Mount Washington hike and camping

imported
#1 
									I have a day to kill between staying in Waterford, ME and Portland, ME. I would really like to hike Mount Washington and camp overnight. Suggestions for a trail and campsite?

I will be there in late May, 20/f and 23/m both “city in-shape” (road running, weight training, sports). From what I read, Tuckerman to Lion is the easiest route to the top. What do you guys think, and where is a solid spot to setup tent around the trail?

Thanks for your help.

									_Pat_
#2 
									For trails I would definitely suggest starting at Pinkham Notch and taking the Tuckerman Ravine Trail up to about Hermit Lake Shelters and then taking the Lion Head Trail up to the top. That is a much more fun trail to take up than going right up Tuckreman Ravine. Take the Tuckerman Ravine trail down the ravine on your way back. It is not that bad (AMC recently added rock steps so it is easier on your knees when you are going downhill) and there are some nice cascades and continuous views. Going down through the Ravine is a much better choice than taking the Lion Head Trail down.

For camping you have two options, I think. If you want to do the whole hike in one day (which possible, I did it when I was ten) you can stay the night before and/or night after at the Dolly Copp campground (just a few miles up the road from Pinkham Notch). If you want to try to camp on the trail, there are shelters (lean-tos) and tent platforms at Hermit Lake, at the base of Lion Head and Tuckerman Ravine a few miles up the trail from Pinkham Notch.
Good Luck and hope for a day with views

									_Dan_
#3 
									IT'S PAT!

									_snl_
#4 
									Whatever trail you hike, don't hike the Great Gulf Wilderness Trail.  That trail is a monster.  It just about did me in last June. 



									_Canoeman_
#5 
									It's tough and long, but as a 2-day trip (short first day, slightly longer 2nd day) i think Great Gulf from the north is actually a great and beautiful route up the mountain.  Just be in shape and try not to carry too much.

									_markv_
#6 
									Before I would hike to the top of Mt. Washington in late May I would check to see what the snow cover is. I have skied Tuckermans Ravine on Memorial weekend several times and most times it's still covered with snow.

									_Grampie_
#7 
									All the snow should be gone by late May this year. There's not a whole lot left now. (I live in the area, can see Mt Adams out my picture window :-)

There are only two options for camping in the immediate Mt Washignton area. The shelter at Hermit lake or the Lake of Clouds hut (which really isn’t camping). Camping off the trail is NOT an option, don’t even think about it.

									_slo-go'en_
#8 
									Actually there is legal camping at several sites on the Great Gulf route from the north.

									_markv_