Overnight Parking dilemma

[Pete Hogan]

We're getting more and more skittish about overnight parking at remote WMNF trailheads due to a multitude of recent reports of auto break-ins, vandalism and car damage on this and other web sites.

For an upcoming trip into Galehead Hut via the Gale River Trail, is there a more secure, less remote/more "public" parking area in the vicinity of the Gale River trail head that we could park our car overnight?

If so, what are the possible alternatives (other than the AMC shuttle) for getting from the "safer" parking area to the Gale River trail head?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sleepless in Seattle

 

[forestgnome]

The dirt road that the trailhead is on has many free campsites. It's a great place to stay the night and get a nice early sart to hiking that area.

 

[Waumbek]

I assume you are staying at Galehead hut and are worried about leaving your car in the trailhead lot overnight (or longer). That lot is probably not that risky because, as forestnome states, there are a number of WMNF campsites along the Gale Loop Road, and most likely people will be there at night. That lot is not totally isolated. You could also park at the west entrance to the Gale Loop Road (the "winter lot" by the gate), which is on the main road and walk in a few miles to the trailhead. That exposes your car to the main road overnight, which could be good or bad. There is nothing nearby on the main road like Lowe's parking near Appalachia. Finally, you could try one of these two motels nearby in Franconia, which do offer hiker shuttles into Franconia Notch, and see what you could set up for a shuttle into the Gale River trailhead:

Gale River Motel & Cottages
Route 18
Franconia, NH
800-255-7989
Visit Web Site
Enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Lafayette, Cannon Mt. & Franconia Notch through the picture window of your spacious and comfortable room central to all attractions. Cottages provide all the comforts of home, sleeping up to five or six, with full kitchen facilities. Heated outdoor pool & hot tub, indoor Jacuzzi, children's play area. Shuttle service to Franconia Notch trail heads & package/mail delivery with advance notice. Hiker Specials available. Open Year Round

Stonybrook Motel and Lodge
Route 18
Franconia, NH
1-800-722-3552
or
603-823-5800
Visit Web Site
This a four season motel nestled in the quaint village of Franconia with breathtaking mountain views & bordered by an alpine stream. Outdoor/indoor heated pools, trout pond, gameroom & cozy fireplace in our hand-timbered Lodge, picnic area. Voted #1" Best Base For Touring Franconia Notch " by New England Travel Guide. Group rates & discount tickets available. Closest AAA motel to Cannon Mountain! Hikers & Bikers Shuttle Service available Open Year Round

You could also try the hiker-firendly motels in Twin Mountain, Johnson's and Shakespeare's, and see what they'd be willing to do.