.
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
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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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.