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4,054 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Hale

Mount Hale is a 4,054 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Via Hale Brook Trail: 4 mi, 2,257 ft of gain, Class 1.

Mount Hale in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Mount Hale at a glance

  • Elevation4,054 ft1,235 m
  • RouteVia Hale Brook TrailClass 1
  • Distance4 mi2,257 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire

Climbing the Via Hale Brook Trail

From Zealand Road off Route 302, the Hale Brook Trail climbs at a steady, moderate grade to the broad wooded summit, marked by a rock cairn. Views are limited by regrowth, but the trail is one of the friendlier 4,000-footer climbs, making Hale a popular early peak. The summit rocks are magnetic enough to throw off a compass, a fun local quirk. Zealand Road is gated in winter, adding mileage. Start early and carry water for the round trip. Often combined with Zealand via the longer ridge for a bigger day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Quests with Mount Hale

Peaks near Mount Hale

  1. North Twin Mountain

    North Twin Mountain

    4,761 ft · 2.6 mi away

  2. Zealand Mountain

    Zealand Mountain

    4,260 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. South Twin Mountain

    South Twin Mountain

    4,902 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. Mount Tom

    Mount Tom

    4,051 ft · 3.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Hale?

Mount Hale is 4,054 feet (1,235 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

How does Mount Hale rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,054 feet, Mount Hale is the 51st highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Mount Hale?

The Via Hale Brook Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 4 miles with 2,257 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Hale?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Via Hale Brook Trail, covering 4 miles with 2,257 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Hale?

Usually, if you are fit. The Via Hale Brook Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Hale?

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 Mount Hale?

The Via Hale Brook Trail starts at about 1,770 feet, roughly 2,284 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Hale 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