Hiking Mount Bond – NH White Mountains

Mount Bond may have one of if not the best viewpoints in the White Mountains. 360 degree views from high up in the center of NH, with views into the Pemi Wilderness, towards Mount Washington, Bondcliff, Franconia Ridge, Mount Carrigain, and much more.

Height: 4,698 feet (1431.95 meters)
Distance:  20.8 miles (33.47 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 4,570 feet (1392.94 meters)
Hike Time: 7-11 hours

Trail Map

 

Trails

 

LINCOLN WOODS TRAIL

This trail begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and continues on very flat ground for 1.2 miles until you reach the bridge crossing Franconia Brook. The trail goes along an old logging railroad, so it is flat, wide, and features old railroad ties.

 

WILDERNESS TRAIL

The Wilderness Trail continues after the bridge across Franconia Brook for another 1.8 miles before connecting with the Bondcliff trail. This is another mostly flat section along the old logging railroad. Between the Lincoln Woods Trail and Wilderness trail is a great way to make up time by running or moving fast. You will see many casual walkers out on these trails as they are wide, flat, and offer views of the East Branch.

 

BONDCLIFF TRAIL

The trail gains the majority of the elevation up Bondcliff. There are not many viewpoints until nearing the summit. Once hikers summit Bondcliff, there is 1.2 miles of exposed trail leading to the summit of Mount Bond.

Many hikers will choose to continue on to West Bond as well. Doing so often gives most hikers a reason to turn this into an overnight trip.

 

Camping On Mount Bond

There are a few campsites along the way which can make this long day hike easily split into two shorter days of hiking.

Franconia Brook Tentsite is located about 3 miles from the Visitor’s Center on the east side trail (Not the highlighted route above). This is an option for hikers to save 3 miles by camping out here, but there is no bridge to cross the East Branch, so in times of high water, the only safe way is to come all the way back to the suspension bridge (Which won’t save you mileage). Read more on the Franconia Brook Tentsite

AMC’s Guyot Campsite is located about .6 miles from the summit of Mount Bond. It is a caretaker managed campground with a fee of $10/person/per night. Features four single platforms, two double platforms, composting outhouse, dishwashing area, and metal food boxes for bear protection. Read more on the Guyot Shelter

Stealth Campsites: You legally have to camp 200 feet off the trail and outside of a .25 miles from Mount Guyot. With this being said, there are well established campsites just off the trail that would technically be against the rules and you would be susceptible to a fine of $125. Or you can take the legal approach and find an area at least 200 feet off trail.

AMC’s Galehead Hut This is a full AMC hut located off of South Twin and Galehead mountain north of the bonds.

AMC’s Zealand Falls Hut This is another full AMC hut located next to Zealand falls.

Both Galehead and Zealand hut are pretty far from the bonds, but are options for individuals hiking the Pemi Loop, or hiking along the entire Twin Range. There are also some sites along the trail between Guyot and South Twin which you may be able to set up a tent or hang your hammock from a tree.

 

Directions to Lincoln Woods Trailhead

 

Alternate Route:

Hikers can choose to hike to Mount Bond from the north, which can lead hikers over Mount Guyot. You can choose to begin this hike from several locations as if you were hiking Zealand Mountain, North and South Twin, Galehead Mountain, or Mount Garfield.

 

Weather Forecast

Lincoln, NH

Today
A slight chance of rain showers between 10am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday
A chance of rain showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night
Scattered rain showers after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. South wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday
Scattered rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 0 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night
Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday
Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

 

Additional Pictures: