North Twin, South Twin and Galehead

Total trip duration: 4:16:19
Distance: 7.4 miles
Hikers: Vance and Quinn
4000 footer completion count: North Twin #40 (4,761 feet),  South Twin #41 (4,902 feet), Galehead #42 (4,024 feet)

North Twin Trail [North Twin] > North Twin Spur [South Twin] > Twinway >
Frost Trail > [Galehead] > Frost Trail > [Galehead Hut]

It was a beautiful day as we began our Labor Day weekend adventure.  With the exception of our time on top of Mount Washington, we've never seen so many people in the mountains.  Since our trip to Monroe and Washington, Quinn has wanted to stay at an AMC hut.  Well, this trip was the one he's been waiting for!

The hike began with a number of water crossings.  I bet it's a challenge to find good footing when the water is really flowing.

The hiking was relatively easy until we got closer to the top of North Twin.  Up towards the peak we really worked up a good sweat!

Right before the peak there was a nice spot for enjoying the views.

Eager to reach the top, Quinn heads off down a lovely path to the summit.

The summit itself came up short on the views but luckily there was a convenient outlook just off the main trail.

We enjoyed a snack and got a better visual perspective on the landscape that made up our hiking plans for Saturday and Sunday.

The Ninja Warrior is ready for South Twin!

South Twin was right up there with Carrigain in terms of spectacular 360 views of The Whites.  Here we are with Mount Washington in the background:

There's plenty of space for people to spread out on top of South Twin.  It's a good thing because people were pouring in from all directions.  The weather was ideal and we soaked it in.  We ran into hikers from other trips and chatted for a bit.  After a hearty sandwich, Quinn was eager to check out Galehead. 

We descended South Twin with a great view of Garfield in the distance.

The trail down was steep, rocky and right up Quinn's alley!

We checked into the hut and made a quick trip to Galehead and back.

The summit of Galehead was pretty uneventful.

We visited a small outlook area on the way down.  You can see Galehead Hut in the background:

He's been waiting for over a year for this game of Magic: The Gathering.  He brought a few of his favorite decks.  We played several games both indoor and out.  He was in his glory!

Of course, he had to have the top bunk! 

As the evening arrived, we were both starving!  We enjoyed a family-style dinner and some good conversation with the other hikers at our table.  After dinner I kicked back and did a little reading while Quinn ran around with a friend he had made.

At dusk we attended a class on lichens that was given by one of the caretakers.  After that, we got together with a group of people to play Apples to Apples.  Once it was dark we joined up with a couple of families outside for some star gazing and we were treated to an unexpected meteor shower.  It was a lovely day and we were beat.  We made for the bunks in order to catch a bit of shuteye in preparation for continuing our hiking expedition in the morning...

Quinn's Take

My dad and I decided to hike North Twin, South Twin and Galehead and stay overnight at Galehead hut.  The trail started off flat.  As we went along there were a few nice river crossings.  Little did I know that my water bag was leaking and I ran out of water about half way to the top of North Twin.  It was okay because I drank my dad's water and we were able to refill my bag at Galehead hut. Close to the peak of North Twin, there was an awesome viewing spot where hikers were hanging out and eating lunch.  We took a few pictures and headed to the peak.  We made it to peak number 40!!! I had a snack and we could see South Twin.  Only 1.3 miles to that mountain! At South Twin, the views were even better!!  We could see North Twin and Galehead hut.  It took us 45 minutes to get to the hut.  We were assigned to the Gray Jay room.  There were 4 bunk beds stacked up along the wall.  I took the 3rd one up and my dad had the one below me.  I made a friend.  Her name was Reina.  We climbed on the bunk beds and played games and cards. It was time for us to hike Galehead.  It was less than a mile away and we didn't bring anything with us. There was a small viewing spot where we could see the hut.  There wasn't much to see at the peak.  We headed down for a game of Magic: The Gathering, one of my favorite card games. For dinner we had soup, salad and apple-berry-peach cobbler- Yum!  After dinner, Reina, her dad, my dad and I played a game of Apples to Apples.  When it was dark we went out to do some star gazing.  There were meteor showers!!!  Then it was time for bed.  Good night!