Trails: 1,200 miles of trails, the most challenging of
which are in the Presidential Range. The Presidential Range
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.
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. A large slate
of outdoor programs and guided tours are also conducted by the
AMC.
The Whites straddle the eastern border with Maine where there
are also many trails. Access fee:Parking
pass is required for certain areas 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 Related links: GORP's
White Mountains Hiking Guide Winter Hiking in the White MountainsDartmouth College info on hiking the White Mountains New Hampshire
Trail Conditions 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. 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 local businesses Weather forecast:Mount
Washington Tourism info:White Mountains Tourism
| Mount
Washington Valley Chamber Getting to the trail: Many 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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