Bonds Loop to Thirteen Falls

The 24-mile loop to Thirteen Falls offers the best views of the infamous Pemigewasset Loop with a quarter of the crowds. The Bonds’ ridgeline and geologic cliffs are some of the most stunning views of the 4,000-footers in the Whites, and the unique return past Thirteen Falls reveals a secret cascade rarely appreciated for its beauty. This loop has it all and makes for an amazing White Mountains adventure!

This route begins down the 3-mile Lincoln Woods trail which is very flat, wide, and trafficked by many hikers entering the Pemigewasset Wilderness. After crossing a bridge by Franconia Falls this trail bears right to become the Bondcliff Trail which is flat for another few miles, then begins to gradually then more steeply ascend. The first 5 miles of this hike follow a scenic river and are very flat and suitable for an easy trail run. After the climb hikers first reach Bondcliff peak at mile 8.7, with a quick rock scramble to above treeline. This summit is known for a large overhanging cliff that many hikers take pictures on. Following Bondcliff is a stunning open ridge climb to Mount Bond at mile 9.7, followed by lesser known Mount Guyot at mile 11 with the junction with the Twinway Trail to Mount Zealand. 

The ridge continues to South Twin Mountain at mile 12.8 which also has stunning views and large rocks to shelter from the wind for a lunch break before the descent and trek back. Just 0.7 steep and rocky miles past this summit, hikers reach the Galehead Hut, and begin the more gradual descent down the Twin Brook Trail. This trail is not frequently trafficked compared to the more popular Pemi Loop that surrounds this route. At the base of this trail is the Thirteen Falls Tentsite, little-known and rarely visited despite its scenic and serene setting. Located remotely inside of the Pemi Mountain Loop, there are two large cascading waterfalls by this site and ample tent space on the flat terrain. The final Franconia Brook Trail back to the Lincoln Woods trail is very flat but due to being less traveled and maintained can sometimes be muddy and at times difficult to follow.

This loop can be completed in a day for bold trail runners or fast hikers, or broken up into a 1 or 2 night backpacking trip with opportunities to stay at the Guyot Campsite, AMC Galehead Hut, or Thirteen Falls Tentsite. This versatile and scenic route is not to be missed for a perfect summer adventure that avoids the heaviest crowds in the Pemigewasset Region and still visits the best of the White Mountains.