DATE: Feb 18, 2018 to Feb 18, 2018
Hiking/Walk Mts Washington & Monroe Hike

Meeting Time: 8:00 AM

Event Coordinator: shep5
Bretton Woods, NH
US

Max # People: 10

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

SUMMARY:

Join me for this out-and-back hike up to the highest point in the Northeast.  We will hike the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail from the Base Station.  On our way up to Mt. Washington (6288') we will pass by the Lake of the Clouds and its AMC hut before turning onto the Crawford Path.  Portions of the trail are modestly steep, but this route is generally well-traveled.  On our descent we will also take the short trip up and back to Mount Monroe (5372') before descending the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.  Much of this trip is above treeline, so we'll be exposed for a good portion of the day...but on a clear day the views are expansive across the Presidential Range.  Expect cold temperatures and wind, particularly on the summits.  NOTE:  The summit observatory is closed to the public in winter; however, there is an alcove set-up for hikers to get out of the wind.  As the observatory and hut are closed, there is no access to water.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  9.5 miles with approximately 3800 feet in cumulative elevation gain.

Total Time:  8 hours or more depending on breaks and group's speed.

Very harsh summit weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Snowshoes are REQUIRED and will be adequate for the entire hike (you may also wish to pack and carry microspikes).  Wear warm layered synthetic clothing suitable for the exposed range and summit...no cotton or blue jeans.  You should also have insulated boots and gloves suitable for the season.  Additionally, consider bringing goggles, face protection (balaclava), hand/foot warmers and a headlamp/flashlight.  Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike,

Carpooling:  Contact other participants or the trip leader to arrange for a rideshare to the trailhead.

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area (Fabyans).

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

From the intersection of Rts. 3 and 302 in Twin Mountain, take Route 302 east for 4.4 miles.  Just past Fabyan's Restaurant, turn left onto Base Station Road (there is a billboard for the Cog Railway here).  Take Base Station Road for 6.0 miles to the end.  Hikers must use the lower lot at the Cog Railway Station...it is marked.  Look for a gray Hyundai Elantra.

NOTE:  Use caution on the Base Station Road.  It is minimally-maintained...it is plowed, but it is typically not salted/sanded (there is usually some ice and snow on the road).

For GPS Users:  Mount Washington Cog Railway, Base Station Road, Bretton Woods, NH (44.268344,-71.353081).  To obtain custom directions, copy and paste the GPS coordinates directly into Google Maps.