Hiking the White Mountains Presidential Range
The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer boundless exploration. Home to world-class trekking, mountain biking, fishing, and some of the most epic terrain in the East, they Are Also Home to some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Known for their sweeping vistas, high-quality sunrises, rocky scrambles, and alpine ponds, the immoderate peaks of the Granite State provide year-round activity. Summer brings berry-deciding, fall offers leaf-peeping, and in wintry weather, snowshoeing is famous. Backpacking routes and day hiking trails abound. For those balancing backcountry enjoyment and front-country consolation, rustic huts staffed and maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club offer an accessible retreat from the factors.
Whether you aspire to scramble up one of the forty-eight peaks over 4,000 ft, phase hike the most challenging part of the Appalachian Trail, or go for a woodland stroll, there are infinite adventures. Lace up your hiking boots and join us on a profitable adventure within the White Mountains.
Below, we’ll show you the percentage of what you need to recognize to begin hiking in White Mountain National Forest. From how to get there and what time of the year you should visit to which trails to hike at the same time as you do, beginner-pleasant day hikes, or more strenuous multi day options—we’ve covered them for you.
About the White Mountains
History
The White Mountains are a subrange of the Greater Appalachian Mountain Range, the oldest mountain variety in the world. They are rich in geologic and cultural facts.
Over the years, the White Mountains have served as essential cultural websites for Native American villages, quarries, looking grounds, adventure grounds, and nonsecular practices. They also hosted early European settlements, farms, and Forest Service internet websites.
Within the White Mountains, the Presidential Range provides the most ambitious playground for aspiring adventurers. Comprising 13 mountains, nine of which might be over 4,000ft in elevation, the Presidential has long challenged anyone wanting to scale granite.
Today, the wilderness surrounding the White Mountains remains an exciting project for determined Appalachian Trail thru-hikers (who’ve to skip through the Whites en route), weekend warriors, and Boston day trippers.
Hiking the White Mountains
The White Mountains are frequently omitted by severe mountaineers because their maximum factor is a high–quality 6,288 ft—which pales in comparison to the 14,000ft peaks within the Rockies. However, the various White Mountain Summits provide hikes similar (and in a few cases more difficult) to those of the Colorado 14ers.
Why is that?
Although they don’t start at high elevations like the Colorado 14ers do, mile for mile, the elevation gain in the Whites is superb—several trails gain upwards of 500 ft in an unmarried mile and over 4,000ft of benefit for the day.
Moreover, the trails head straight up the mountain (the Northeastern Way) instead of the more excellent, gently graded switchback trails inside the Rocky Mountains.
Additionally, the White Mountains are granite mountains. Granite is inclined to be extra challenging (and slippery) to climb compared to the limestone and sandstone peaks in the Rockies.
Finally, New England’s quirky and each-converting weather offers a venture for people with summit aspirations. Unlike within the Rockies, where you could see a storm coming for miles, the White Mountains are infamous for spontaneous storms. It’s critical to test (and re-take a look at) the weather forecast before heading out.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the White Mountains is June—early October. If you could, try and catch the peak fall foliage; you won’t regret it. New Hampshire estimates that this takes place in Early October in the Whites.
Hiking in the White Mountains is viable all through the offseason, and many people climb the peaks in the iciness. However, it’s even more critical at some point during the winter months to keep an eye fixed on storms, avalanche situations, and winds, which could make things more complicated or unstable.
In truth, the observatory perched atop Mount Washington, the best peak in the presidential range, recorded an international file-breaking 231 mph wind speed in 1934 and set a trendy U.S. Windchill record (-108) in February 2023.
How to Get there
The White Mountain National Forest, typically located in north-massive New Hampshire, has a protected location of nearly 800,000 acres. Numerous gateway towns and visitor centers are located across the White Mountains; however, with many stretches of faraway roads, an excursion by car is the best way to get around. If searching for flights and renting an automobile, don’t forget the subsequent places and pressure times:
- Boston, MA – 2.5hrs
- Portland, ME –1.5hrs
- Concord, NH –1.5hrs
Favorite White Mountain Hikes
Below, we’ve mentioned some of our favorite hikes in the White Mountains. From clean day hikes to multi day treks, our top alternatives are right here.
Arethusa Falls
Easy Day Hike
2.8 Miles back
Arethusa Falls offers an excellent introductory summer season trail for those searching for a clean hike in the White Mountains. The route ascends to New Hampshire’s tallest and most stunning waterfall, Arethusa Falls, and a sequence of smaller cascades around it. Pack in shape, supply the kids, and get ready to splash around on a hot summer time’s day. Leashed and properly-behaved dogs are welcome. Lonesome Lake and Hut – Franconia Range
Moderate Day Hike
If you’re up for a mild day hike and want to tick off another us of a park, this trail leads into the Franconia Range of the White Mountains. It culminates at Lonesome Lake, a lovely frame of water boasting Franconia Notch and Mount Lafayette perspectives. It’s one of the first-class bangs-in-your-dollar hikes inside the Whites!
In addition to stellar perspectives, you may cool off with a dip inside the Lake at the pinnacle or even spend the night time at AMC’s Lonesome Lake Hut. The hut offers accommodations, meals, water (plus path buddies). Take a top at the beautiful Lonesome Lake Hut here.
If you can’t get enough of these days’ hike, save your spot on our 4-day adventure through the Whites, which mixes some of the lesser-visited (however beautiful) AT and Franconia Notch components.
Mount Washington – Presidential Range
Strenuous Day Hike:
~8 4 Out and again
At 6,288ft, Mount Washington is the highest (and most pointed out) height in the Northeast. Nowadays, visitors can take the Mount Washington Auto Road or maybe the cog rail to the summit, but hiking is our preferred method.
The most well-known route to the top of Mount Washington is the Tuckerman’s Ravine Trail. This difficult direction traverses steep, rocky terrain and may be crowded at some point in the summertime. The path ascends to Hermit Lake, travels alongside the west issue of a ravine, beyond the Tuckerman Bowl, up to the headwall, and finally through a boulder problem to the top.
Your payoff is unforgettable perspectives of the Atlantic Ocean, Vermont, and the Adirondacks. Plus, snacks and commemorative trinkets are on the market now, save on pinnacle, epic images, ops, and bragging rights.
After a rowdy day on the route, descend the peak and head into the city for a Mount Washington Organic Amber Ale and Pizza at Shannon Door Irish Pub (a New England Classic), or choose to make it in a single-day trip and crash on the mountain at the long-lasting Lake of the Clouds AMC hut.
Note: Before climbing this peak, it’s important to be privy to the dangers. Mount Washington sits at the convergence of 3 storm zones and is known for its ever-changing climate and high wind speeds. Check the conditions before you hit the route, and ensure that you’ve packed all the essential gear and more in case.
Alternatively, let our skilled mountain courses lead you to the top.
Presidential Traverse – Appalachian Trail
Multi Day Trip
18.5 eight,200ft + Gain thing
She is known domestically because of the “Prezi Traverse,” but this multiday journey isn’t always a comic story. It’s an antique East Coast granddaddy-of-a route.
Most hikers take 2-three days to deal with the presidential range. The direction is steep and thorny, however ever-so worthwhile. It’s a notoriously hard section of the Appalachian Trail. We recommend hiking from north to south. Most of the hike is above tree line and certain sections may be very scrambly – with loose rock.
Charming backcountry huts provide a superb respite from the elements and a risk to connect with like-minded hikers along the way. First-come-first-serve tent websites provide some different overnight options for trail-weary hikers.
From sun-soaked valley perspectives to a moonscape of rocky scrambles, lace up your boots and hit the path. But first, take a look at this video of the traverse on our YouTube channel.
Note: This traverse is not for learners. The winds may be fierce during the summertime, and lightning storms can circulate quickly. Check the weather situations before you go and be willing to show up again if necessary.
Allow us to guide you on an epic traverse of the Presidential Range.
The AMC Hut System
Founded in the late 1800s, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation enterprise. For centuries, generations of Northeasterners have been working hard to conserve lands and provide access to the general public. Today, the AMC maintains a series of eight High Mountain Huts in the White Mountains.
These huts join 50 miles of pristine wilderness and offer tired hikers a place to put up, get warm, and devour a warm meal. Plus, they’re captivating and provide remarkable perspectives of the New England landscape. Take a peek; you’ll be amazed at how “cute” they will be.