Mount Garfield

Mount Garfield is a 4500-foot summit in the Franconia Range featuring a direct trail through dense forest and rocky ground. The ascent moves through natural mountain terrain without significant structures or facilities at the peak.

A fire observation tower stood on the peak in the early 1900s as part of New Hampshire's forest fire detection network. This structure helped monitor fire risk across the region during seasons when blazes threatened the surrounding woods.

The mountain draws hikers working toward completing all 4000-foot peaks in New Hampshire, creating a community of climbers focused on this regional achievement. People use the trail as part of a meaningful climbing experience rather than just a casual hike.

The hike from the parking area on Gale River Loop Road takes several hours and presents varying difficulty as you ascend. Winter conditions make the approach more demanding and require appropriate cold-weather gear and extra caution on icy sections.

From the peak you can see Mount Lafayette and Lincoln, two nearby summits in the same range. A small pond sits about half a mile past the peak, tucked near the South Branch Gale River where water flows through the forested valley.