Where Were the Incredible Mt Garfield Summit Views

Hike distance: 10 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,155 ft elevation gain.

Prominence: 820 ft

TrailsNH Hiking Difficulty Calculator: 251 - Challenging

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Mt Garfield is part of the Franconia Ridge, alongside Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, Mount Flume, and Mount Liberty, and it is the 17th highest of New Hampshire's 4000-foot peaks. This mountain is notable for its challenging ascent and the spectacular view from its summit. Many consider Garfield to be one of the top contenders for the best viewpoint in the White Mountains.

Let's Start Hiking

The Garfield Trail appears to be an intimidating challenge on paper: a 10-mile hike with an elevation gain of more than 3,000 feet in the White Mountains, notorious for its rocky, tree-root-laden, eroded paths.

However, the elevation gain is spread over the entire length of the trail resulting in a steady gradual ascent. You just need to be game for the 10-mile round trip. We started out early so the low light conditions made for some great photos.

For the majority of the hike we walked through a green tunnel of trees, ferns and moss.

An easy stream crossing provided lots of opportunities to test out long exposure photography.

The trail wound through stunning birch groves, where the trees resembled slender marble columns.

It was probably when we approached these rocky switchbacks that we grew concerned about the persistent low cloud cover.

It looked like the sun was not going to show up today!

The lack of sunlight made the green moss that carpeted the tree roots stand out even more than usual.

You Have to Work to Reach the Summit

After 4.8 miles we reached the Garfield Ridge Trail and the final 0.2 miles of the climb.

The trees began to thin out and we were greeted by low clouds and then came the rocks!

It's generally accepted that the last 0.2 miles are the most challenging. Hiking in the Whites involves navigating over and around rocks.

Where are the 'Best Viewpoint in the White Mountains'

After 0.2 miles we reached the opening right before the summit and got a chance to NOT see one of the best viewpoint in the White Mountains.

The amazing view to the North, or was it to the South....ahhh hell if could have been looking in any direction from the summit. When you hike often enough you are bound to run into this type of weather on a mountain top but it's no where near as bad as the weather that greeted us on the summit of Buachaille Etive Mor in the Scottish Highlands.

We had lunch on the windy cold summit and after this selfie, we headed back down.

Signs of Fall and Winter Fast Approaching

Now you can understand why this quote sums up our hike to the summit of Mt Garfield… “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent Van Gogh. We were determined to enjoy the descent so we focused on finding beauty closer to the ground.

Also, looking back, I'm really pleased with some of the forest photos along the trail. The mood in these pics wouldn't have been possible if it had been a bright sunny day on Mt Garfield; so don't forget to find the hidden and obvious beauty in your adventures.