South Twin Mountain reaches 4,899 feet at the northern end of the Twin Range, anchoring a ridge above the Pemigewasset Wilderness that connects the Franconia and Zealand areas. The open, rocky summit offers some of the finest views in the White Mountains: Franconia Ridge and the Kinsmans spread to the south, the Presidentials rise to the northeast, and the vast Pemi basin stretches below.
The standard approach from the west follows the Gale River Trail to the AMC Galehead Hut, then climbs steeply via the Twinway — gaining 900 feet in 0.8 miles — to the summit, covering roughly 10.4 miles round trip with 3,400 feet of gain. The North Twin Trail from South Road near Zealand Falls provides an approach from the east. Galehead Hut at the base of the final climb offers overnight lodging through AMC reservations, making a two-day itinerary feasible. From the summit, a short ridge walk north leads to North Twin, and combining both Twins with Galehead Mountain makes for a long, excellent 13-mile day.
David Andre
