Galehead Hut is one of eight backcountry huts managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) within the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. This hut is situated off the Garfield Ridge Trail (also the Appalachian Trail) in a col between Galehead Mountain and South Twin Mountain. Views seen directly from the Hut include a large portion of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area.

There are several approach trails to the Hut. The most common approach is probably via the Gale River Trail connected with the Garfield Ridge Trail. There are several excellent day trips that can be made from the Hut, including a visit to #13 Falls, Garfield Mountain, Galehead Mountain, and South Twin Mountain. A more ambitious day hike will bring you to the "Bonds", which is a series of three remote 4,000+ foot mountains in the area with outstanding views.

Accomodations

According to the AMC's website (www.outdoors.org), the 2008 operating season is as follows:

2008: "Self Service" May 9 - May 31
2008: "Full Service" June 4 - October 18

"Self-Service" means meals are not provided, but you may use their kitchen facilities, mattresses and pillows. "Full-Service" includes a full dinner and breakfast, and you are provided with a mattress, blankets and a pillow. Bring your own sleeping liner or sleeping bag for either self or full service.

Galehead Hut sleeps 38 in four coed bedrooms. Reservations are mandatory (except for A.T. thru-hikers). The Hut typically sells out well in advance for many summer & holiday weekends.

Check Availability (Reservations):
AMC Reservations

Access

Galehead Hut is the third AMC hut along the Appalachian Trail corridor in New Hampshire:

Note: Huts are listed in order from south to north as they lie on the A.T.
1st - Lonesome Lake Hut
2nd - Greenleaf Hut
3rd - Galehead Hut
4th - Zealand Falls Hut
5th - Mizpah Spring Hut
6th - Lakes of the Clouds Hut
7th - Madison Spring Hut
8th - Carter Notch Hut

The usual route to the Hut is via the Gale River & Garfied Ridge Trails (4.6 miles with 2,200ft of elevation gain).

Distances from the Hut to:
Galehead Mountain - 0.5 mile (via Frost Trail)
South Twin Mountain - 0.8 mile (via Twinway)
North Twin Mountain - 2.1 miles (via Twinway & North Twin Spur)
Garfield Ridge Shelter/Campsite - 2.5 miles (via Twinway & Garfield Ridge Trail)
#13 Falls Campsite - 2.6 miles (via Frost Trail & Twin Brook Trail)
Mount Garfield - 2.9 miles (via Twinway & Garfield Ridge Trail)
Guyot Campsite - 3.8 miles (via Twinway & Bondcliff Trail)
West Bond Mountain - 4.1 miles (via Twinway, Bondcliff Trail & West Bond Spur)
Mt. Bond - 4.1 miles (via Twinway & Bondcliff Trail)
Bondcliff - 5.3 miles (via Twinway & Bondcliff Trail)
Zealand Mountain - 4.2 miles (via Twinway & unnamed path to summit)
Zealand Falls Hut - 7.0 miles (via Twinway)
Greenleaf Hut - 7.5 miles (via Twinway, Garfield Ridge Trail & Old Bridal Path)

External Links

Appalachian Mountain Club's Galehead Hut page
Mohammed Ellozy's Galehead Hut page
Higher Summits Forecast