Hiking Mount Pemigewasset in Franconia Notch State Park

Mount Pemigewasset is a prominent peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, located at the southern end of Franconia Notch State Park. 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 we 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. 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 1.5 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.

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.

---

For More Information About This Hike

You can find this hike:

• Described in the AMC’s 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

• AllTrails App and Desktop

Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations

• Our Overall Favorite Hiking Gear

• Our Pack Recommendations

• Ten Essentials for Hiking

• Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30

• Recommended Gear on Amazon

Gear we used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack

• Altra Lone Peak Shoes

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks

• REI Traverse Trekking Poles

• Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts

• Microspikes

• Energizer LED Headlamp

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad

• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

• Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!

---

Important Hiking Considerations:

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

• Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.

• 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.