Miles to Go Before I Sleep, or 2010 Routes

Wilderness Heals offers a range of hiking routes that are uniquely tailored to a variety of skills and interests. Routes are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Routes for Wilderness Heals 2009 are listed below:

Itinerary 1: Pemi Ridge Exploration, Two Nights in Galehead Hut

Hikers on this route spend two nights at the remote and beautiful Galehead Hut, located at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Depending on the team's trail choices, this route can be anywhere from relaxing to strenuous. Spending two nights at Galehead allows hikers to explore portions of the Pemigewasset Wilderness at their own pace, as well as providing possibilities to summit one or more 4,000-foot peaks. Hikers can also carry slightly less gear and food in their packs on Saturday's adventure.

Rating: 2-5

Day 1: Hikers will choose from one of three routes to reach Galehead Hut. The most strenuous option is to hike from the North Twin trailhead up and over North and South Twin mountains. Another challenging route brings hikers up and over Mount Garfield. A less challenging option is a shorter hike up the Gale River Trail to the Garfield Ridge Trail.

Day 2: Hikers may take a relaxed jaunt to Thirteen Falls or hike along the Twinway to Zealand Falls. Or if they want to bag a peak or two, they can choose from several 4,000-foot mountains: Mount Bond, West Bond, Bondcliff, North and South Twin, Mount Garfield, and Mount Lafayette. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.

Day 3: Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.

Itinerary 2: Lark at Lonesome Lake, Two Nights in Lonesome Lake Hut

This route takes hikers up the west slopes of Franconia Notch. This leg can be very gentle or more strenuous, with the option to summit up to three 4,000-foot peaks: Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, and South Kinsman. Hikers will spend two nights at Lonesome Lake Hut.

Rating: 1-4

Day 1: Hikers will depart from one of three locations in Franconia Notch. The most challenging is up the Kinsman Ridge Trail over Cannon Mountain. The most direct is via the Lonesome Lake Trail, and a slightly longer but gentler route is up the Cascade Brook Trail.

Day 2: Hikers can stay near the hut and explore the lovely Lonesome Lake or take a jaunt to the beautiful Kinsman Pond, where they can summit North and/or South Kinsman Mountains. The steep-walled Kinsman Flume is also reachable. They can also take in the panoramic views from the summit of Cannon Mountain. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.

Day 3: Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. A shuttle will drive them to the reception at the Highland Center.

Itinerary 3: Alpine Traverse, Madison Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut

This is the most ambitious hike option for 2010. Hikers will explore the Presidential range, spending the majority of their time in the alpine zone. Traveling from Madison Spring Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut allows hikers to take in the stunning views along the ridge and includes possibilities to summit seven of the White Mountain’s 4,000-foot peaks, including Mount Washington. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Presidential Venture.

Rating: 3-5

Day 1: Many trails lead to Madison Spring Hut, either from the Appalachia trailhead or various locations along Route 16 (near Pinkham Notch). All involve quite a climb, as Madison Hut is located at 4,800 feet, near the summits of Mounts Madison and Adams. Teams have the option of summiting Madison or Adams after reaching the hut.

Day 2: Follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, with options to summit or skirt several Presidential peaks, including Mounts Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Washington. Teams may also decide to scale Mount Monroe after reaching the hut. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Presidential Venture on Day 2.

Day 3: On the final day, hikers can hike out to the reception at the Highland Center via the Crawford Path, with the option to summit Mounts Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce. Alternative options are to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport hikers to the Highland Center Reception.

Note: Hikers will not cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Appalachia trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail.

Itinerary 4: Presidential Venture, Mizpah Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut

This is a moderate hike option for hikers to explore the Southern Presidential range. This route invites hikers to summit six 4,000-foot mountains, including Mount Washington--New England's highest peak--over the three-day span. Hikers will take in stunning views along the ridge as they travel from hut to hut. This route also allows hikers to meet up with other Wilderness Heals teams coming from the Alpine Traverse.

Rating: 3-5

Day 1: Hikers will be dropped off at Crawford Path to ascend to Mizpah Spring Hut. Those looking for a more challenging route can trek in over Mount Pierce. Afternoon hikes include Mount Pierce or a loop over Mount Webster and Mount Jackson.

Day 2: Hikers will follow the Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut with the option to summit Mounts Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe. After unloading extra weight at the hut, hikers can scale Mount Washington to take in the panoramic views of the Presidentials. Hikers will meet up with hikers from the Alpine Traverse on Day 2.

Day 3: On the final day, hikers can choose to hike down the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and a shuttle will transport them to the reception.

Note: Hikers will not cross the ridge if thunder storms are predicted on the second day. In the event of inclement weather, they will hike down to the Crawford Path trailhead, catch a ride to the Cog Railway station, and hike to Lakes of the Clouds via the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail.

Itinerary 5: Franconia Ridge Exploration, Two Nights in Greenleaf Hut

Hikers on this route spend two nights at the beautiful Greenleaf Hut, at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Depending on your team’s trail choices, this route can be anywhere from strenuous to relaxing. Spending two nights at Greenleaf allows hikers to explore portions of the Franconia Ridge Trail at their own pace and allows opportunities to summit three 5,000-foot peaks.

Rating: 2-5

Day 1: Hikers will choose one of three routes: the strenuous climb up Falling Waters Trail, the more moderate climb along Old Bridle Path, or the less challenging but longer hike along the Skookumchuck Trail.

Day 2: Summiting opportunities abound on the second day, or teams may choose to take it easy. Hikers may climb to Mount Lafayette and continue across the ridge to Mount Lincoln, Little Haystack, and even Mount Liberty. Hikers may leave non-required gear and hike with lighter packs.

Day 3: Hikers have the same trail options as on Day 1, but in reverse. The bus will meet the teams at the trailhead and drive them to the Highland Center in Crawford Notch.

Itinerary 6: Backcountry Camping

Unlike the other options, hikers on this leg do not stay in huts with running water and prepared meals. Backcountry hikers sleep in tents and prepare their meals on portable stoves. 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 contribute to route planning each day.

Note: a minimum of three registered hikers (and a Team Leader) are required for the backcountry route to take place.

Rating: 3-5

Days 1-3: Backcountry hikers will decide their route for all three days as a team. Campsite(s) will be chosen by May, depending on the size of the Backcountry Team. For logistical purposes, 2010 campsite options are: Nauman Tentsite, Ethan Pond, Guyot, Thirteen Falls, Garfield Ridge, and Resolution Shelter.

Itinerary 7: Front Country, Two Night in Shapleigh Hut at Crawford Notch

The Front Country leg offers manageable trails to novice hikers and is open to mother-daughter teams for children 12 and older. Hikers who choose to participate in one of the Wilderness Heals Front Country trail options will stay 2 nights at Shapleigh Hut in Crawford Notch. Hikers will carry day packs and will not be required to carry as much gear as backcountry hikers. Trail options around Pinkham Notch range from very strenuous to gentle jaunts in the woods. Hikers may choose to take a moderate hike up Mount Willard or enjoy views of the entire Notch from the summits of Mount Tom and Mount Field. Hikers will be paired with other hikers who have similar hiking styles and fitness levels.

Rating: 1-3