- …
- Yak
- Quests
- New England 4,000ers
- Galehead Mountain
4,024 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire
Galehead Mountain
Galehead Mountain is a 4,024 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Via Gale River Trail: 9 mi, 2,506 ft of gain, Class 1.
Galehead Mountain at a glance
- Elevation4,024 ft1,226 m
- RouteVia Gale River TrailClass 1
- Distance9 mi2,506 ft gain
- Time6 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire
Climbing the Via Gale River Trail
From Route 3 near Twin Mountain, New Hampshire, the Gale River Trail climbs to Galehead Hut, then a short, nearly flat spur reaches the wooded summit with a viewpoint just below the top. Galehead is one of the more remote 4,000-footers, deep in the Pemigewasset region, so the effort is mostly in the long approach rather than the modest final climb. Start early for the long round trip and carry water. Many hikers stay at the hut or combine Galehead with South Twin and the Bonds for a big day.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (20–30 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Boggy terrain
- Slippery terrain
- Insects
Quests with Galehead Mountain
New England 4,000ers
NH 48Peaks near Galehead Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Galehead Mountain?
Galehead Mountain is 4,024 feet (1,226 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
How does Galehead Mountain rank among the New England 4,000ers?
At 4,024 feet, Galehead Mountain is the 60th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.
How hard is it to hike Galehead Mountain?
The Via Gale River Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 2,506 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Galehead Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 7 hours round trip on the Via Gale River Trail, covering 9 miles with 2,506 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Galehead Mountain?
The Via Gale River Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,506 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Galehead Mountain?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Galehead Mountain?
The Via Gale River Trail starts at about 1,590 feet, roughly 2,434 feet below the summit.
Climb Galehead Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list