Join me for this 19.2-mile traverse across five 4000-footers.  We will be hiking from the Haystack Road trailhead, across North Twin (4761'), South Twin (4902') and proceed along the Twinway and Bondcliff trails to the Guyot Campsite, where we will be spending the night.  After settling in and having dinner, we'll be making the short dusk hike to the summit of West Bond (4540') before returning to Guyot for the night.  After breakfast in the morning we'll break camp and head up to Mt. Bond (4698') and then on to the dramatic Bondcliff (4265').  We'll finish by hiking the Bondcliff and Wilderness Trails back to Lincoln Woods (with a stop at Franconia Brook Falls, if anyone is interested for a quick dip).

This entire hike traverses the Pemigewasset Wilderness and is about as remote as you get in the White Mountains.  The views along this route are spectactular.

Approximate distances (elevation gains) for this hike:
Saturday

•    From the Haystack Road Trailhead to Guyot Camp - 8.5 miles (~4000' elevation gain)
•    Guyot Camp to West Bond (roundtrip) - 1.5 miles (600-700' elevation gain)

Sunday

•    Guyot Camp to Lincoln Woods - 11 miles (600-800' elevation gain)...the final 4.7 miles is a flat easy walk.

Guyot Campsite has platforms, water via a spring and does not have a bear locker.  The caretaker will collect $8 camp fee.  These are first-come, first-serve.

Forecasted rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.  If weather mandates it, the makeup date would likely be 7/14 - 7/15.

What to Bring:  This is obviously a backpack trip!  You will need a pack, tent/bivy , sleeping bag/pad, extra dry clothes, food for 2 lunches, dinner and breakfast, headlamp, bear bag/cannister, camp stove, etc. (some double up is possible for shared equipment...tents, bear bags, stoves).  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case...it can also be chilly and windy on the ridgeline).  Snacks and at least 2 liters of water (water can be replenished at Guyot).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a overnight hike (remember your teddy bear, if needed!).

Fees:  Aside from the usual WMNF parking fees ($3/day, if you don't have an annual pass), there is an $8 fee for the Guyot Camp.

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 3-4PM on Sunday.  After retrieving the cars from the other trailhead, we'll cap the day off with an early dinner/drinks in Lincoln / North Woodstock, if there is sufficient interest.

We will all meet up at Lincoln Woods before carpooling up to Haystack Road.  From the Rte. 93 Lincoln/North Woodstock exit (Exit 32 - junction with Rte. 112), take Rte 112 East (Kancamagus Hwy) for 5.1 miles.  You will pass the Hancock Campground on your right and cross the East Branch Pemigewasset River just prior to reaching the parking area. The trailhead parking will be on your left (large lot...well-marked).  Look for a grey Hyundai Elantra.

If coming from Conway and points east (at the junction of 16/112), Lincoln Woods will be approximately 30 miles along the Kancamagus Hwy and will be on your right...just past the Big Rock Campground.