“The best views come after the hardest climb.” – Unknown
Whenever I am looking at destinations or hiking locations around the world I have a tendency to look for the challenges. Something that will push my body to it’s limits. A way to see just what I am capable of. That is what brought me to the Presidential Traverse Trail in New Hampshire.
Don’t get me wrong I am also going there to get out into nature and experience the immense between of that area. But having that extra twist really gets my adrenaline pumping.
The Basics of the Presidential Traverse
What is the presidential traverse?
The presidential traverse is a series of 4000-ft mountains in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Aptly named the mountains themselves are all named after various US presidents: Madison (5367-ft), Adams (5774-ft), Jefferson (5712-ft), Clay (5533-ft), Washington (6288-ft), Monroe (5384-ft), Franklin (5001-ft), Eisenhower (4780-ft), Pierce (4310-ft) and Jackson (4052-ft).
Where is it?
There are two main options for hiking this trail, Northbound or Southbound. Going southbound tends to be the most recommended because you get the hardest section out of the way with fresh legs. The Northbound section begins at the Highland Center at Crawford Notch. If you are headed Southbound, you will begin at the base of Mount Madison.
But the White Mountains region of New Hampshire is home to more than just the presidential traverse. The White Mountains cover about a quarter of the state, plus a small portion of Maine. They are a part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and are mostly made up of public lands.
Logistics
Where to stay
There are several options along the way. It all depends on your plan. You can do the challenge and hike the entire trail in one day, in which case you will camp at the beginning or end of the trail. Or you can tackle it over several days, which seems to be recommended by a lot of people.
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) operates several alpine huts along the trail, eight to be exact. Not all fall along the presidential traverse but offer hikers the ability to hike into these huts, enjoy a place to sleep and some great food.
Madison Spring Hut (44.328037, -71.283569) was originally built in 1888 but has been newly rebuilt and is the AMCs first high mountain hut. If you are hiking north to south, this is the first hut you will come across at around the 4-mile mark. If you are just passing through you can stop here to fill up your water and check the forecast.
Once you leave Mount Washington, you will hike through Crawford Path, the oldest continuously maintained footpath in the US, and passing a large boulder field to reach the Lake of the Clouds Hut (44.258831, -71.318817).
This is the highest and most visited of the AMC huts and is considered a bucket list destination. As I plan my trek, I am strongly considering staying here overnight just to experience this spot. This would make my trek over two days instead of one, skewing my challenge.
The Mizpah Spring Hut is also located a short distance from the Crawford Path, nestled between two 4,000-ft peaks. Though it is 2.6-miles from the trailhead it boasts large, south-facing windows, smaller bunkrooms and a library.
How to get there and back
When doing a longer stretch the question always comes up on how do you get back to your car? The AMC also has that all figured out. Providing a hiker shuttle from May 30 to September 22, you can park your car at the Appalachia Trailhead for $3/day and then take the Valley Trail up to your first summit, Mount Madison.
The take one of the AMC’s many shuttles back to your car once you have finished. Or, bring a friend and park a car at either end. Whatever works best for you.
Check out the AMC’s hiker shuttle map and schedule for more information.
The Gear
Packing tips
The weather on this trail is some of the most unpredictable weather in North America. You can get a snowstorm in the middle of the summer, the winds are some of the highest in the world, and a thunderstorm can roll in faster than you can scramble to the nearest hut.
So, being prepared is an understatement. Some of the packing tips I have found include the following:
- Hat and mittens
- Rain gear
- Sun Protection
- Whistle
- Compass and maps
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles
- Make sure your phone is charged
- Headlamp
- Sleeping gear/tent (depending if you are camping or staying at one of AMC’s huts)
- Good, well broken in shoes
Food and water
From my research it would appear that the AMC huts provide opportunities for food and water fill-ups. Also, at the top of Mount Washington is a large tourist stop with food and water. Though the crowds can be a bit much and it can be a time suck if you are trying to hike the whole thing in one go.
The Challenge
Fitness preparations
This hike is no joke. With elevation gains totaling around 9,000-ft and some seriously rugged terrain, you need to be relatively fit to complete this trek. No one should take this trek lightly; it can end in injury or worse. Being prepared and knowing what your body is capable of is key.
If you are uncertain of your ability to complete this trail, one recommendation is to hike the Franconia Ridge Loop. It is a 9-mile trek over Mount Lincoln, Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack. This will provide some similar challenges to the presidential traverse giving you an idea of the challenge ahead.
Take the challenge or modify it
So, there are many options for doing this. Some people complete the 20+ mile trek in one day, some do it over multiple days. The challenge, of course, is to complete the trek in one day. I really want to do it in one day, so I can say I did, but I also want to be able to enjoy the scenery and experience the AMC huts.
I don’t think there is any wrong way to go about it. Regardless of your choice, it’s going to be difficult. But with some of the most stunning scenery on the East Coast, no matter you choice, it’s one of the beset hikes you can choose.
Final Thoughts
If you plan to tackle the Presidential Traverse trail, make sure you keep a close watch on the weather, pack appropriately, and bring a map with you. Don’t rely solely on your cellphone because you never know. And if at all possible, hike with a friend.
For more information on the Presidential Traverse Trail, see the links below and stay tuned for my account of the trail.
Doing the Presidential Traverse Hike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains | Tips
