New Hampshire Pemi Loop ?

[David P]

Wondering if anybody has done the Pemi Loop in two days and one over night? Is this unrealistic? I can definitely hike 15+ miles per day but wasn’t sure if the difficulty of this particular loop would keep me from being able to… not super familiar with NH but the looks of this trail are very enticing!

[Seth R]

100% doable. I usually do this as a training trip. I’ve done it twice, both clockwise, staying at Garfield tent site. Day one is 16ish miles and 6000+ feet of gain, day two is 13ish miles and 3000+ feet of gain. If the weather is right it’s possibly the best overnight you can do in New England. You will not be alone at any point. Happy to provide specifics.

[peter t]

Hi – that mileage – is that from/ to Lincoln Woods Visitor center?

thx

[Seth R]

Yes, from Lincoln Woods.

[David P]

Seth thanks for your quick reply.  I just might have to go experience what this trail is all about! Between work and family life I can only make trips outside my immediate area every so often so I like to challenge myself and do these kinds of difficult but highly rewarding trails. Can’t wait… I will take your approach and go clockwise.  I guess my only specific questions might be about water sources, and snow. I’ve read it’s a fairly dry loop. Was this your experience too? Also in mid to late October will the chance of snow be pretty good up there? Thanks for your help!

[Seth R]

Always a small chance of snow that time of year but it is unlikely to be anything that would stop you. Wind, rain, and clouds are the bigger enemy.

The isn’t any water on Franconia ridge unless you go down to Liberty Springs tent site, I have never found that necessary. Three liters would be more than ample if you drink a lot. It likely won’t be warm enough to be an issue. Garfield and Guyot tent sites are your main water sources. Galehead hut closes 10/19.

[David P]

Seth, thanks for that. 3L isn’t too too bad and very good to know at the start.

I’ll try to track the weather there as my potential dates approach to be sure there won’t be crazy wind or lightning storms… If it gets like Katahdin I’m sure the wind is a formidable force up there.

[Author]

Posts