Itinerary 1: Southern Presidential Exploration, Two Nights in Mizpah Spring Hut
Summary: This route takes hikers into the Southern Presidential Range to the AMC's Mizpah Spring Hut, where teams will stay for two nights. Depending on the teams' trail choices, this itinerary can be less physically challenging, more physically challenging, or quite challenging. Teams will have the option to summit up to six mountains that exceed 4,000 feet. Hiking in the Southern Presidential ridge on Day 2 provides stunning views of the surrounding Presidential Range. By staying at Mizpah Hut for two nights, hikers can carry slightly less gear and food in their packs on Saturday's adventure.
Rating: 2-5
Day 1: Leave from the Crawford Path trailhead or the Webster-Jackson trailhead (off of Route 302). Hike directly to the hut OR summit Mount Jackson and/or Webster on the way to the hut.
Day 2: Enjoy day hikes in the area by hiking north on the Crawford Path as far as the team desires, with possibilities to summit Mounts Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe. Teams will then head back to Mizpah Hut using the same route, or they will follow a different route that loops back to the hut.
Day 3: Hike out to Crawford Notch with options to summit Mounts Webster or Jackson or swim on the way out.
Itinerary 2: Pemi Ridge Traverse, Zealand Falls Hut to Galehead Hut
Summary: On this traverse, hikers will have the opportunity to travel through the Pemigewasset Wilderness, one of the most spectacular regions in the Whites. Hikers will hike into Zealand Notch over Mount Hale, or for a longer first day, over Mount Tom. Zealand Falls Hut is located next to a spectacular waterfall. On Saturday's adventure, hikers will have the opportunity to hike along a beautiful ridgeline, with views into one of the most remote parts of the White Mountain National Forest.
Rating: 3-4
Day 1: Leave from Zealand Road (off Route 302) and follow a route over Mount Hale to Zealand Falls Hut OR leave from Crawford Notch and hike the Avalon Trail to the A-Z trail to Zealand Falls Hut (optional summit of Mount Tom). Spend the night at Zealand Falls Hut.
Day 2: Hike on the Twinway from Zealand Notch to Galehead Hut, summiting three mountains over 4,000 feet on the way. Spend the night at Galehead Hut.
Day 3: Hike out the Gale River Trail to the trailhead.
Itinerary 3: Northern Presidential Adventure, Madison Spring Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Summary: The Northern Presidentials are the home of Mount Washington, New England's highest peak. On Friday, teams can hike up either the peaceful forest or take a more thrilling hike up a steep trail that brings them above treeline and offers beautiful views into King's Ravine. Satursday's adventure will bring all hikers to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, located at 5,050 feet on the Southern shoulder of Mount Washington. In the case of severe weather, hikers will not hike across the exposed ridge; instead, a bus will pick up hikers at the Appalachia trailhead and shuttle them to the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead. This route offers incredible views and the opportunity to observe rare and delicate alpine flowers.
Rating: 4-5
Day 1: Leave from the Appalachia trailhead on Route 2. Ascend to Madison Spring Hut by way of the Valley Way, Airline, or other trails. Stay overnight at Madison Spring Hut.
Day 2: Traverse the challenging and beautiful Northern Presidential Range on an almost completely above-treeline ridge. Teams can summit all, some, or none of the following mountains: Mounts Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Washington. Stay overnight at Lakes of the Clouds Hut.
Day 3: Hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the Cog Railway parking lot. Possible hike up to Mount Monroe first thing in the morning and opportunities to swim on the way out.
Itinerary 4: Backcountry Camping
Summary: There are no huts with running water and prepared meals for this option. The Backcountry Team will have the opportunity to plan and prepare meals together on portable stoves. The White Mountains offer a range of backcountry camping possibilities with great day hikes from the established camp. No prior experience in backcountry camping is required. Hikers who choose this option should be prepared to carry tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, and they must contribute to the route-planning each day. This route offers a great opportunity for hikers to learn about backcountry camping experience in a supportive environment.
Rating: 3-5
The team leader(s) will determine the actual schedule and itinerary for this route closer to the date of the hike. A minimum of three hikers and one team leader is needed for this route option to take place.
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