Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Highlights

Your adventure in the White Mountains begins with a shuttle transfer to the Lafayette Campground Trailhead, where you begin hiking by taking a path through the woods uphill. As you climb out of the woods, you’ll start noticing the first sweeping views of Franconia Notch. You’ll follow the scenic Franconia Ridge to the Greenleaf Hut, where you will conclude your first shorter day on the trail.

The first challenging day follows today. First, you’ll ascend to the summit of Mount Lafayette and descend to the other side, following the rock cairns that mark the trail. The path winds up and down before finally climbing toward Mount Garfield. You can take a minute to enjoy the views before making the final descent to the other side and following the remainder of an undulating trail to the warm embrace of the Galehead Hut.

Compared to yesterday’s, today’s stage is less taxing. After the initial climb up the slopes of the South Twin Mountain, where you’ll enjoy open views of the Galehead Hut, you’ll begin a long and gradual descent on a pleasant footpath that winds in and out of the trees. The area surrounding the Zealand Falls Hut includes some bogs, where boardwalks allow you to cross them safely. You’ll reach the hut after crossing the stream and some smaller waterfalls.

Another long day awaits (it can be broken apart in two if needed). First, the trail ascends gradually and then more steeply toward the saddle between Mount Field and Mount Tom. After that, a steep descent to the AMC Highland Center follows. Once you reach the valley, you can get lunch before making the final climb to Mizpah Spring Hut. If you wish to have it easier, we can also book an additional night at AMC Highland Center and lengthen the tour for one day.

Today, you’ll follow the path that winds across the Presidential Peaks, starting with Mount Pierce and followed by Mount Eisenhower and Mount Monroe. The stage is shorter and less demanding than the last three, but you’ll constantly be ascending, albeit gradually. You’ll have enough time and energy to enjoy sweeping views on all sides before retiring for the night at the picturesque Lakes of the Clouds Hut.

You’ll wake up to the stunning scenery of the Lakes of the Clouds. The first order of the day is hiking up to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest summit in the northeast US, where you’ll find a weather station, a visitor center, a museum, and a gift shop. After that, you’ll descend to the other side and follow an undulating rocky ridge across Mount Clay, Jefferson, and Adams before reaching the Madison Springs Hut.

There’s a long descent ahead of you today, but you’ll start with a short climb to the nearby Mount Madison, the last presidential peak on the trail. The following downhill section is steep, treacherous, and uneven. The trail is rocky and unforgiving, requiring sure-footedness, especially on tired legs. You’ll also cross several streams and wind through a spruce forest in the last part of the trail before you reach Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch.

Some people decide to finish their journey here, but you can spend an additional two days in the mountains by spending another night at Carter Notch Hut below Wildcat Mountain. The terrain is similarly unforgiving as for most of this route, and there’s a significant climb ahead of you today, even though the stage is short, measuring it in miles. You’ll spend your final night in the White Mountains in Carter Notch Hut.

Your last day on the trail is similarly short as the first one, with one exception – this time, descending, not ascending. Nonetheless, you’ll have to remain careful and composed if you don’t want to risk an injury on uneven ground on your last day. After reaching the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead, you’ll board a hiker’s shuttle and return to everyday life.