North and South Twins Hike

A day hike of North and South Twin mountains via the North Twin Trail and the North Twin Spur provides a double dip on the White Mountain Four Thousand Footers list with some of the best views in all of New Hampshire. On the lengthy side for a day hike, this adventure has a good mix of challenging and easy going terrain.

At 8 am sharp a mix of adventurous GO Members converged at the North Twin Mountain Trailhead.  It was 37 degrees and yes - the pumpkin had frost on it.  The GO Team was bedecked in layers, hats and gloves - a smart troop of well dressed hotties.

The hike began with a leisurely stroll through pristine White Mountain National Forest, reaching a wide river crossing at 2 miles in.  While following along this path, I marveled at the purity of the river’s water, which is used as a municipal water supply.  Upon reaching the river it was time for each members version of "jump, balance and do the ROCK HOP" across the crystal water to other side.

Once past the third crossing, the trail began it's ball busting ascent of North Twin Mountain. The calling card of the next two miles was a steep and steady climb with plenty of rock stairs. Around the four mile mark the trail plateaud weaving effortlessly through thick pine scented gnarly krummholz to an open outlook with jaw dropping views of Mt Washington and the Presidential Range.  From here it was only 0.1 miles to the official, viewless North Twin summit; however, there’s a short side path that we checked out with an outlook with views of Mt Garfield, Mt Lafayette and the rest of the Franconia Ridge to the west, as well as South Twin Mountain.

At this point some of the group decided one summit was enough,  They planned to hang, chill and enjoy more time on North Twin while others wanted to continue the cardio roller coaster ride on another mile to South Twin.  Both summits are almost 5000 feet tall with great energy, views and beauty.

Later on, the group rejoined for the much easier descent to where it all began at 8am that mornng trailhead.  Most of us went back to the Mad River Retreat in Thornton, NH to refresh, hangout, socialize, snack, hydrate, nosh on a great meal, drink a bit of wine, share plenty of laughs and sing happy birthday to Mike with well wishes for a healthy year.  

Thanks to all for a fantastic time, a wonderful hike and enjoyable hangout on a classic fall NH October day!!

Join us for a classic White Mountains adventure during peak fall foliage! This 11.2-mile out-and-back hike to North and South Twin Mountains delivers everything: a peaceful riverside approach, a heart-pumping climb, and breathtaking 360° summit views from South Twin’s open summit. The trail becomes steep with rocky footing and some minor hands-on scrambles.

We'll summit North Twin [4,761’] first, then continue on to South Twin [4,902’]. It’s a rugged, rewarding route that promises autumn beauty and mountain magic. ??

Hike Details:

• Route: North Twin Trail → North Twin Spur
• Distance: ~11.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~3,750 feet
• Pace: Moderate with breaks for views, photos, and snacks
• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep sections, scrambles, and rocky footing)

What to Bring:

• Footwear with grip (trail runners or hiking boots)
• Weather-appropriate layers (warmth, wind, and rain)
• Hat and gloves
• Headlamp (yes—even for daytime hikes!)
• At least 2 liters of water
• Lunch + trail snacks
• A great attitude and sense of adventure!

Note: This trail includes steep and rocky sections with some scrambles and moderate exposure. Come prepared and ready for a challenge.

Post-Hike Social in Waterville Valley

After the hike, everyone’s welcome back to our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ and hangout:

• Chill on the deck, enjoy food ($10/person)
• Soak in the hot tub
• Optional campfire
• Showers available — bring a change of clothes

Lodging Option

Want to make it a full weekend? Stay overnight with us!
Includes linens, towels, coffee & bagels:

• Friday night: $25
• Saturday night (includes dinner): $35
• Full weekend: $60

Limited space – email us early to reserve a bunk!

Event Coordinators:

Mike Boisvert & Jon Normand
RSVP for the BBQ & lodging ASAP so we can plan for food and beds!