Presidential Traverse – Appalachian Trail

Distance: 23.0 miles Elevation Gain: 9600 ft Difficulty: Strenuous Type: Point-to-Point Surface: Natural Activity: Hiking Best Season: June-September Typical Time: 2-3 days (strong hikers 1 day) Fee: $3 parking at trailheads Dogs: True Permit: False

The Presidential Traverse is the most demanding and celebrated section of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, crossing the entire Presidential Range above treeline from Mount Madison at 5367 feet through Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Clay, Mount Washington at 6288 feet (the highest peak in the Northeast), Mount Monroe, Mount Franklin, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Pierce. The 23-mile point-to-point runs from the Appalachia Trailhead on US-2 to the Crawford Path terminus at Crawford Notch.

Mount Washington hosts the Mount Washington Observatory and the historic Tip Top House summit building, along with the summit of the Auto Road and Cog Railway. Wind speeds at the summit have been recorded in excess of 200 mph, and weather can change from pleasant to life-threatening within minutes. The zone above treeline covers the majority of this traverse, with no shelter from wind and lightning except the huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club.

The AMC operates Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 5012 feet just below Mount Washington, the highest and most famous hut in the system, providing bunks and meals by reservation. Madison Spring Hut sits at the northern end of the traverse. Both require advance reservations and fill months ahead. The Gulfside Trail connects most of the summits along the exposed ridge. This route is appropriate only for experienced hikers with proper gear, navigation skills, and respect for alpine weather.