New Hampshire: White Mountains
Located in north- central New Hampshire, the White Mountains might not reach the heights of other mountains in the United States but they are reknowned as a hiker’s paradise. The mountains cover about a quarter of the state and are a destination for many hikers from all over the country. They are part of the Appalachian range and are considered the most rugged in New England- which is exactly what we love about them! Some might question if there’s genuine challenge in a mountain range that maxes out at just 6,288ft (Mount Washington), but there are a plethora of rocky summits with breathtaking panoramas, alpine ridges that stretch for miles above treeline, and some of the most challenging—and rewarding—trails found anywhere in the country. We are confident you will be more than rewarded for journeying to this part of the upper northeast United States and can’t wait for you to unlock the beauty of trekking in the White Mountains.
Trip Highlights
- Hike a multitude of rocky summits with stunning panoramas and alpine ridges that stretch for miles
- Climb the highest peak in the Northeastern United States
- Experience the beauty of trekking in the White Mountains
Itinerary
Day 1
Your White Mountains adventure begins at our home-base, Hub North nestled at the roots of the famous Presidentials Range in northern New Hampshire. After moving in, meeting the team, and enjoying some refreshments we will head out for a golden hour hike in the foothills. Our objective, Dome Rock, parallels a mountain brook with several stunning waterfalls on the ascent and offers panoramic views of the Northern Presidentials and the Great North Woods on the summit. This is a classic introduction to hiking in the White Mountains. Expect the trail to be a little steeper, including rock steps and some low angle exposed slab with fewer switchbacks than other ranges; but it is well worth the extra effort! After the sun's evening performance we will have a twilight descent to a warm meal back at Hub.
Day 2
Following a hot gourmet breakfast, we will make the short drive to the day’s hike, the Mount Crescent Loop and Ice Gulch. Today’s adventure provides a moderate full-day activity in the exquisite and seldom traveled northern reaches of the White Mountains. The day's objectives are an excellent opportunity to acclimate to hiking in the White Mountains. The summit of Mount Crescent provides an incredible vista of the Northern Presidential Range and a glimpse at our future objectives. Following Mount Crescent we will have the opportunity to explore a very unique piece of terrain, the Ice Gulch. Although not a summit hike, this adventure takes us past idyllic waterfalls, through a narrow gulch and boulder field that is often several degrees colder and holds snow well into the summer (hence the name). It is divine on a hot summer day and offers a glimpse of the power and majesty of the glacial forces that shaped the White Mountains through the eons. This portion of the hike involves a little bit of scrambling, including moving underneath and around some large boulders with some large steps and the occasional pack pass. If you feel you have had your fill on Mount Crescent and/or are not interested in this more technical portion there will be an opportunity to head back to Hub North for some downtime, explore a local swimming hole, and/ or a shorter hike.
Day 3
Today we will head into the iconic alpine zone of the Northern Presidential Range with a summit attempts of Mount Adams. This summit is part of the iconic NH Four Thousand Footers and are some of the tall- est peaks in the Northeast. The route offers a tour of mountain forest ecosystems as we transition from hardwood, to boreal forest and finally, alpine tundra. Fromt he top, we're treated to unmatched views of the Presidential Range and White Mountain Nation- al Forest that last for hours as we spend almost half of the day above treeline. Travel above treeline in the White Mountains is mostly on exposed bedrock and solid talus.
Day 4
Today we tackle the iconic Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeast and home to some of the world's most extreme weather. The summit hosts a fully-staffed, year-round weather observatory. In addition to its high summit, the peak gained fame when it clocked wind speeds at 231 mph in the winter of 1934, a world record that stood for several decades. Don’t worry, those wind speeds are a generational occurrence rather than a daily event, but we will need to be prepared for a host of weather conditions, including some moderate wind and chillier altitude driven temperatures. At 6,288’ Washington is the only peak in the northeast to pass the 6k’ marker. Hiking this iconic peak is not just a peak-bagging experience. We will encounter picturesque alpine lakes, stunning ridgelines and the most expansive views east of the Rockies.
Day 5
For our final day together we will have an option for a sunrise send-off with a mellow hike to Lookout Ledge before returning to Hub for brunch. Lookout Ledge offers some of the best views of the Peaks and Ravines of the Northern Presidential Range. Enjoy watching the alpine come alive with your new lifelong friends before a mellow hike back to the trailhead. Feeling like some shut-eye is a top priority? You are more than welcome to sleep-in at Hub North and revel in all that we have accomplished in our time together. We will have ample time for a proper send-off and brunch before midday departures.
