Trek to New Hampshire’s Mt. Moosilauke via the Beautiful Benton Trail

(Note: Hikers who have never hiked in the White Mountains before will find this a strenuous trip due to the distance, elevation gain, and exposure to weather above the treeline; this trip is best suited for more experienced hikers and is not a casual walk in the woods. All hikers should pack the 10 essentials at a minimum, be prepared to turn around, and leave a plan with a trusted person. Hike smart to hike another day.)

New Hampshire's Mt. Moosilauke is a place of majestic wonder to me. With its hidden, darkly-clad ravines, windswept alpine tundra, and lively history, it's easily one of the most interesting summits in the White Mountains. For me personally, I feel a connection to the mountain like no other. I can't say I'm too much of a spiritual person, but it always feels like home to me.

Moosilauke is not an easy mountain to climb. It is one of the higher of the state's famous 4,000-footers at nearly 5,000 feet in elevation, and all ascents involve steep and rough climbing in places. Its bare summit is also at the mercy of the forces of nature as there is no other higher terrain around to offer protection. It's a mountain that commands (and demands) respect. It will tell you when it doesn't want you there. That said, as fickle as Moosilauke can sometimes be, it also offers unparalleled views in all directions from its small alpine zone. If you have the opportunity to hike it on a good weather day, don't pass it up!

Fortunately, Moosilauke is graced with several different approaches to reach the top. The long-distance Appalachian Trail passes over the peak, carried by the segments locally known as Glencliff Trail and Beaver Brook Trail. The "easiest" (Moosilauke standards) ascent is via Gorge Brook Trail from Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, which is also the highest trailhead on the mountain.

All of these routes offer their own unique adventure but one that isn't mentioned above is one of my personal favorites. Benton Trail is the sole approach to the mountain from the northwest and its longer drive time and slightly out-of-the-way trailhead make it less traveled than the more commonly used routes. Dating back to 1859, Benton Trail, which follows the way of a former bridle path, provides a quiet and somewhat long route where you will likely see few people but will enjoy gorgeous forest walking en route.

At 4.7 miles from the trailhead, Benton Trail ends at its junction with Beaver Brook Trail (Appalachian Trail). Continue ahead on Beaver Brook Trail and abruptly emerge from the trees onto Moosilauke's grassy alpine summit, which is reached 0.4 miles from the trail junction. The way is marked by prominent cairns that guide the way in less than favorable conditions. Hikers should stay on the trail at all times and should not venture off onto the vegetation. Alpine grasses and plants are extremely fragile and are easily damaged by footsteps. It's an amazing landscape to take in from the trail.

At the summit, hikers will find unobstructed views in all directions as well as several stone wind shelters should ducking out of the breeze be necessary. Once here, you will understand why this grand mountain has such a prominent place in New Hampshire's history. If the weather is good, stay, sit a while, and take in the experience. If not headed down via another trail to a spotted vehicle, it will soon be time to reverse direction and head back down Benton Trail, which is just as beautiful on the way down as it is on the way up.

Before heading out, be sure to thoroughly research Benton Trail in the AMC White Mountain Guide. Flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 rearranged access to the trailhead and parking and the guidebook includes the most current information. More details on parking and reaching the trailhead can also be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.

To stretch your legs on one of the shorter and easier hikes in the White Mountains that can be done in a half day, try Stinson Mountain in Rumney; its summit was once home to a fire tower.