Each route is uniquely tailored to a variety of skills and interests. Each one is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. Routes for Wilderness Heals 2011 are listed below:
Itinerary 1: Alpine Traverse, Madison Hut to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
This is the most ambitious hike option for 2011. 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 2: 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 3: Lark at Lonesome Lake
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 4: Pemi Ridge Exploration, Zealand Hut to Galehead Hut
Hikers on this route will spend the first night at the serene Zealand Falls Hut and the second at Galehead Hut, summiting three mountains on the second day and meeting up with other Wilderness Heals hikers at Galehead.
Rating: 3-5
Day 1: Teams can choose to take an easy hike into the hut along the Zealand Trai,l allowing for quality time to relax on the rocks of the falls located 40 feet from the hut. A more moderate takes the Avalon Trail to the A-Z Trail. Ambitious hikers could summit Mt. Hale from the Hale Brook Trail, and then climb the Lend-A-Hand Trail to Zealand Falls Hut.
Day 2: Although there is only one route to Galehead Hut, the Twinway provides hikers with three 4,000-foot summits: Mount Zealand, Mount Guyot, and South Twin. This seven-mile route has an elevation gain of 3000 feet, and will provide hikers with a challenging and incredibly rewarding day.
Day 3: Teams can choose to hike out the Gale River Trail or the Garfield Trail. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.
Itinerary 5: Garfield Ridge Challenge, Greenleaf Hut to Galehead Hut
Hikers on this route spend the first night at the beautiful Greenleaf Hut, at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness under Mount Lafayette, the highest summit along the Franconia Ridge. The second night will be spent at Galehead Hut.
Rating: 2-5
Day 1: Hikers can choose one of three routes to reach Greenleaf Hut. The most strenuous option is to hike via the Greenleaf Trail. A more moderate option that provides great scenic views is the Old Bridle Path. A less challenging but longer option is the Skookumchuck Trail.
Day 2: Teams will begin the day by summiting Mount Lafayette and continue to Galehead Hut along the Garfield Ridge Trail, summiting Mount Garfield along the way.
Day 3: Teams can choose to hike out the Gale River Trail or the Garfield Trail. A shuttle will drive them to the Highland Center.
Itinerary 6: Back Country 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 Nights at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch
The Front Country leg offers trails that are more manageable for novice hikers. It is also open to mother-daughter teams for children 12 and older. Hikers who choose to participate in the Front Country option will stay two nights at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch. Hikers will carry day packs and will not be required to carry as much gear as backcountry hikers. Teams will have options to visit Glen Ellis Falls and Lila’s Ledge, and depending on the level of comfort, they may travel up Tuckerman Ravine Trail up to Lion Head. Hikers will be paired with other hikers who have similar hiking styles and fitness levels. Transportation to the closing ceremony at the Highland Center will be provided on Day 3.
Rating: 1-3
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