Frustrated by my failure to summit Mount Isolation because I wasn’t mindful of my surroundings, I needed to recalibrate. Next up on my itinerary was Owl’s Head, deep in the New Hampshire wilderness, and I thought it was the perfect mountain to help me get back to being present and enjoying the experience of immersing myself in nature. It was just what the doctor ordered, as I got a beautiful autumn day during peak foliage.
“On Owl’s Head I became enamored with hiking for the sake of hiking again… The list was losing relevance.”
The Lincoln Woods Trail
The access point to Owl’s Head, or at least the closest access point, is via the Lincoln Woods Trail. Crossing the footbridge over the Pemigewasset River, you are formally launched into an incredible hiking experience.
The only problem with this hike, especially during peak foliage, are the first three miles of leaf-peeping tourists. In all of my time in the woods, I never saw a grouchier, more stressed-out and impolite crowd, than the swarms filling up the Lincoln Woods trail. No smiles. No nods. Everyone kept to themselves. It was weird after having met so many kind hearts, deeper in the woods.
Still, most of my run-ins with mean spirits came in the afternoon, on my descent. By leaving early in the morning, just after sunset, I saw very few people on my way up. After the first mile I cleared everyone away and had the trail to myself. It allowed me to slow down and capture some special light.
Where does this trail lead?
Peak Foliage on Owl’s Head
In some ways, my day on Owl’s Head was exactly what I was chasing after in my yearlong quest that was 4000s by 40. Even though this was an eighteen-mile-long hike, mostly alone, deep into the wilderness, I was at peace. The changing colors of the trees highlighted what I had known all along but desperately wanted to be reminded of again: that life is beautiful and deserving of so much more gratitude. I was certainly thankful to have this place to observe, wait, and listen.
Back to Lincoln Woods
The interactions I had with tourists on the descent were a little jolting. I kept saying hello and smiling at people, and most of them ignored me. A lot of people kept their heads down, and even with all of these beautiful colors about, people didn’t seem to be enjoying themselves. It was an angry bunch. I’d never seen anything like it. Must all be coming from Massachusetts, I thought. Or maybe New York. Hey, look, I know that doesn’t sound fair, but I grew up in Massachusetts. We be salty down there.
Whatever was causing the dismay on the trail, it was nice to bump into one guy who noted my gear and acknowledged me with a nod. It was as if he was saying, I see you. It’s how we should all be with each other, whether we cross paths on a mountain trail or a city sidewalk. I hope all of the hikers I saw that day found themselves feeling a little lighter after treading that marvelous path.
“Mountains were not only becoming my refuge for how to deal with problems in my own life, but also a sanctuary where I could better recognize the needs of others over myself.”
🥾Climbing Owl’s Head: Ascent Details (Out-and-Back via Lincoln Woods)
- Start/End: Lincoln Woods Trailhead (off the Kancamagus Highway)
- Route:
- Lincoln Woods Trail →
- Franconia Brook Trail →
- Lincoln Brook Trail →
- Owl’s Head Path (the unmaintained slide) →
- Summit spur and return the same way
📏 Quick Stats
- Total Distance: ~18.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~3,100 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Time: 8–11 hours
⛰️ Route Notes
- Lincoln Woods Trail: Flat, wide, old railroad grade for ~2.9 miles
- Franconia Brook Trail: Also flat, a bit rougher, ~1.7 miles
- Lincoln Brook Trail: Narrow, with multiple stream crossings (4 major)
- Owl’s Head Path: Steep, loose slide section—not officially maintained
- Summit Spur: From top of slide, turn left and follow herd path ~0.3 miles to true summit (marked by a cairn in the woods)
⚠️ Important Tips
- Water crossings can be difficult in high water—check recent conditions
- The slide is steep and loose—trekking poles help
- Summit has no view—but a nice sense of remoteness
- The trail is long and remote—bring extra snacks, water, and layers
🧭 Peakbagging Resources: Owl’s Head
- Trailhead: Lincoln Woods Trailhead, off the Kancamagus Highway
- Summit Marker: Small cairn in the woods—the true summit is about 0.3 miles north of the slide
- Maps:
- Trail Reports:
- Weather:
- Notes:
- Remote and long
- No official trail to the summit; final push is via an unmaintained path
- multiple water crossings
Cliff Notes
If you like reading about mountains, the 4000-footers, and the ups and downs of getting “out there,” come check out more stories at 4000s by 40.
Looking for photos of more 4000-footers? Head back to the 4000s by 40 Visual Companion to explore the other peaks.
