Pemigewasset Ranger District
Located on the western portion of the Forest, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Bisected by Interstate 93, you can jump off at exit 28 and escape up to Waterville Valley or push on a little further to exit 32 and relish the day traveling through the mountains on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; challenge yourself at the world renowned Rumney Rocks Rock Climbing Area; seek renewal in the large and remote Pemigewasset Wilderness; brag about the one that got away at Russell Pond. Recreational opportunities seem limitless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Recreation Sites
Edmands Path Trailhead
Site Open
The 2.9 mile long Edmands Path affords the quickest route to the Mt. Eisenhauer Loop very near its intersection with the Crawford Path.
Elbow Pond Day Use Area
The Elbow Pond Day Use area provides a rustic setting for picnicking and canoeing.
Eliza Brook Shelter
Eliza Brook Shelter and 4 hardened tent pads are located near Eliza Brook off Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) 2.5 miles south of the South Kinsman summit on the mountain's southern ridge.…
Ethan Pond Shelter
The Ethan Pond Shelter is located at the eastern shore of the scenic Ethan Pond at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The Shelter can be accessed via a short side trail off the the Ethan…
Franconia Brook Tentsite
Franconia Brook Tentsite is located on the Eastside trail, on the East side of the Pemigewasset River, 3 miles in from the Lincoln Woods trailhead. There are approximately 20 tentsites available…
Gale River Trailhead
Site Open
This 4 mile trail parallels Gale River before climbing steeply to access the Garfield Ridge trail approximately one half mile west of Galehead Hut. Gale River trail affords the most direct route to…
Garfield Ridge Shelter
The Garfield Ridge Shelter is located at approximately 3,900 ft. on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Garfield just off the Garfield Ridge Trail (Appalachain Trail). The shelter is a…
Garfield Trailhead
Site Open
This trail accesses Garfield Ridge trail after 4.8 miles and tremendous views from the summit of Mt. Garfield.
Glencliff / Hurricane Trailhead
This trailhead serves the Glencliff and Hurricane Trail. The trailhead is on the eastern side of the road just past a sign for the Glencliff trail (Appalachian Trail). From the trailhead you can…
Greeley Pond Trailhead (Kancamagus Hwy)
This trailhead accesses the popular Greeley Ponds scenic area in 1.7 miles and connects with the Livermore trail close to Livermore trailhead in Waterville Valley at 5.1 miles.