Garfield Isn't Just a Cat...Meow

What an amazingly gorgeous day for a hike in the White Mountains. Today was brought to you by Garfield, no not the comic strip or the president, but the latter's name sake, Mount Garfield located off Route 3 on Gale Loop Road. Driver beware, though, Gale Loop Road has no road sign just a hiking trail sign on the right. (If you pass over the Gale River or the Beaver Brook Recreation Area you've gone too far). Head up there for about 2 miles to find the Garfield Trail on the right hand side.

The trail is a fairly easy grade throughout. The first mile being very reminiscent of some of my favorite trail runs. In addition, you'll cross a low brook 3 times within this mile. I found that it wasn't a very well marked trail, leaving me to guess that I was on the right path. Mile 2 reminded me of a dry river bed as it was quite rocky and worn low. I found that throughout the hike it alternated between a slight hike followed by flatter areas (great for interval training!). All was dry and rocky until mile 3...then things got a little wet. There was definitely more mud to step around and one section had water steadily trickling. This area was one of four that had the old logging road visible.

Fast forward 4.8 miles and you come to the junction with Garfield Ridge Trail. You can go down to the  hut or continue to your right to head up the last .2 miles to the summit. Do not become confused by the sign saying Mount Lafayette! It's just letting you know that you can get there from Mount Garfield. This section is much steeper than the rest of the trail, but it goes by super quick and the reward at the top is well worth it. We're talking 360˚ unobstructed views. Plus, the remnants of a fire tower.

Love my Scarpa's. They grip to rock and turn me into a Rock Ninja!

I also met a guy that goes by the trail name of The Forest Grump because he hates heat and bugs (bad day for bugs it was!) He gave me the tip that Vicks works as bug repellant right when another guy came by and suggested Tea Tree Oil as a more natural alternative. I had a really great conversation with The Forest Grump prior to reaching the summit and then again on the way down as we hiked about a mile down. I'm loving getting to hear people's stories this year as I hike throughout the White Mountains. 

Overall this 10 mile hike took me a little over 3 hours thanks to easy grades as the trail switchbacks across the mountain. 

Happy Trails!