Owl's Head – Trail Guide & Trip Report (White Mountains, NH)
“Notorious for its long, wooded approach and viewless summit, Owl’s Head isn’t most hikers’ favorite 4,000-footer. But by biking Lincoln Woods and using the Black Pond and Brutus bushwhacks, the day becomes shorter, drier, and surprisingly enjoyable — with the steep Owl’s Head Slide offering the hike’s best challenge and views.”
Trail Diary
7:09 AM — Lincoln Woods Trailhead
Even at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, Lincoln Woods parking was full, so we ended up on the Kancamagus Highway shoulder. With warm weather ahead, we decided to make the long trek to Owl’s Head a bit more manageable by biking in.
7:40 AM — Black Pond Trail
The bike ride on the wide Lincoln Woods Trail was quick and easy. We pedaled 2.74 miles with ~270 feet of gain, then took Black Pond Trail for about 0.1 miles until it became too rough to ride. We stashed the bikes, tied them to a tree, and set out on foot. From the pond, Owl’s Head’s wooded summit ridge was visible in the distance.
8:00 AM — On foot toward the bushwhack
The so-called “Black Pond Bushwhack” hardly feels like one anymore — it’s so well-worn that it’s basically a proper trail. It bypasses numerous stream crossings and keeps things dry.
9:40 AM — Owl’s Head Slide
After a steady approach, we hit the base of the Owl’s Head Slide. Unlike some of the wide, open slides elsewhere in the Whites, this one is narrow — almost like a scree chute through the forest. Steep, loose, and challenging, but rewarding.
10:00 AM — Views from the slide
This was easily the best scenery of the hike. Looking back, we had sweeping views toward Franconia Ridge before plunging back into thick woods for the final push.
10:40 AM — Owl’s Head Summit
The “summit” itself was nothing more than a few rocks in a wooded clearing. No views, no markers — just the satisfaction of tagging one of the Whites’ most remote 4,000-footers.
1:15 PM — Back at Black Pond
We descended via the Brutus Bushwhack, a far better choice than returning down the steep slide. It reconnected smoothly, avoiding tricky footing.
1:30 PM — Lincoln Woods Trailhead
A short 15-minute bike ride wrapped up the day.
Hike Summary
Name: Owl’s Head via Black Pond & Brutus Bushwhacks
Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Route: Lincoln Woods → Bike to Black Pond → Black Pond Bushwhack → Owl’s Head Slide → Summit → Brutus Bushwhack → Black Pond → Bike out
Distance: 14.33 miles total (2.74 mi bike + 11.59 mi hike)
Elevation Gain: ~3,138 ft (270 ft bike + 2,868 ft hike)
Total Time: ~6 hrs 20 min (7:09 AM – 1:30 PM)
Class: 1–2 (rugged footing, steep slide, bushwhack navigation)
Trailhead Access: Lincoln Woods Trailhead, very popular, fills early
-
🧱 Owl’s Head Slide – A narrow, loose chute with steep climbing and the only real open views on the mountain
🧭 Bushwhack Shortcuts – Black Pond & Brutus routes make the approach drier and more efficient, now well-worn paths of their own
🚲 Bike Approach – Lincoln Woods Trail is perfect for a quick ride in/out, saving time on an otherwise tedious approach
🌲 Remote Summit – Deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Owl’s Head is one of the most secluded of the 4,000-footers
Gallery
Disclaimer: Everything you find here—whether it’s a hiking guide or trail story—is meant for inspiration, not instruction. I’m not a guide or responsible for what happens if you decide to follow a wrong turn or take on more trail than you’re ready for.
The outdoors can be unpredictable, so always use your own judgment, check official resources, and know your limits. By using this site, you agree it’s all at your own risk. Take what inspires you, leave what doesn’t, and go make it your own adventure.