Trails: The White Mountain encompass 1,200 miles of trails, the most challenging of
which are in the Presidential Range and includes a section of the Appalachian Trail. Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the tallest mountain in the northeastern US.
Hikers should be well-prepared when tackling the White Mountains, especially the Presidential Range where some of the worst weather on earth can occur. Carry rain gear and insulative clothing even on a warm summer day--the nicest weather can deteriorate rapidly into howling winds, fog and driving rain. Check the Forest Service website for trail conditions before you go.
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) oversees maintenance of the Appalachian and other trails in New Hampshire. It also operates several mountaintop huts in the Presidentials and a shuttle between trailheads at Pinkham and Crawford Notches. The AMC also conducts a large slate of outdoor programs and guided tours.
The Whites straddle the eastern border with Maine where there are also many trails. Access fee: A National Forest Recreation pass is required for parking in certain areas of the Whites. Nearest towns: Franconia, Conway, Lincoln, Gorham, NH Trail map: Maps and guidebooks of the White Mountains are published by the Appalachian Mountain Club. New Hampshire hiking books Web site:White Mountains National Forest | Appalachian Mountain
Club| Randolph Mountain Club Related links: GORP's White Mountains Hiking Guide Winter Hiking in the White Mountains Hike the Whites Views from the Top forum has conditions of trails in the northeastern US.
Points of interest:Mount Washington has a cog-railway to its summit from Bretton Woods and a toll road up its east flank. Other activities: Cross-country skiing Lodging: The AMC operates several backcountry huts in the Presidential Range and a dormitory at Pinkham Notch. The Randolph Mountain Club operates two cabins and two shelters on Mount Madison. Many hotels are located in towns such as Conway, Lincoln, Franconia, Mount Washington Valley and Gorham. Camping: Several campgrounds are operated by the Forest Service and by local businesses. Backcountry camping is permitted in many parts of the National Forest (see their website for rules and restrictions). There are tent platforms at several locations along the AT. Weather forecast:Mount Washington Tourism info:White Mountains Tourism | Mount Washington Valley Chamber Getting to the trail: Trailheads are found at Franconia Notch, Pinkham Notch, Crawford Notch and Dolly Copp, among others. The AMC operates a shuttle service between the trailheads of the Presidential Range. Map of local region:
Conway |
Lincoln |
Franconia |
Gorham
Area name: White Mountains Times hiked: Date last hiked: , Trails hiked: Throughout the Presidentials, the Carter
Range and Franconia Notch. Favourite trails: This is an awesome area, but don't
forget to go beyond the presidentials. Best time to go: summer, fall, winter Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: Tundra in the east -- 'nuff said. What I disliked: Mt. Washington is so overused, even on
nice winter days, that you feel like your in a cue from the
trailhead to the summit. The summit scene is even worse because
of the cars. That said, go hike it. Comments: Submitted by: pj from: Date submitted: June 2, 2002
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