Mount Moosilauke via Beaver Brook Trail in White Mountain National Forest, NH

Hike Mount Moosilauke via Beaver Brook Trail White Mountain National Forest, NH

Class 2 7.8 miles 3200 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Jul 7, 2023
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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Mount Moosilauke has multiple possible approaches to reach its summit, the most popular of them being from the south using the shorter Gorge Brook Loop, but the Beaver Brook Trail interested me far more. This trail provides the most interesting and strenuous option, complete with waterfalls and a rocky trail, and is reportedly one of the most difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail. I parked at the Beaver Brook Trailhead, just south of Beaver Pond at Kinsman Notch, and started along the pleasantly forested hike. I passed a few through-hikers, one of whom I accidentally spooked into nearly falling since his headphones were blaring and he was belting out some discordant oldies, clearly in his own little world. I can only imagine how bored these long-distance hikers must get.

After a mostly flat walk that crossed Beaver Brook a few times, a couple of which utilized constructed bridges, the trail started ascending as it paralleled the heavily-flowing watercourse. I was surprised at how steep the Beaver Brook Trail abruptly became, especially since this was part of the AT, despite already knowing about this trail's reputation. Waterfalls cascaded loudly to my right as they toppled off the significantly angled streambed. The trail ascended directly next to it, often with a signifcant drop into the brook just inches away. There were no switchbacks, so instead the trail construction included lots of manmade devices to keep the going safer. Often wooden blocks were stapled into the rock face to help prevent slipping, and metal rungs/cables were placed for those who might need them. I was enjoying myself immensely, steep trails like this one being a highlight of the White Mountains. Beneath one of the larger waterfalls, the trail had a methodically-placed metal rung to prevent the potential for a bad slip as it worked around a small headwall. A bunch more wooden block steps, light scrambling, and ledges overlooking the waterfalls continued along the Beaver Brook Trail.

After over 1000 vertical gain in this fashion, the Beaver Brook Trail continued climbing steeply, but away from the watercourse. I passed a marked junction pointing to the Beaver Brook Shelter, one of many well-built structures for through-hikers and complete with a fancy outhouse. Past the shelter, large, wet rocks kept my attention so I could avoid slipping too often as I progressed up to a junction with the Asquam Ridge Trail, marking the east ridge of Mount Moosilauke. I headed west along the ridge, where the Beaver Brook Trail wrapped beneath Mount Blue's south side, losing a bit of elevation before regaining it. The trail continued to be quite rocky here, a couple of scrambly obstacles adding some fun and slowing down trail progress. I could see Mount Moosilauke through the trees along the ridgeline.

After a quick dip to a minor saddle beyond Mount Blue, the final ascent to the summit began. I passed the Benton Trail junction and emerged above treeline into a gorgeous bald that persisted to the high point. The views were spectacular during this last quarter mile walk.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Moosilauke
4802 ft
2932 rise

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Beaver Brook Trailhead.
Beaver Brook Trailhead.
A stream crossing as the Beaver Brook Trail began relatively tame.
A stream crossing as the Beaver Brook Trail began relatively tame.
Another crossing, using a bridge.
Another crossing, using a bridge.
The Beaver Brook Trail then met with Beaver Brook and ascended on its south side steeply.
The Beaver Brook Trail then met with Beaver Brook and ascended on its south side steeply.
Beaver Brook and its many cascades. The trail hugs the watercourse as it ascends.
Beaver Brook and its many cascades. The trail hugs the watercourse as it ascends.
View back down, a better perspective of the steepness.
View back down, a better perspective of the steepness.
Wooden blocks bult into the exposed rock.
Wooden blocks bult into the exposed rock.
Metal rung to assist on a slightly more exposed section.
Metal rung to assist on a slightly more exposed section.
Continuing along the Beaver Brook Trail, which is mere inches from a drop into the cascades.
Continuing along the Beaver Brook Trail, which is mere inches from a drop into the cascades.
Image 9 from gallery
More gorgeous cascades that flow directly next to the Beaver Brook Trail.
More gorgeous cascades that flow directly next to the Beaver Brook Trail.
Another shot back at a steep section assisted with metal rungs.
Another shot back at a steep section assisted with metal rungs.
Basically a staircase at some points.
Basically a staircase at some points.
A shot of the angle of the wooden blocks.
A shot of the angle of the wooden blocks.
Mossy terrain along the Beaver Brook Trail.
Mossy terrain along the Beaver Brook Trail.
Eventually the trail leaves the watercourse and continues ascending.
Eventually the trail leaves the watercourse and continues ascending.
Away from the water, now ascending to the ridgeline above.
Away from the water, now ascending to the ridgeline above.
Passing by the Beaver Brook Shelter.
Passing by the Beaver Brook Shelter.
I took a quick excursion to see the Appalachian Trail Beaver Brook Shelter.
I took a quick excursion to see the Appalachian Trail Beaver Brook Shelter.
Continuing up to the ridge.
Continuing up to the ridge.
Trail junction at the ridgeline.
Trail junction at the ridgeline.
Image 21 from gallery
The Beaver Brook Trail wraps below Mount Blue. Mount Moosilauke is seen above left through the trees. The trail has lots of large boulders in this section.
The Beaver Brook Trail wraps below Mount Blue. Mount Moosilauke is seen above left through the trees. The trail has lots of large boulders in this section.
View back as I wrap below Mount Blue on the Beaver Brook Trail.
View back as I wrap below Mount Blue on the Beaver Brook Trail.
An overlook along the way to Mount Moosilauke (seen on the right).
An overlook along the way to Mount Moosilauke (seen on the right).
Descending to a small saddle before climbing up to Mount Moosilauke (seen center).
Descending to a small saddle before climbing up to Mount Moosilauke (seen center).
Another junction before emerging into the gorgeous bald on the summit.
Another junction before emerging into the gorgeous bald on the summit.
Hiking out of the forest and into an open bald.
Hiking out of the forest and into an open bald.
View back after leaving the forest.
View back after leaving the forest.
Continuing through the extended bald to th summit.
Continuing through the extended bald to th summit.
Another shot back, higher up.
Another shot back, higher up.
Gorgeous panoramic views on the way to Mount Moosilauke.
Gorgeous panoramic views on the way to Mount Moosilauke.
View back across the bald.
View back across the bald.
Mount Moosilauke ahead.
Mount Moosilauke ahead.
Mount Moosilauke summit, view southwest.
Mount Moosilauke summit, view southwest.
Mount Moosilauke summit, view southeast toward the southern approach hike for Mount Moosilauke. Most hikers seem to come from that direction.
Mount Moosilauke summit, view southeast toward the southern approach hike for Mount Moosilauke. Most hikers seem to come from that direction.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!