What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide, who has successfully completed multiple Presidential Traverses as well as thousands of miles across the White Mountain National Forest Round-trip transportation from Greater Boston area to the trailhead Reservation for overnight accommodations at Garfield Ridge and Guyot tent sites (for the 3-day option) Accommodation in the AMC-managed Galehead Hut (for the 2-day option) Backpack with hydration, snacks, safety and convenience items and trekking poles — just let us know you need it What’s not included: Transportation to Boston Accommodations before and after the tour Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad — available to rent at an additional fee Meals Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Hiking the Pemi Loop is ideal for experienced hikers who want to push their limits and challenge themselves to some serious distance and elevation gain. If you ever went hiking in the White Mountains, that’s a huge bonus! Regardless of whether you choose the 2-day or the 3-day option, the hike is structured in a way that the first day is the longest, and the distance and difficulty ramps down as you progress, offering more time to relax and explore some spur trails as well! Expect the hike to be between 30 and 35 miles, depending on optional spurs, with the approximate elevation gain of 10,000-12,000 feet. You’d rather be just in the company of like-minded women? Check out our all-women version of hiking the Pemi Loop . If you’d like to explore some other areas in New Hampshire, check out this hiking tour of the Presidential Traverse or New Hampshire’s 4k-footers .

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping bad (for the 3-day option) — available to rent Hiking poles Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Meals Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group Pemi Loop hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Pemi Loop hike can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Deposits and cancellation policy

A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 weeks (14 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund less any cancellation fees applied by the AMC as part of their own refund policy for hut reservation cancellations. For cancellations less than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the trip, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of 80% of the total trip cost, less any cancellation fees applied by the AMC Refund Policy. If the Guide can fill the cancellation, Guide will refund the remaining 20% of the total cost. If no replacement can be found, Guide will keep the 20% balance as a cancellation fee. Be prepared for inclement weather while hiking in the White Mountains. If it is determined that the weather will be dangerously inclement, your guides will do their best to reschedule your event. If dangerous weather is unavoidable and the reschedule date will not work for you, a full refund will be given.

Getting there and meeting location

Your guides will pick you up anywhere in the Greater Boston area. To get there, most people fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) . Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you’ll decide on the best place to meet.

Safety measures in New Hampshire

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in New Hampshire, please refer to New Hampshire’s travel information . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

View of the White Mountains, near Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Pastures and hillsides of the White Mountains

LINCOLN | NEW HAMPSHIRE

Pemi Loop Backpacking Adventure

5.00 ()

Season

Year-round, but summer is best

Nearest city

Boston, MA, is under 2.5 hours away

Duration

3 days

Skill level

Intermediate to advanced

Guides

Dave Fatula, Guineafowl Adventure Company

From $750 () / 2-3 days

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

If you are looking for a 3-day wilderness retreat and are itching to sleep out in the open for a night or two, the iconic Pemi Loop in the White Mountains is going to be just perfect for you! Let the challenging, but extremely rewarding 30-mile trek, with spectacular viewpoints (including the Franconia Ridge) both empty and recharge your batteries. Head into the woods alongside one of our expert guides, learn the skills of backpacking, and summit 10 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in a single trip! The guide will pick you up, drop you off, reserve camping spots, provide you with some equipment for free, plan out the daily schedule, and even outfit you with a tent and a sleeping bag at a very reasonable price, should you need that.

A 2 or 3-day escape into serenity

Unplug from the chaos and find solace while sleeping under the stars
Ten 4,000-footers in a single trip

Panoramic views of the entire White Mountain National Forest and along the Franconia Ridge
Worry-free & hassle-free package

No equipment? No problem. Your guides can hook you up with everything, from tents to backpacks

Available itineraries

Two-Day Pemi Loop Hike

Looking for a real challenge? Look no further, this is it. Over the course of two days, you will hike the entire Pemi Loop, which, including optional spurs, is up to 35 miles long! Just as beautiful as it is rigorous, Pemi Loop collects miles of incredible above-ridgeline hiking, unforgettable views of the White Mountain National Forest, and the achievement of summiting ten of NH’s 4,000-footers, all in a single adventure!

Start your day at the famous Lincoln Woods trailhead and cross the suspension bridge over the Pemigewasset River—and start the hike! The first day will have you summiting Mt. Flume, Mt. Liberty, Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and Mt. Garfield! Today is an incredible day of above-ridgeline hiking as over 3 miles of your time is spent on the Franconia Ridge, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the entire White Mountain National Forest. Spend the night at the AMC-managed Galehead Hut, and enjoy a well-deserved hot dinner, fresh-baked dessert and a blissful sleep your body will be craving!

Distance: 16 miles / 26 km
Today’s hike can span anywhere between 13 and 17 miles—depending on how many extra mountains you want to explore! Leave the Galehead Hut right after breakfast. There’s an optional out-and-back to Galehead Mountain summit, and then it’s onto the toughest climb of the Pemi Loop, the climb up to South Twin Mountain. After the summit, there’s an optional 2.6-mile out-and-back to North Twin as well. Move onto ascending Mount Guyot and then make your way to the magnificent Bondcliff. After enjoying incredible views, what’s mostly left is a gradual downhill and a flat descent. Cross meandering streams and follow the old train trusses back to Lincoln Woods. The downhill hiking can be taken as quickly or as slowly as you desire after two intense days of above-treeline exploring.

Distance: 13-17 miles / 20-27 km

Three-Day Pemi Loop Backpacking Adventure

Deep in the wilderness of New Hampshire, the Pemi Loop makes its way through pristine forests, peaks above the treeline, and spectacular ridges. Your guides organized a three-day trip along this 30-mile trail, which offers some of the best views of the White Mountains, and all you’ve got to do is just show up. That’s right, round-trip transportation from the Greater Boston area, group camping equipment, tents and backpacks if you haven’t got them, overnight stays at camps—your guides have got you covered. With no obstacles in the way and plenty of unforgettable hiking through untouched wilderness, this will be a rewarding experience.

Start your day at the famous Lincoln Woods trailhead and cross the suspension bridge over the Pemigewasset River. The first day spans 13 miles of terrain, where you will summit Mt. Flume, Mt. Liberty, Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and Mt. Garfield! This is an incredible day of above-treeline hiking as over 3 miles of your time is spent on Franconia Ridge, where you’ll enjoy 360 degree views of the entire White Mountain National Forest. Spend the night at the Garfield Ridge Tent Site under the stars.

Distance: 13 miles / 21 km
Make your way to the AMC Galehead Hut, a full-service place in the middle of nowhere—top off water, have a cup of coffee, or try their legendary baked goods (bring cash). From Galehead Hut, there is an optional out-and-back to summit Galehead Mountain, and then it’s on to the toughest climb of the Pemi Loop, the climb up to South Twin Mountain. After that, there’s an optional 2.6-mile out-and-back to North Twin as well! The final leg of Day 2 is making your way down to the Guyot Tent site nestled in the woods between Guyot and the iconic, vertical Bond Cliff boasting spectacular views of the Whites. If you still have some strength left, you can go out-and-back to summit West Bond—or you can do that in the morning on the way out of the campsite.

Distance: 7.4-10.6 miles / 12-17 km
On the final day of the trek you’ll get one of the best views in the entire White Mountain National Forest—the magnificent view off of Bondcliff! There’s really nothing like it, and the effort it takes to get there makes it all the more memorable. The rest of today’s hike is gradually downhill and flat as you descend below the treeline for your last time. Cross meandering streams and ultimately follow the old train trusses back to Lincoln Woods. Downhill hiking will be relaxing and the pace on the flat terrain can be taken as quickly or as slowly as you’d like after two intense days of above-treeline exploring!

Distance: 10 miles / 16 km

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Meet your guides

5.00

Dave Fatula

Dave founded Guineafowl Adventure Company as the ultimate manifestation of a job he truly loves: being in the wilderness, making connections with others, and leading them through perspective-shifting experiences. Having worked in professional investment firms for more than 20 years, Dave realized that he could no longer sit behind a desk and watch the opportunity of adventure pass him by. After looking back at his lifetime spent hiking, trail running, camping, and biking in the mountains, he realized that his passion became his expertise over time—and that’s when he decided to create a guiding company and a space that is safe, social, and ethically thoughtful enough to help folks push themselves for the sake of growth and exploration.

5.00

Guineafowl Adventure Company was created to provide a full-service, end-to-end, guided, small group hiking experience in the White Mountains. The team at Guineafowl has collectively hiked thousands of miles and their goal is to share their passion for the outdoors with as many people as possible. They focus on providing a responsible and ethical hike with sustainability in mind.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Khadija Alem (source: Google Reviews)

It was spectacular from start to finish. Super organized and friendly, with amazing views too. So convenient for a day trip and highly recommended!

Khalid 5wild (source: Google Reviews)

It was one of my favourite moment in my life, everything Dave brings it, water, snacks, bag, hiking tools, and my experience was fantastic, i can’t wait to take another tour with them, well done Dave.

Donna Mumme (source: Google Reviews)

What a fabulous way to enjoy the White Mountains! Guineafowl Adventure makes it easy for those who are eager to hike (but lazy about the prep) to get outside and enjoy. Everything was extremely well organized from booking the hike to final drop off at the end of the day. Our guide, Dave Fatula, was fantastic! He established a good pace that worked for everyone in our group, made sure we had everything we needed, and kept us motivated. I am excited to get back to the mountains! And will definitely book with Guineafowl Adventure again!

Teresa Kimberly (source: Google Reviews)

I couldn’t recommend Guineafowl and Dave more. It is an ideal way to conveniently enjoy the beautiful White Mountains – you show up and hike and Guineafowl does the rest. We had novice to experienced people in our group and it was great for everyone.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide, who has successfully completed multiple Presidential Traverses as well as thousands of miles across the White Mountain National Forest
  - Round-trip transportation from Greater Boston area to the trailhead
  - Reservation for overnight accommodations at Garfield Ridge and Guyot tent sites (for the 3-day option)
  - Accommodation in the AMC-managed Galehead Hut (for the 2-day option)
  - Backpack with hydration, snacks, safety and convenience items and trekking poles — just let us know you need it
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Boston
  - Accommodations before and after the tour
  - Tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad — available to rent at an additional fee
  - Meals
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Hiking the Pemi Loop is ideal for experienced hikers who want to push their limits and challenge themselves to some serious distance and elevation gain. If you ever went hiking in the White Mountains, that’s a huge bonus! Regardless of whether you choose the 2-day or the 3-day option, the hike is structured in a way that the first day is the longest, and the distance and difficulty ramps down as you progress, offering more time to relax and explore some spur trails as well! Expect the hike to be between 30 and 35 miles, depending on optional spurs, with the approximate elevation gain of 10,000-12,000 feet.

You’d rather be just in the company of like-minded women? Check out our all-women version of hiking the Pemi Loop.

If you’d like to explore some other areas in New Hampshire, check out this hiking tour of the Presidential Traverse or New Hampshire’s 4k-footers.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping bad (for the 3-day option) — available to rent
  - Hiking poles
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Meals
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group Pemi Loop hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Pemi Loop hike can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 weeks (14 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund less any cancellation fees applied by the AMC as part of their own refund policy for hut reservation cancellations.
  - For cancellations less than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the trip, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of 80% of the total trip cost, less any cancellation fees applied by the AMC Refund Policy. If the Guide can fill the cancellation, Guide will refund the remaining 20% of the total cost. If no replacement can be found, Guide will keep the 20% balance as a cancellation fee.
Be prepared for inclement weather while hiking in the White Mountains. If it is determined that the weather will be dangerously inclement, your guides will do their best to reschedule your event. If dangerous weather is unavoidable and the reschedule date will not work for you, a full refund will be given.
Your guides will pick you up anywhere in the Greater Boston area. To get there, most people fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you’ll decide on the best place to meet.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in New Hampshire, please refer to New Hampshire’s travel information.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!