Garfield Ridge East Peak (3,589 ft) is a trailless summit on the Pemigewasset Wilderness end of Garfield Ridge, one of New Hampshire's Hundred Highest peaks. Reaching the true high point requires off-trail navigation: the Garfield Ridge Trail passes close to the summit, and a narrow, scrubby herd path branches off near the trail's high point on this ridge bump. Some careful maneuvering down exposed ledge steps is then needed to reach the cliff edge that frames the main viewpoint.
The summit itself is forested, but the cliffs just below deliver a broad south-and-west-facing panorama deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Owl's Head dominates the foreground, with Galehead Mountain close in, South Twin rising to the northeast, and Mount Lafayette visible to the south. Vermont's Northeast Kingdom fills the western horizon on clear days.
The most direct approach uses the Garfield Trail and Garfield Ridge Trail, making for a long round-trip of 10 or more miles with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The deep Pemigewasset interior is remote; an early start is recommended. Snow can linger on north-facing sections of the ridge well into May.
