Mount Pemigewasset is a prominent peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, located at the southern end of Franconia Notch State Park near the villages of Lincoln and Woodstock. At 2,557 feet, Mount Pemigewasset is known for its distinctive profile and stunning view, not its height.

The most popular route to the summit is the Indian Head Trail, a moderate to challenging 3.8-mile in and out hike that begins just a bit south of the Indian Head Resort on Route 3. The mountain can also be climbed via the Mount Pemigewasset Trail, which begins at the Flume parking lot off our Route 3 just before it joins Interstate 93 to pass through Franconia Notch. That route is 3.4 miles in and out. For the effort of the climb, you are rewarded with stunning views of the southern end of Franconia Notch, the surrounding peaks, and the Pemigewasset River valley to the south.

Trail Guide: For this hike I strung together the Indian Head Trail, the Mount Pemigewasset Trail, and a road walk on Route 3 to create a almost five mile loop hike since I was on my own and only had one car (and who likes in and out hikes).

The hike started at the Indian Head Trail trailhead on Route 3, climbed Mount Pemigewasset on the 1.6 mile long Indian Head Trail, then descended to the Flume Parking Area on the 1.7 mile long Mount Pemigewasset Trail, and then walked down Route 3, one and a half miles back to the Indian Head Trail trailhead to complete the loop.

The total hike is about 5 miles in length with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain along the way. The hike is moderate to difficult, with some steep and rocky spots along the way. The steepest and rockiest sections are on the Indian Head Trail, with the Mount Pemigewasset trail following a less rocky route and it has had more trail building done on it.

Did you know? The section of Route 3 that makes up the roadwalk is host to the Indian Head Resort, but it’s also host to the location where the first widely reported alien abduction of Betty and Barney Hill occured in 1961. We discovered the historical marker for the place and the event that anyone who has ever watched a documentary on aliens will be well aware – and those Ancient Aliens fans. If you want to learn more about the reported abduction, there are several books available, including Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience (60th Anniversary Edition): The True Story of the World’s First Documented Alien Abduction.

Stats at a Glance

• Total Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Highlights: Panoramic views from open summit of Mount Pemigewasset

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For More Information

You can find this hike:

• Described in the White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• Shown on FarOut App’s White Mountains National Forest Download

Gear I used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
• Garmin Instinct Watch
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

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Important Hiking Considerations:

1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
3. Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.