Caribou Mountain

Caribou Mountain summit is at 2850 ft, and it has an elevation gain of 1990 feet.  the top is pretty flat and has a lot of area above treeline for your leisure.  

The Caribou Muddy Brook loop trail is around 7 miles, and I recommend taking the Caribou trail for the accent because it is steeper with slippery rocks and brooks and waterfall crossings.

There are great views of Mount Washington to the west, Evans Notch to the south, and Grafton Notch to the north.  Also, Kezar lake is in plain view.

Getting There

Take route 113 from Fryburg Maine to the trail head just before the Evans Brook crossing.

The road is gated off in the winter, so only accessible by a mode of snow transportation.  Or from the eastern trail head at the end of Bog Rd.

The trail head is good sized, so it can hold a good amount of vehicles.

Route

Caribou trail and Muddy brook loop from the west.  This is the only loop that I have done, and when I do it again, I will take the Caribou trail for the accent, and Muddy brook to descend.  

Muddy Brook trail wasn't as muddy as I had expected.  The trail is very gradual, and in my opinion a very easy climb with few slippery rocks.

Caribou trail on the other hand, gets steep in places and it crosses Morrison brook more than a few times.  Most of the trail keeps a lonely hiker occupied with the sound of babbling water and the 

 

curiosity that some local resident might not hear you approaching!

Either way you choose to go, you will be richly rewarded at treeline with nice views, and the awesome feeling of being there!

Bog rd to the east.  http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=74427&actid=51

Red Tape

The White Mountain National Forest has rules for backpacking.  you can check this link for them, and also any road closures ect. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=74427&actid=51

When to Climb

Year round, but Rt 113 is closed in the winter, so the only access is via Bog rd, Gilead, ME

Camping

 Hastings Campground is about 2 miles north of the trail head, and Cold River and Basin campgrounds are to the south about 4 miles. 

 

Backpacking is permitted.  you need to be 100 yards off the road in order to have a fire, and you can not camp above treeline except for in winter, and on top of 2' of snow.  on the Caribou trail there 

are plenty of places for frssh water on the way up, and you may choose to camp near one of the pools at the base of multiple cascading waterfalls on the way up.  There is also a clearing just before 

treeline that would make a good tent site.  Use caution because it looked like a well used game trail!

External Links

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=74427&actid=51