Has anyone done this? - Pemi Loop

[chinooktrail]

Has anyone done this?

I am thinking of knocking off my last 3 with a fun filled four day three night backpack. Looking at the maps, I think I would like to start at Lincoln Woods, head up Bondcliff, hit Bondcliff and Bond, set up, and get Bondcliff for sunset, and camp at Guyout. Continue up to Guyout, North and South Twin and Galehead and continue along the Garfield Ridge Trail to Garfield Ridge Campsite. Then, continue on the Garfield Ridge over Lafayette, Lincoln, Haystack, Liberty and Flume and down the Osseo Trail to Lincoln Woods. Compared to some, this may seem like a cake walk, and be doeable in one day. But I want to kick back, relax, and enjoy my tine in the mountains. I have not had the oppertunity to go backpacking in a few years, and I am really looking forward to it. Any suggestions or cautions or recomendations? Thanks!

 

[Artex]

What a great idea! I do more dayhiking and trailrunning these days than I do backpacking... used to be the other way around. I miss it. Your itinerary sounds good. One thing to potentially think about is that your last day is a pretty big one. I've always liked to set up multi-day trips so that the last day is one of the easiest. Carrying all of the extra weight could start to become a bit more of a chore if the last day is a long one. Good luck and enjoy the trek!

 

[poison ivy]

I basically did this hike in reverse a couple years back -- (with the exception of having two nights at Guyot and heading out past Zealand instead of down to Lincoln Woods.) It's a great trip... the worst part for me was Garfield Ridge between Lafayette and Garfield... it goes on forever over lots of bumps. I would think the most difficult part going in the opposite direction would be heading up to Garfield from Galehead, there is a steep and rocky section you'll have to contend with at the end of the day.

You will get a great sunset view from West Bond too if you want to have a shorter hiker to Guyot in the dark.

I really enjoyed the doing this backpacking trip (as did a friend who is visiting from out of state this year and wants to do it again.) It's a great way to finish the list.

- Ivy

 

[darren]

Are you setting dates for this and asking people to join you? If not, this belongs in the Q&A forum.

Thanks

- darren

 

[kmac]

Christine this sounds like an awesome trip!! I'm doing a 2 day backpack, hiking Twins,Garfield and Owl's Head in July. When are you planning this adventure? Maybe our paths will cross
The one thing someone did tell me is that the campsites fill up rather quickly, so the time you arrive at Guyout and Garfield might be something to consider. Perhaps, someone else on the board can advice you more on this.
kmac

 

[Jazzbo]

I'd second Poison Ivy's comments on Garfield Ridge

I'd second Poison Ivy's comments on Garfield Ridge. I haven't done ridge between Lafayette and Garfield, but did backpack last October between Garfield Camp Site and Galehead. The descent from Garfield Campsite was steep and long. In your case this would be ascent. The ridge between Galehead and Garfield has many ups and downs and no views to lift your spirits. I guess its same deal between Lafayette and Garfield but with maybe more views. Bottom line is its a good trip so long as you allow for the extra time it will take to do Garfield ridge.

 

[Double Bow]

The Pemi loop is a classic and would be a great way to finish up your 48. Traditionally, it is done going over Franconia Ridge first. Your best bet would be to make the first day, when you're fresh, a longer one and go from Lincoln Woods to Garfield Campsite. On the second day, you could hit Galehead and the Twins before stopping into Guyot for the night and on the following day head out over the Bonds.

 

[chinooktrail]

Perfect, thanks to everyone for the information! I will make some more plans very soon!

 

[the starchild]

classic hike!

i also took 4 days to really enjoy it. its crazy sitting on west bond at sunset and seeing almost your entire hike surrounding you 360 degrees.

http://community.webshots.com/album/418588599AXpBJV

have a great time.

 

[Jeff-B]

I have done this trip exactly as you have laid out many times before.

The first few times I did this loop I stayed at Franconia Brook Camp, 3 miles in on Wilderness Trail , done in the dark on a Friday night. That camp is now relocated on the other side of the Pemi river, with tough crossing back to Lincoln Brook.
You can stay at a five mile location in the old area of Camp 16, which has a designated camp relocated in woods. From there you can go direct to Bonds trial and make Guyot in short time, or your kick-back pace.

To make Guyot on the first day in is long and runs the risk of late arrival with limited space/decks/shelter room.

I don't know why the other direction is considered "traditional" or not?, If so, who's?

 

[McRat]

I did this last May with Nartreb and the TR is here.

It really is a great trip, and I'm glad I did it... but I probably wont do the Garfield Ridge Trail again anytime soon.

You should be fine. I lower the bar for everyone.

 

[woodstrider]

Totally Doable! There are a few "rough spots"- they will slow you down a bit so maybe allow more time. In particular a section of the AT along Zealand Ridge where the rocks are very sharp edged- I found it slow going with the backpack. Also- a section on Garland- very steep. Otherwise- expect the usual.