Appalachian Trail: Beaver Brook to Mount Garfield

This is a 23.1-mile, one-way Appalachian Trail traverse from Beaver Brook Trailhead in Kinsman Notch to the summit of Mount Garfield. It follows the Kinsman Ridge, Fishin’ Jimmy, Cascade Brook, Liberty Spring, Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge corridors. It crosses Franconia Notch State Park, beginning south of the Notch and finishing north of it. Choose it for a demanding, multi-day White Mountains traverse rather than a short summit outing.

The White Mountains are steep and rocky enough that a sensible pace is about 5–8 miles a day, so plan roughly three to five days. Several climbs are strenuous, and a little over two miles of Franconia Ridge stay above treeline. Many shelters and campsites in the area charge fees; check current lodging, access and overnight rules before you set out.

From Beaver Brook Trailhead the route climbs Kinsman Ridge, passes the Gordon Pond Trail junction, and continues over the Kinsmans toward Kinsman Pond. Fishin’ Jimmy drops steeply toward Lonesome Lake; expect rough, uneven footing. The route then follows Cascade Brook and crosses the notch highway corridor before climbing Liberty Spring toward the high ridge.

The Appalachian Trail stays above treeline for just over two miles along Franconia Ridge. This is the trip’s signature stretch: open views across the White Mountains and fragile alpine habitat on exposed rock. High winds and fog are common on the exposed ridges, and snow can fall in any season, so treat a clear forecast as part of your route plan.

From Franconia Ridge the trail continues north on Garfield Ridge to Mount Garfield’s summit. That is the end of the 23.1-mile route, not a parking area. If you need to reach a car, the Forest Service’s Garfield Trailhead is another 4.8 miles down Garfield Trail; count that descent separately and arrange your pickup or shuttle.

The southern access is Beaver Brook Trailhead in Kinsman Notch on NH 112. It has vault toilets but no potable water, and it is a fee site. This corridor crosses several land-management areas, and one dog rule for the full route could not be confirmed; check the relevant rules before bringing a pet.