Jefferson, Adams and Madison, New Hampshire

Overview: This is the shortest and easiest way to climb all 3 major Northern Presidential Peaks in a day. The Caps Ridge Trail up Mt. Jefferson is steep, and requires a few scrambles over ledges on the way up that have some exposure so it is not for the feint of heart. This 2.5 mile trail will put you up onto the top of Jefferson and onto the ridge which you will follow above treeline all the way to Madison and Back. This entire route is above treeline so make sure the weather is good before continuing. Cairns are very large but you still may lose your way easily in a white out so make sure to bring a compass, map and definitely a gps to follow this track. I'll try to point out the very cool places to stop along this route within this guide. You'll bag Mt. Jefferson (5,715'), Mt. Adams (5,798'), and Mt. Madison 5,363') keeping you above 5,000 feet for most of the ridge traverse. You will have the option of jogging over to the top of Mt. Quincy Adams if you'd like too as well as the opportunity to check out a famous AMC hut nestled between the wpeaks.

Tips: Caps Ridge Trailhead:
This is the highest trailhead in the White Mountains at 3,008 feet and also is the shortest with the least amount of elevation gain (2,700') of any of the Presidentials. This trailhead is in Jefferson Notch at the highest point in the Notch. From Rte. 302 near Bretton Woods follow the Base Station Road which heads to the Cog Railroad up Mt. Washington. Several miles down this road you will come to a 4 way intersection with Mt. Clinton Road to the South. Take the left onto the Jefferson Notch Road which is closed in the winter and early spring. Follow this for a couple miles keeping an eye out for the Caps Ridge Trailhead at the highest point in the Notch.

There is a $3 per day fee to park here.