Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – Presidential Peaks
4 days
From $ 769
Duration4 days
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  • Etepia
  • Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – Presidential Peaks

Journey through the dramatic high peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains on this guided hut-to-hut hike. Rising up at 6,289′, New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a stunning sight to behold. Dramatic, high peaks lead to sweeping vistas, gorgeous sunsets are replaced with spectacular sunrises, and rugged trails lead to rewarding adventure experiences. We spend most of our time following the iconic Appalachian Trail, but we take a few detours through other picturesque routes in the area. As we progress along the trail each day, we experience challenging terrain, stay in remote huts, and—weather permitting—we summit the incredible Mount Washington. Along the way, our expert guides point out rare alpine vegetation, lead us to beautiful waterfalls and join us in experiencing the charm and camaraderie of these remote mountain huts. While our packs will be relatively light by normal backpacking standards, the trails we follow and the unpredictable mountain weather promise to provide a challenge to even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Despite the challenge, the journey is more than worth it. Looking for another option on the Appalachian Trail? Check out our Pemigewasset Wilderness hut-to-hut hiking trip.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: Appalachian Mountains
    Ages: 18+
Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – Presidential Peaks - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet for dinner and a pre-trip orientation at the AMC Highland Center.
Our trip begins today at the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Arrive at the AMC Highland Center between 3pm and 4:45pm to check into a dormitory-style room. If you arrive earlier in the day, the lodge staff is happy to recommend short hikes in the area. We meet our guides and fellow travelers at 5:30pm for an orientation and a review of the trip itinerary and gear list. We enjoy a family-style dinner, then turn in for the night in order to be well-rested for tomorrow’s hike. Dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and perhaps summit Mount Washington.
We shuttle to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead to begin our hike. The first 1.5 miles of the trail is relatively flat with excellent views of waterfalls, ponds and the surrounding rugged cliffs and rock faces. The final 1.5 miles will test our endurance as we navigate an extremely steep and often wet trail to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, the highest in the chain. The hut is co-ed bunkhouse style, with cold running water and composting toilets. Time, wind and weather permitting, an optional hike to the summit of Mount Washington (6,288’) may be possible. Wind speeds on Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, are some of the strongest ever recorded at up to 231 miles per hour. All meals included.
Hiking: 3.1 miles, 3 hours; elevation gain: 2,512'; Optional Mount Washington summit; 3 miles, 2.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,300'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike Crawford Path to summit four peaks en route to Mizpah Spring Hut.
Crawford Path, first established in 1819, is a designated National Recreation Trail. It leads us over Mount Monroe (5,372’), Mount Franklin (5,003’), Mount Eisenhower (4,780’) and Mount Pierce (4,311’). There is an abundance of rare alpine plants and flowers to be seen as we hike along ridgelines. Descending below the tree line, we reach Mizpah Spring Hut (3,800’), the youngest hut in the system. Note: Crawford Path Trail is almost exclusively above tree line; therefore, an alternate route will be used if wind and weather conditions are not favorable. All meals included.
Hiking Crawford Path: 5.1 miles, 6 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,233'. Hiking without summits: 4.8 miles, 5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,233'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike up Mount Jackson, our final leg of the Appalachian Trail.
Our final hike, weather permitting, takes us to the summit of Mount Jackson (4,052’). We then descend on the Webster-Jackson Trail and shuttle back to the AMC Highland Center to arrive between 2pm and 4pm. We enjoy a celebratory lunch together, then prepare for departures. Or, extend your stay to explore more of the White Mountains on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 4.5 miles, 5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 275'/2,152'.

End place: Appalachian Mountains

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • All accommodations
  • 3 wool blankets and 1 pillow at huts
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • professional guiding
  • taxes
  • transportation to/from trailheads when required

  • Accommodation

    One night - AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch, 2 nights - rustic shared-room bunkhouse lodging at AMC huts

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