HIKES & EVENTS
Mt. Madison and Adams Hike
Hiking/Walk
DATE: Jul 20, 2019
END DATE: Jul 20, 2019
Hike/Event Location: Gorham NH
Trip Leader(s)
Gandalf
Thornton, NH United States,
JDNnh
Thornton, NH United States
Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
Max # People: 15
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Very Strenuous
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Summary
This is a big hike, but should be a fun one. There will be plenty of time above treeline and no shortage of views! Adams [5,774 feet] and Madison [5,367 feet] are part of the northern Presidential Range ~ and among the tallest peaks in the northeast [#2 and #5 respectively]. Time permitting when we return back to the Mad River Lodge, we can cool off in the Mad River followed by a BBQ.
Stats
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Distance: 9.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,244 feet
Time: 8-10 hours
Itinerary
Start: Appalachia Trailhead [Route 2]
Valley Way
Watson Path
Mt. Madison Summit [5,366 ft.]
Osgood Trail
Star Lake Trail
Mt. Adams Summit [5,799 ft.]
Air Line
End Appalachia Trailhead
The journey to the summit of Mt. Madison is long and steep with roughly 4,000 of elevation gain in the 4 miles it takes to get there. The open, rocky crest of Madison combines nearby views of Mt. Washington and Adams, the Great Gulf and the Carter Range. We'll descend to Madison Spring Hut to refill our water bottles.
Mt. Adams may seem pretty close, but it's another 1,000 foot climb in just one mile. [If you don't have the energy to continue up to Mt.Adams you can take a longer break at the Hut and then make your way to the Air Line to meet us on the descent.] We'll take the steep, rugged Star Lake Trail to the summit of Mt. Adams that is very steep and rocky, with large boulders and some ledge scrambling in the upper section. We'll hike by Star Lake that is a beautiful mountain pond sprinkled with lichen-dotted rocks. Many hikers have long considered Mount Adams to possess the grandest view of all the White Mountain 4,000 footers! We'll descend using Air Line that provides maximum views with our traverse of the exposed Knife Edge on upper Durand Ridge; the lookout into King Ravine is especially dramatic.
Due to the high elevation and level of exposure, we'll have to be particularly mindful of the weather forecast and adjust our plans if necessary.
Stuff To Bring:
- Non-cotton clothing [synthetics/wool]
- Layers
- Rain Gear
- Proper footwear [hiking shoes/boots]
- At least 2 liters of water [we'll get more water at the Hut]
- Sunscreen/Sunglasses
- Lunch/snacks
Afterwards: Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax on our deck [BYOB and bring snacks] and a BBQ! We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Please let us know you will join us for the BBQ so we have enough food. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.
Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!
Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot
Follow New Hampshire Route 16 north thorough Pinkham Notch to the town of Gorham and turn left [west] on U.S. Highway 2. The large Appalachia Trailhead parking area is on the left [south] side of the highway about 6 miles west of Gorham. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.
Or take I-93 North, then U.S Highway 3 North, and then New Hampshire Route 115. Turn right [east] on U.S. Highway 2 and drive about 12 miles [more or less] to the large Appalachia Trailhead parking area on the right [south] side of the highway. We'll be driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.
Trip Leader(s)
- Online Status: ONLINE
- Last Login: 03/29/2024 08:42 AM
- Member Since: 08/20/2001
- Approved By: Gandalf
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 12/27/2023 01:14 PM
- Member Since: 10/30/2001
- Approved By: Gandalf
members signed up for this event
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 03/29/2024 03:41 AM
- Member Since: 09/23/2013
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 03/28/2024 06:58 PM
- Member Since: 01/24/2009
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: ONLINE
- Last Login: 03/29/2024 08:41 AM
- Member Since: 12/16/2008
- Driving My Own Car
(Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 03/28/2024 05:22 AM
- Member Since: 12/09/2018
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)