Mount Hale via Hale Brook Trail

Mount Hale is one of the 48 designated 4000 footers in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It is a 4,054 foot mountain located in the Twin Range near Bethlehem. The mountain was named after Reverend Edward Everett Hale and it is considered one of the easiest hikes of all the 4000 footers, however it is not very popular given it’s wooded summit with limited views.

The Hale Brook Trail brings you to the wooded summit in just 2.2 miles. The trailhead parking area is on Zealand Road (2.5 miles from US 302). The trail is marked with yellow blazes and crosses over a cross country ski trail upon leaving the parking area. The trail ascends moderately and crosses Hale Brook at 0.8 miles. After continuing a steady climb, the trail crosses Hale Brook again at 1.3 miles. Shortly after there are a series of switchbacks, and then the trail continues climbing as it approaches the summit. There is a restricted southeastern view of Mount Willey near the summit. The summit is a largely open field with a large cairn and remnants of an old fire tower.