Hike/Event Location: Bretton Woods NH
Trip Leader(s)
Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
Max # People: 15
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Strenuous
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At 6,288 ft. Mt. Washington is the tallest of the NH 4,000 footers and the highest in all of New England and the Northeast! Though the summit is puny compared to other great mountain ranges of the world, Mt. Washington is renowned worldwide for its fierce weather and frequent fatalities. Being the tallest of the peaks, it’s no surprise that the mountain is among the most visited summits in New England. We will ascend up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and Crawford Path from the base of the Cog Railroad with lunch in the summit cafeteria.
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and Crawford Path is an interesting and beautiful route to Mt. Washington, with many fine falls, cascades, and pools, and affords excellent views from its upper section. But the section between Gem Pool and Lakes of the Clouds Hut is very steep and rough and is likely to prove arduous to many hikers, particular to a person in poor physical condition. At 3.1 miles we reach Lakes of the Clouds Hut where we can refill water and take a break. We’ll then take the Crawford Path and be fully exposed to weather for the next 1.5 miles to reach Mt. Washington.
We’ll descend using the Trinity Heights Connector, Gulfside Trail and Jewell Trail for a total of 5 miles. We’ll continue to be fully exposed to weather for the next 2 miles as we descend the westerly ridge of Mt. Clay, with magnificent views into the Great Gulf and across to the northern peaks!
Because the hike involves extensive hiking above treeline, attention to safety and the mountain’s notoriously fickle weather is of paramount importance. Proper gear is a must!!! In addition to safety precautions, you should note that this is arduous climb involving 3,900 elevation gain. It will be 9.6 miles roundtrip.
After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ! It’s BYOB and it costs $10 per person. It we get back early enough we take a dip in the Mad River. After the BBQ, depending on the group’s wishes, we can have a campfire!
Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $25 per night…add $10 for Saturday dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!
Leave US 302 at Fabyan and drive on the Base Road 5.5 all the way to the end where you will reach the Cog Railway Base Center. As soon as you arrive, there is a hiker parking lot on the right where you'll have to pay a parking fee. The parking fee is $10 per vehicle so carpooling is encouraged. We are driving a blue Toyota Tacoma truck.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Hi All: We decided to switch the hike to Mt. Garfield. This trail is much less exposed and doesn't have any stream crossings so is a better choice for tomorrow. We will be starting at 8AM from the Mt. Garfield trailhead. Please let me know if you have any questions. BobCat
Ugh!! I've been going back on forth on tomorrow comparing all the weather apps. As much as I want to get in a big hike the whole afternoon looks like a medium to higher likelihood of thunderstorms on Garfield. Light rain is one thing but hiking in heavy rain just not fun. The weather will probably turn out fine but sorry Bob, I'm going to bail. If anyone is up for hiking on the 15th please post, I'd be happy to lead/ co lead something.
Gents, I will reschedule for another weekend. Take care, Rich
I agree to switch to Garfield, I was leaning towards bailing on the hike due to exposure and the possibility of thunderstorms all afternoon- but where is the 50% likelihood coming from? Have not seen that %. Elsewhere
I was looking at Weather Underground for Twin Mountain, which seemed close to Mt. Washington base. The rain % is higher now, up to 69. ;) https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/nh/twin-mountain
I'm fine with Garfield or whatever else the group decides. Safety first, always.
I'm thinking it might be wise to switch the hike to Mt. Garfield instead of Mt. Washington to avoid the exposure if there are tstorms tomorrow. Would everyone be OK with this change?
Given the 50% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow I think I'm going to a do hike with better tree cover like Mt. Garfield. Hope you all have a great time on Washington!
Those of you who live in NH- what do you think the trail conditions will be in a few days? I'm wondering with all this crazy rain if the trails will be really muddy and streams difficult to cross?
Thanks, Bob. I would like to stay at your house Friday night and join the pot-luck dinner on Saturday. I can't cancel my reservation for Saturday night, so I'll be leaving after dinner.
Thanks very much, Bob, for agreeing to lead the trip and host people who want to stay over. I share Rob's interest in knowing about trail conditions and streams we might need to cross or ford - in addition to the current forecast, which includes a chance of t-storms. I will continue to monitor the forecast and make a final decision about doing this big hike. Also wishing Mike and Jon well with caring for Mom. Hope she's doing better!
It's going to be sunny in NH for a few days now so the streams and trails will have a chance to dry out some. The trail will probably be a little wet & slippery though so hiking poles will help. But the waterfalls on the Ammo trail will be beautiful with all the recent rainfall.
Trails are wet as well as the rocks so it's slow going. There is only one tricky crossing on this route at the base of Gem Pool. You may have to put your feet in the water for this crossing so having a spare of dry socks would help.
Hi All: I will be able to take over leading this hike (Mt. Washington) from Mike & Jon who will not be able to attend. Hikers are invited to stay over at my house near Franconia, NH on Friday & Saturday nights or stop by after the hike for an apre-hike get-together. Hikers can arrive anytime after 5PM on Friday evening. Please email me for directions or to RSVP if staying over. BobCat
