I’m looking at a week trip in the Whites or Presidentials in late summer/early fall - probably September. Anyone have any good websites with trail maps or suggestions on good trips? I can do a loop or a 1-way trip. So far I’ve been interested in the above tree line section of the AT in the Presidentials. Thanks in advance!
weez
If you have never hiked in the White mts the Presidentials are a must see as is the Franconia range. You should get a copy of the AMC White MT guide and plan a trip using that. The Whites, particularly the above mentioned areas, are very crowded in the summer and camping spots are at a premium. If you stay off of the AT you have a better shot at good sites. In the Presidentials if you avoid the huts you are better off. Stay at Crag camp or one of the other shelters off the sides of the range rather then the huts on the range. The Pemi Wilderness if nice as is the Wild River Wilderness north of Pinkham Notch and the Carters and the Sandwich Wilderness area. There are so many trails criss crossing the area its easy to make a number of loop hikes or set up a base camp to do day hikes out of.
Big B
I would have to agree the Franconia Ridge is a stellar hike.
However, if I were going to go out and hike for a week in the Whites, I would definitely hike from Crawford Notch to Gorham. This of course is easiest done by following the AT the whole way. Total miles one way is about 55 miles I believe. Difficult terrain, but totally doable.
As far as camping goes - unless you want to spend an arm and a leg - STAY AWAY FROM THE AMC HUTS. They’re expensive. I second Big B. Look into some of the RMC huts, ie: Crag Camp. You will have to travel a few tenths of a mile off of the AT to reach these places, but at 12$ a night average - it’s worth it.
I do know that there is a pay campsite at Mizpah Hut, and there are also some tent sites north of Mt. Madison. North of Pitkham notch, you can rely on Shelters for staying the night.
This section of trail is just one of my favorites for sure. Good challenging climbs, amazing views, and an opportunity to resupply if need be.
Hitching would be pretty easy to do also - should you only have one car.
Enjoy!
Low
Planned a 4 day trip for a group of scouts in the whites. If your interested read my journal. I would have to agree with the rest, get the guide book. It comes with a map and its a great guide.
Campsites that I would suggest, Nauman which is located next to Mizpah. If you have the cash stay at Lakes Hut. We also heard that Osgood is a great site after going over the nothern Presidentials.
Super Scout
AMC has a shuttle bus. Check out the AMC website. Agree with Super Scout above. Stay at one hut just for the experience, Lake of the Clouds would be a good stop.
hokey pokey
Thanks for the tips. I’ll check out the guides and areas you mentioned. I’ve only driven through the area but never hiked there so I’ll have to become familiar with how the hut system works in the area, but I’m not really looking to spend too much money. I’m used to just strolling into a tent site… The shuttle bus might also come in handy. Thanks again.
weez
I am within sight of the Presis and have time on my hands. If you need a shuttle, etc. drop me a line. We’ll be in Millinocket from 9/1 to about 9/16. Though cost is a factor a stay at the “Huts” (AMC) is, in my opinion, is fun. The Lakes hut makes a good break point for the crossing with Gray Knob or Crag (RMC) on the north end.
Pipesmoke
One of my favorite hikes is the Bonds. Come in from the wilderness trail in Lincoln and camp at Guyot tentsite and then go to the left at the twinway over So. Twin and on to the Franconia Ridge where you can do a loop coming down Flume to the Wilderness trail again. Maybe that will not be long enough for you. You could start at Rt. 112, cross the Kinsmans then the Franconia Ridge (all on the AT) turn right from the twinway to Guyot shelter and cross the Bonds and end up in Lincoln. If you needed another day you could start in Glencliff on the At and cross Moosilauke before getting to the Kinsmans. The Bonds are in the middle of the Pemi Wilderness and I have never had anybody there when I have been there so along with being beautiful, they give you a remote feeling. But then there is nothing like above treeline in the Presidentials. You should get the guide book as others have suggested but a great map is the White Mountains trail map put out by www.mapadventures.com or you can buy it at EMS and other outfitters. It is easy to read and has the mileage on all the trails. Have fun and I loved NH and Maine best. If you do a loop starting in Glencliff and need to leave your car where you will end, contact me and perhaps I can help you with that.
Sleeveless AT '05
Sleeveless