SUMMARY:
This will be a 10-11 mile, all day hike, starting from Pinkham Notch. There will be lots of elevation gain. We will ascend Tuckerman Ravine and Lion's head trails to get to the Alpine Garden Trail. If we're lucky the Alpine flora will be in full bloom! Here's a description of the Alpine Garden: https://www.nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt866/files/documents/alpine-garden-profile.pdf As long as the weather is comfortable, we will plan to slow our pace and take our time to take in and enjoy the 1 mile stretch of trail that runs through the Alpine Garden area. After the garden we will ascend over Ball Crag to the Washington summit, then descend along Nelson Crag Trail and Old Jackson Rd. Weather can change quickly and much of the day will be above treeline. Please come prepared. Recommended gear: Hiking boots/shoes with good traction, rain/wind gear, warm layers, headlamp, hat, sunscreen, bugspray. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks. We can refill water at the summit. Please arrive by 8:30am, we will start hiking at 8:45am.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:
This will be a 10-11 mile, all day hike, starting from Pinkham Notch. There will be lots of elevation gain. We will ascend Tuckerman Ravine and Lion's head trails to get to the Alpine Garden Trail. If we're lucky the Alpine flora will be in full bloom! Here's a description of the Alpine Garden: https://www.nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt866/files/documents/alpine-garden-profile.pdf As long as the weather is comfortable, we will plan to slow our pace and take our time to take in and enjoy the 1 mile stretch of trail that runs through the Alpine Garden area. After the garden we will ascend over Ball Crag to the Washington summit, then descend along Nelson Crag Trail and Old Jackson Rd. Weather can change quickly and much of the day will be above treeline. Please come prepared. Recommended gear: Hiking boots/shoes with good traction, rain/wind gear, warm layers, headlamp, hat, sunscreen, bugspray. Carry at least 2 liters of water, lunch and snacks. We can refill water at the summit. Please arrive by 8:30am, we will start hiking at 8:45am.