Our adventure begins on Saturday, July 13, 2024, and finishes on Sunday, July 21. Led by experienced AMC volunteer leaders, you will climb the nationally famous Franconia Ridge, traverse the rugged northern Pemigewasset Wilderness ranges, and cross the Presidential Range featuring some of the most scenic terrain on the entire Appalachian Trail! The overall group size varies from year to year, but averages between twelve and eighteen hikers plus your volunteer leaders.
Upon arriving at the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch on Saturday afternoon, we will get ourselves organized, enjoy a hearty dinner and rest up for the week ahead. Early Sunday morning, we will travel by van to Franconia Notch where we begin our trek. Nights along the path of our journey, we will stay at six of the AMC’s eight backcountry huts.
Each morning after breakfast, we break into smaller groups to hike to the day’s destination hut. On some days, in addition to following the direct route there may also be side trip opportunities to consider (see the itinerary below for some examples). The leaders will help organize the groups based on hiker pacing, route preferences, and above all, weather and trail conditions. On a given day in light of those factors, one or more route choices may not be suitable for everyone. Such decision calls are at the leaders’ discretion.
As we arrive at each day’s destination hut, we check in and are assigned bunks. Until dinner time, we are free to explore the local area or simply relax at the hut.
Weather and physical stamina permitting, we hope to cover between 40 and 70 miles and gain between 16,000 and 24,000 feet of elevation while targeting 30+ high peaks and land features, more than 20 of which are on the official AMC White Mountain Four Thousand Footers list (a.k.a. “the NH 48”).
About AMC’s mountain huts
The stunning backcountry locations and unique “off-the-grid” facilities of the AMC hut system make the huts a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps guests coming back year after year. Each hut operates around a communal dining room and large bunkrooms. The co-ed bunkrooms offer individual bunks with mattresses (wool blankets and pillow provided – see gear list for more notes), a small reading light and plenty of room to stash your gear. There is no electricity beyond basic lighting, no Wi-Fi, little cell-reception and the huts are unheated. Potable water is available at all facilities. The gender-neutral bathrooms feature composting toilets and running (cold!) water for washing up.
The huts are staffed by fantastic Croo members who can provide greater information about the local natural environment, green initiatives and how the hut system operates. They also cook our breakfast and dinner, served family style in hiker quantities (see Food for more information).
The huts operate on a “carry-in, carry-out” basis. Be prepared to remove any trash you generate (e.g. bar wrappers, tissues, tea bags, etc.).
Who does a trip like this?
Past participants have ranged in age from 18 to 70 and cover the spectrum of experience from relative newbies to White Mountain veterans. The keys are to:
- Possess a strong desire to hike some of the most scenic, rugged territory east of the Mississippi in the company of like-minded adventurers while at the same time being prepared to change plans with the team for safety as the day’s conditions require;
- Have appropriate gear; weather is a very real concern. While we hope for clear, cool weather, New England mountains are notorious for frequently changing conditions , with extremes of heat, cold, wind and wet possible even in summer. Appropriately managing this challenge requires carrying sufficient gear;
- Train both to be physically fit for hiking, as well as comfortable with moving along New Hampshire’s rugged trails. Although there are occasional stretches of smooth treadway, we will be walking on and scrambling over many rocks, roots and ledges, which may be wet. These can be particularly challenging to descend. There are various spots where one will need to use both hands and feet to negotiate a section of trail, a.k.a. “scrambling.” We recommend that you start a hiking regimen and/or other suitable fitness routine at least three months in advance so you can be prepared to be active all day for many days in a row. Historically, the number one reason that participants have had to cut their trip short is that they were not adequately prepared either in fitness or for the difficult terrain.
Itinerary
The PRH route is remote, committing, and in places highly exposed to the weather. Route options for any day, and even the direct hut-to-hut route, may not be possible in all conditions. To ensure group safety, leaders may make alternate plans in the field based on conditions.
Day 0 – Arrive Joe Dodge Lodge
Arrive at AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center in time to check in at the Joe Dodge Lodge at 3 pm or shortly thereafter. Our orientation will begin there at 3:30 pm. You will bring your fully packed backpack including all gear. We will introduce everyone and discuss the hike, hike rules, self-care, check packs and distribute lunch/snack foods.. Drop off your mid-trip resupply bag before heading to dinner.
Day 1 – Franconia Ridge and Greenleaf Hut
The direct route to the Greenleaf hut gives you a taste of White Mountains trail with a steep and rocky climb below the tree line. Optionally, leave your gear at the hut before climbing to the summit of Mt. Lafayette. The longer route takes you up the side of the ridge, starting off with wet rocks, waterfalls and stream crossings. It then transitions to large, forested switchbacks. You will then emerge from the woods, crest Franconia Ridge, hike over multiple summits and enjoy 360 degree views before descending from Lafayette’s summit down through the boulder field to the hut. For more details on this and subsequent days’ hike options, see Chart – PRH Hike Choices.
Day 2 – Garfield Ridge to Galehead Hut
Arguably the most difficult day of the trip; we climb up and down two 4000 footers and several smaller knobs along the northern Pemigewasset wilderness. The trail is steep, rocky and often wet at inconvenient spots. This is a test for many people, eliciting sighs of relief and accomplishment upon reaching Galehead Hut. There is often time to pay a quick visit to nearby Galehead Mountain and its great view back to the hut and its perch on the ridge.
Day 3 – Galehead to Zealand Falls Hut
It is a steady climb from Galehead Hut to the summit of South Twin Mt (weather permitting, the views are great) before tracking through beautiful subalpine forest over Mt Guyot and up Zealand Mt. We then follow the Zealand ridge to Zeacliff, a spectacular lookout point, and descend to the Zealand Falls Hut. Add-on hike options increase mileage, elevation and the summit count over similar terrain.
Day 4 – Zealand Falls Hut rest day
During our rest day we have a chance to relax and recharge. We will be staying at Zealand Falls Hut for a second night. Enjoy the falls at the hut or join the group for a relatively gentle 4-mile round trip walk to spectacular Thoreau Falls. A more challenging hike up Mt Hale is also an option, featuring forested terrain similar to the previous two days.
Day 5 – Mizpah Hut via Crawford Notch
We start the day with a steady hike through the woods up to the Willey ridge before descending to Crawford Notch and the for our resupply. At the AMC Highland Center you have the opportunity to take a welcome shower, exchange dirty clothes for clean ones and replenish lunch/snack food. Via the well-worn Crawford Path, another steady climb brings us to Mizpah hut, with an optional side-trip from the hut to the open summit of Mt. Jackson if time allows.
Day 6 – Southern Presidentials to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Weather permitting, the next two days feature some of the best views in the White Mountains. In foul weather, these exposed trails are dangerous. A steep climb brings us from the hut to the ridge line and Mt. Pierce. We then traverse the rocky trail up and down the ridge, at times on ledges across Mts. Eisenhower and Monroe to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. There is an option to bypass Mt. Monroe and return with a lighter pack. There is also an option to climb to the summit of Mt Washington – affectionately known as The Rock Pile – after stopping at the hut. The trail becomes increasingly rocky and can be challenging when wet.
Day 7 – Northern Presidentials to Madison Spring Hut
We hike the backbone of the Presidential Range from Lakes of the Clouds Hut to Madison Spring Hut. The likely summits we will visit include Mts Clay, Jefferson and Adams. While stark and glorious, these Northern Presidential summits are essentially piles of boulders over, on and between which we will be stepping carefully. The exception: watch for patches of verdant alpine vegetation on Mt. Clay. The views are tremendous in good weather, but become hazardous in poor conditions. If safety requires it, we will skirt these summits.
Day 8 – Return to the valley
Our final day often begins with a short trip to the summit of Mt. Madison, where – weather permitting – we can see back across the entire week’s route. The terrain on Madison is similar to what we experienced the previous day. The descent from the hut drops immediately below tree line, initially quite steep and rocky, before gradually becoming more mellow along the brooks leading back to the road. A short van ride returns us to Joe Dodge Lodge. Unless you elect to shower at the Pinkham visitor center, you should be ready to leave for home by 3:30 or 4:00.