Presidential Traverse

Nearby Destinations

White Mountain National Forest

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 22 miles / 36 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: The Presidential Traverse is an excellent and well traveled hike of some of New England's highest peaks - almost all at maximum exposure. At roughly 22 miles & nearly 9,000' of elevation gain this trip is not for the faint of heart or mind to be attempted in just one day - but it can be done with the right preparation. An official Presidential Traverse begins at Madison to Adams to Jefferson to Washington and then on to Monroe to Eisenhower to Pierce & finally Jackson.

My recommendation is to plant one car on 302 at the end of the Webster-Jackson trail and then drive a 2nd car to the beginning of the traverse off route 2(Presidential Highway) in Randolph NH at the Appalchia Trailhead.

See Points of Interests/Pictures for more detail.

Tips: What to bring? Here are the must haves!

AMC White Mountain Trail Map - Presidential Range
Compass

I recommend a 3L Camelbak & (2) 32oz Nalgene bottles filled with Gatorade or Smart Water for electrolytes

4 packages of Clif Shot Bloks

4 Clif Gel Shots

in addition to whatever foods you pack

Gotta bring a 1st aid kit

I mean - all these things are pretty basic for hiking but don't go w/o adequate food/water/first aid & orienteering supplies.

Points of Interest

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Mt. Madison

The route up Madison is rugged - the Valley Way begins along side the Airline route is taken to the Watson path trail and on up to Madison.

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Snyder Brook Waterfall

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Madison Hut

From Madison descend down to the AMC Madison Spring Hut.

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Mt. Adams

You can take the Star Lake Trail up to Adams or take the Gulf Side Trail to the Air Line up to Adams. Both Madison & Adams have signs.

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Mt. Jefferson

The route to Jefferson has many trails that cross over but stick to the Gulf Side Trail until you get to the Loop Trail which will take you to Jefferson (a mound of granite with a USGS peg at the top).

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Mt. Washington - Agiocochook

After Jefferson is Washington (Agiocochook - the Great Spirit in the sky). Head South East back on to the Gulf Side Trail and follow Gulf Side up to Washington. Water is available at the summit if you need to reload. This is a great spot to regroup your team and to refocus. The rest is mostly downhill and where you need to focus psychologically.

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Mt. Monroe

Off Washington to the West take the Crawford Path South West to Mt. Monroe Loop just passed the Lakes of the Clouds Hut.

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Mt. Eisenhower

Hop back on to the Crawford Path until you reach the Mt. Eisenhower Loop. Summit Eisenhower & get back on the Crawford Path.

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Mt. Pierce

Just 2 more to go. The Crawford Path heads West just before Pierce - DO NOT FOLLOW CRAWFORD OFF THE Appalachian Trail! The Mizpah Hut is just passed Pierce and a welcomed sight.

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Mt. Jackson

Not even 2 miles beyond Pierce is the final peak - Jackson. Off of Jackson take the Webster-Jackson trail back to your car - not the Webster Cliff Trail. Either trail is rugged and demands your mental focus - especially after hiking 20 miles.

Congratulations!

Pictures in this guide taken by: Ktaadn

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