This post may contain affiliate links.

Backpacking A Presidential Traverse

Backpacking a Presidential Traverse

A Presidential Traverse is one of the most famous and strenuous hikes in the White Mountains. This 2-3 day route is 21.4 miles in length with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,000 feet. It climbs eight 4000-footers with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking.

  • Madison
  • Adams
  • Jefferson
  • Washington
  • Monroe
  • Eisenhower
  • Pierce
  • Jackson

While many people attempt to hike this route in a single day traverse, there’s a lot to be said for breaking it into a two or three-day backpacking trip to savor the incredible views, camp high above treeline, and watch the stars at night. While camping above treeline is illegal, there are several inexpensive huts and tent sites along the route that are a lot of fun to stay at, in addition to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s all-inclusive ($$$) huts.

Presidential Traverse SectionHiker

Download PDF Map

Rating

C5 - Toggle Open for Key

Distance

A: Less than 15 miles in distance

B: 15-20 miles

C: 20-25 miles

D: 25-30 miles or less

E: more than 30 miles

Elevation Gain

1: 3000 ft or less

2: 4000 ft or less

3: 5000 ft or less

4: 6000 ft or less

5: over 6000 ft

Distance/Elevation Gain

21.4 miles w/9000′ of cumulative elevation gain

Recommended Duration

2-3 days

Season

June thru October

Permits Required

None.

Regulations

Backcountry Camping Regulations for the White Mountain National Forest, specifically no camping above treeline where trees are less than 8′ in height (except on two feet of snow) or within 1/4 mile of Huts and trail junctions.

New to the White Mountains? Read this Quick and Dirty Guide to Backpacking in the White Mountains for information about camping regulations, road access, trail shuttles, lodging, dangerous wildlife, weather, etc.

Trailhead Directions

Appalachia Trailhead – Parking is available for about 100 cars. If the lot is full, you can park along Rt 2, however, NH state law requires that all tires be off the pavement. This is a busy trailhead that has a lot of traffic passing by, so parked cars are generally safe.

Crawford Path Trailhead – Parking is available for about 50 cars. If the lot is full, there is hiker parking across from the eastern end of pond-size Saco Lake at the top of the Notch. Do NOT park in the AMC Highland Center Lot, which is for overnight guests only.

Maps

The Appalachian Mountain Club publishes the best maps for the White Mountains and I’d recommend buying the complete AMC White Mountain Waterproof Map Set. It contains three waterproof maps (2 regions per map) although you only need carry one or two on any trip. I also use GPS apps for navigating, but these maps contain relevant trail, shelter and topographic information that is often not included in electronic maps. More detailed trail descriptions can also be found in the AMC White Mountain Guide, which is considered the hiking bible for the region. It includes detailed driving directions to remote trailheads and is indipensible for navigating to them, especially when you're out of cell tower range. Take photos of the pages you need using your phone for easy reference, instead of carrying the entire book with you on hikes.

Navigation Apps

I also recommend purchasing a GPS Phone App such as Far Out's White Mountain National Forest Guide, which lists most of the trails, trailheads, shelters, campsites, views, and water sources in the White Mountains National Forest. GaiaGPS is another GPS Phone App, which is stronger in terms of topographic map coverage for the White Mountains but does not have as much information about trailheads, shelters, campsites, views, and water sources. I use both frequently.

Trail Sequence

The route follows the following trails in sequence.

  1. Valley Way Trail 3.8 miles
  2. Osgood Trail 0.5 miles (to Madison summit)
  3. Osgood Trail 0.5 miles (back to Madison Springs Hut)
  4. Gulfside Trail 0.3 miles
  5. Airline Trail 0.6 miles
  6. Lowes Path 0.3 miles
  7. Gulfside 1.4 miles
  8. Jefferson Loop 0.6
  9. Gulfside 2.3 miles
  10. Crawford Path (up to Washington) 0.2 miles
  11. Crawford Path (down to Monroe Loop) 1.6 miles
  12. Monroe Loop 0.7 miles
  13. Crawford Path 1.5 miles
  14. Mt Eisenhower Loop 0.8 miles
  15. Crawford Path 1.2 miles
  16. Webster-Cliff Trail 0.9 miles
  17. Webster Cliff Trail 1.6 miles (south)
  18. Mizpah Cuttoff 0.7 miles
  19. Crawford Path 1.7 miles
  20. Crawford Connector 0.2 miles

Scenic Highlights

The following list provides cumulate distances on the route to each view or landmark.

  • 3.8 miles – AMC Madison Springs Hut
  • 4.3 miles – Mt Madison Summit
  • 5.7 miles  – Mt Adams Summit
  • 6.0 miles – Thunderstorm Junction
  • 7.4 miles – Edmands Col
  • 7.7 miles – Jefferson Summit
  • 8.7 miles – Sphinx Trail Junction
  • 10.1 miles – Mt Washington Summit
  • 11.4 miles – AMC Lakes of the Cloud Hut
  • 11.7 miles – Mount Monroe Summit
  • 13.9 miles – Mt Eisenhower Summit Cairn
  • 15.5 miles – Mt Pierce Summit
  • 17.9 miles – Mt Jackson Summit

Camping/Shelter Options

Water

Natural water sources are plentiful in the White Mountains although you may need to descend to them from ridgelines along side trails if you run short. When the AMC Huts are in season, there is a faucet outside where you can get potable water. When the huts are closed, you’re on your own. In any case, carry a detailed topographic map with you, and don’t rely on the overview map provided with this trip description to find water sources.

The Appalachian Mountain Clubs Huts are taking reservation in 2023. Contact the AMC for reservations and information at outdoors.org. (Note: You don't have to stay in their facilities when hiking in the White Mountains.) All Randolph Mountain Club Cabins have reopened for 2023 on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Treeline Warning Sign
Treeline Warning Sign

Weather Cautions

This route is sensitive to seasonal and weather conditions which can make it hazardous. This is particularly true for the above-treeline portions of the trip which are completely exposed to the elements. The chief hazards are high wind (above 40 mph) which can make walking difficult, rain and cold temperatures which can lead to hypothermia, being struck by lightning, and poor visibility which can make trail finding difficult if you’re not a strong navigator. If the weather deteriorates or is bad, get below treeline, consider ending your trip, or changing your route to where there is more vegetation. Be sure to check the Weather.gov and Mt Washington Observatory Higher Summits forecasts before your hike. Updated weather conditions are also posted at all of the AMC Huts along the route and at the Mt Washington observatory. The weather in the Presidential Range is frequently poor and it’s not unusual for experienced White Mountain hikers to postpone above-treeline trips and hike alternate, less exposed routes on bad weather days. The month with the greatest thunderstorm danger is July.

On the Trail

Leaving the Appalachia Trailhead, begin climbing the Valley Way Trail, which is the safest way to climb to treeline and one of the primary routes to Mt Madison. Valley Way in a pretty trail which passes some marvelous falls and pools near its base along Snyder Brook before veering away and climbing up to the ridge. The trail passes numerous well-signed trail junctions so be sure to follow the signage carefully.

At 3.1 miles, a side path leads to the Valley Way tent site, which is a good place to camp if you decide to spend the night after climbing Mt Madison. The campsite does not have a water source and I would recommend carrying water down from Madison Spring Hut or hiking down one of the side trails a short distance to Synder Brook to get some.

The Valley Way Trail ends when it meets the Gulfside Trail, which continues another 35 yards to the AMC’s Madison Spring Hut. Stop in and buy a snack or have a drink. Day hikers are welcome to come inside and have a look around or rest at the dining tables inside. You can also resupply your water at the faucet outside when the hut is open.

The AMC's Madison Spring Hut is located just above treeline and at the base of the Mt Madison Summit.
The AMC’s Madison Spring Hut is located just above treeline and at the base of the Mt Madison Summit.

From the Madison Spring Hut, follow the Osgood Trail 0.5 miles to the Mt Madison summit, which has excellent 360 degrees. All of the trails above treeline are marked with rock cairns and you’ll want to keep on the lookout for them so you don’t accidentally wander off into the boulder fields that surround the above-treeline peaks.

Summit Cairn on Mt Madison - Mt Adams looms nearby, the next peak on the ridge
Summit Cairn on Mt Madison – Mt Adams looms nearby, the next peak on the ridge

Retrace your steps back to the Madison Spring Hut on the Osgood Trail and turn left onto the Gulfside Trail. Follow it 0.3 miles uphill (west) to the Airline Trail. Turn left onto the Airline Trail and climb 0.6 miles to the summit of Mt Adams, the second-highest 4000 footer in the White Mountains. This section of the trail runs across a boulder field, so take your time climbing it and watch your step.

Thunderstorm Junction Cairn
Thunderstorm Junction Cairn

From the Mt Adams summit, follow the Lowes Path Trail (0.3 miles) to Thunderstorm Junction, a huge rock cairn that is a major above-treeline crossroads.

The Randolph Mountain Club's Crag Camp Hut. Self-Service.
The Randolph Mountain Club’s Crag Camp Hut. Self-Service.
If you plan on staying overnight at the RMC’s Crag Camp, Gray Knob Cabin, or The Perch Lean-to and Tent Platforms, I recommend following Lowes Path which is the safest and most direct way below treeline and leads almost directly to Gray Knob. From there, take (protected) below-treeline side trails to Crag Camp or The Perch. Reverse your route the following morning, following Lowes Path back to Thunderstorm Junction to continue on the traverse. 

From Thunderstorm Junction, make a left and follow the Gulfside Trail 2.2 miles to Edmands Col, which is just below Mt Jefferson, and a good place for a short rest. There’s a memorial plaque here to JR Edmands, who oversaw the construction of many of the Randolph Mountain Club’s trails in the Presidential Range.

Looking back at Mt Adams from Jefferson
Looking back at Mt Adams from Jefferson

From Edmands Col climb 0.2 miles and make a right onto the Jefferson Loop Trail which climbs 0.4 miles to the Jefferson Summit. Mt Jefferson is the windiest peak in the Presidential Range which is frequently blasted by prevailing winds from the west. Bad weather usually approaches from the east, so take heed if you experience a shift in wind direction.

Descend Jefferson to the Monicello Lawn before skirting Mt Clay and climbing Mt Washington
Descend Jefferson to the Monticello Lawn before skirting Mt Clay and climbing Mt Washington

The Jefferson Loop then descends 0.3 miles to the Gulfside Trail on Monticello Lawn, a grassy above-treeline meadow. This is one of my favorite spots on Jefferson to stop and linger. Rock cairns mark the trails here, often capped with a large piece of white rock quartz. If the visibility is poor, a compass bearing can be helpful for following the trails. You want to avoid dropping to the west off the ridgeline or the east into the Great Gulf, the huge glacial cirque below Mt Washington’s north side. Don’t worry, you won’t encounter any sheer cliffs if you stay on the trails.

The Sphinx Trail Junction is a good place to get out of the wind
The Sphinx Trail Junction is a good place to get out of the wind

Continue along the Gulfside Trail heading South towards Mt Washington, passing the Sphinx trail on your left in 1.3 miles. The rocks on the sides of the trail sign here form a good windbreak. In another 0.1 miles, you’ll come to the Mt Clay Loop trail junction. Mt Clay is a 5000-foot sub-peak of Mt Washington with a great view down into the Great Gulf, the glacial valley at the foot of Mt Washington’s northern headwall. If the weather is good, follow the Clay Loop Trail south. Otherwise, continue on the Gulfside Trail which converges with the south end of the Clay Loop in 1.1 miles.

The most straightforward way to the Mt Washington Summit is to stay on the Gulfside Trail for another 2 miles until it intersects the Crawford Path. Turning left onto Crawford Path, climb 0.2 miles to the Washington summit. If you lose the Gulfside Trail before then or accidentally turn onto a smaller trail, you can follow the elevated Cog Railway Line to the Washington Summit and get back onto the route there. The Cog is a vegetable-oil powered tourist train that climbs to the summit of Mount Washington and back. You can smell its french-fry odor for miles.

Crossing the Cog RR Tracks - a Tourist Train that climbs Mt Washington
Crossing the Cog RR Tracks – a Tourist Train that climbs Mt Washington

Mt Washington can be a bit of a circus because there’s a road the people can drive on to get to the summit. There’s also a cafeteria on the summit in season (friends recommend the chili dogs), with bathrooms and a water fountain where you can refill your water bottles. There’s even a post office if you want to mail a postcard! Stop at the summit sign and get your photo taken.

Mt Washington, Tarns, and Lake of the Clouds Hut
Mt Washington, Tarns, and Lake of the Clouds Hut

Descend Washington via the Crawford Path for 1.5, headed southwest, to two alpine tarns and the AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds Hut.  Even if you’re not a guest, I’d encourage you to pop into the hut for a visit. There’s water available here, snacks, bathrooms, and lots of information scattered around. This hut houses up to 96 guests per night and serves them two meals per day, so it’s pretty cushy.

There are also weather instruments in the hut and an updated forecast posted which are worth checking before you proceed on the second half of this journey. If the wind is blowing over 40 miles per hour (hurricane force) at the hut, you’re going to have a long day hiking down the Southern Presidential Range back to Crawford Notch. Ask the hut crew for advice if the weather is bad.

AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut
AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut

If you do need to boogie off the ridge, it’s best to head down the west side rather than the east because it has better road access and requires a shorter hike out if you decide to bail. The best west-side escape routes are the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, the Edmands Path, and the Mizpah Cutoff/Crawford Path. There’s also parking at the end of all of these trails if you decide to spot a car there.

Mt Monroe looms above the Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Mt Monroe looms above the Lakes of the Clouds Hut

Leaving the hut, you’ll follow the Crawford Path 0.1 miles to the Monroe Loop trail, which climbs Mt Monroe and a sub-peak behind it, before rejoining the Crawford Path. Monroe an easy 350′ climb from the hut, despite the fact that it’s the fourth-highest 4000 footer, at 5384′. That’s the beauty of a ridgeline walk and the secret to hiking multiple 4000 footers on one hike. Once you climb a ridgeline, you can pick off one peak after another, on the same hike, with relatively little incremental effort. Many of the 4000 footers are on common ridgelines and its a thrill to bag several on the same walk. If you’re a purist, there are other White Mountain peakbagging lists that only credit you one peak per hike, so you can only count one at a time. Those are fun too!

The Bald Dome of Mt Eisenhower
The Bald Dome of Mt Eisenhower

The Monroe Loop Trail rejoins the Crawford Path in 0.7 miles at a well-marked junction. Follow the Crawford Path (heading southwest) for 2.2  miles to the Eisenhower Loop Trail, which climbs another 350′ to the large rock cairn that marks the Eisenhower summit. Mt Eisenhower is named after the former US President Dwight Eisenhower, presumably because they share the same bald dome.

Continue past the Eisenhower cairn and rejoin the Crawford Path and follow it 1.2 miles to the summit of Mt Pierce, a rocky summit that juts above treeline. The views are almost continuous along this stretch, so take time to stop and daydream.

AMC's Mizpah Hut
AMC’s Mizpah Hut

From the summit of Mt Pierce, take the Webster Cliff Trail 0.9 miles to the Mizpah Hut, where you can also pop in for water, a bathroom break, or refreshments. Baked goods and leftovers are usually available for purchase in the huts during the day and can provide a welcome break. Hint: buy the fresh-baked bread that’s often available. While a big slice of bread costs money, the butter is often free, so lather it on for some extra calories.

The AMC’s Nauman Tent site is situated next to the Mizpah Spring Hut and is the only campsite along the Southern Presidential Ridge where you can camp overnight. The tent site is overseen by a caretaker in season and a small fee is charged. You can get water at the hut.

Southern Presidentials
Southern Presidentials

Continue southwest down the Webster-Cliff Trail to Mt Jackson which is another knobby peak that just pokes above treeline. If you stayed at the Nauman Campsite or Mizpah Hut, or you’ve parked a car at the Crawford Path Trailhead off the Crawford Connector on Mt Clinton Rd, my advice would be to do a quick out and back to Mt Jackson and then resume hiking down the Crawford Path via the Mizpah Cutoff to your vehicle. This also avoids a less than inspiring road walk at the end of the hike which can be dangerous in poor weather or darkness. Jackson is also considered an optional peak on a Presidential Traverse, at least by hikers who aren’t purists. But if you’re already on the ridge, you might as well bag it, especially if you can’t visit the White Mountains frequently.

About the author

Philip Werner has hiked and backpacked over 8500 miles in the United States and the UK and written over 3000 articles as the founder of SectionHiker.com, noted for its backpacking gear reviews and hiking FAQs. A devotee of New Hampshire and Maine hiking and backpacking, Philip has hiked all 650+ trails in the White Mountains twice and has completed 10 rounds of the 48 peaks on the White Mountains 4000 footer list with over 560 summits in all four seasons. He is also the author of Backpacking the White Mountain 4000 Footers, a free online guidebook of the best backpacking trips in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Maine. He lives in New Hampshire. Click here to subscribe to the SectionHiker newsletter.

Safety Disclaimer

This trip plan can not alert you to every hazard, anticipate your experience, or limitations. Therefore, the descriptions of roads, trails, routes, shelters, tent sites, and natural features in this trip plan are not representations that a particular place or excursion will be safe for you or members of your party. When you follow any of the routes described on SectionHiker.com, you assume responsibility for your own safety. Under normal conditions, such excursions require the usual attention to traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, the capabilities of your party, and other factors. Always check for current conditions, obey posted signs, and Backcountry Camping and Wilderness Area Regulations. Hike Safe and follow the Hiker responsibility code. 

Mountain/Trip Index

SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.

10 comments

  1. Philip, great article and exactly the details I was looking for. I have targeted a Presidential Traverse in the next 7-10 days. Primarily watching the weather but also exploring options for transportation to / from the Appalachia trailhead.

  2. Hi, im planning a three night trip, but due to the Covid situation im not sure which points on the map will be available for camping. I know you posted the places you’re allowed to camp but how far apart is each point? Any help would be appreciated thannks

  3. Have you ever attempted the traverse in winter? The risks escalate for sure but I’ve run into hikers in the winter doing the trek. Didn’t know if there were some tips thrown around if someone was thinking of doing a winter traverse.

    I assume winter would have to be a 2-3 day venture right? The amount of gear would be too much for one day (not to mention the super short days). Water would be a pain… Have to get a stove lit to boil snow with the ever present winter wind…

    I’ve done the traverse twice in summer. Both times were single day adventures (weather patterns and work schedules impacted available hike days). The first time took 16 hours. The second time took 14 hours.

    I respectfully add that this traverse is rough. I mean really rough, no matter how much time one takes. Those rocks are ALL pointy and I swear you can feel them all through your boots no matter how much padding is in them. They must be made of something harder than rock…

    There is a warning sign at the start of Valley Way that says something to the effect of “Only attempt if in top physical condition. Many hikers have died of exposure… etc.” I swear that on the back of the sign it says “I told you so.”

  4. Thanks Philip,
    I will be doing the traverse this July as the cap stone/completion of the 48. (Mt. Adams on day 2) though I’ve. climbed all the others at least twice and some 5or 6 times (the Rock Pile love to ski tuck. and Peirce) this will be the time i attempt the traverse. planning on a 4 day hike with stays at Mad spring, lake of the clouds and Pah huts. i really want to saver this trip. though I’ve packed all over the world there is something special to me about the whites and this trip has me awake nights in anticipation already. i loved the read and thank you again

  5. i’d like to hike the Presidential traverse in two days and wish to stay in a AMC Hut approximately half way: which hut do i make a reservation at?

  6. Thanks for this amazing article! Do you have any recommendations for tenting sites? Also, are these sites hard to get since its first come first serve? I’m worried about hiking a tent up and not being able to get a spot. Same question for the ($) first come first serve cabins, do these fill up quickly?

    • Yes, the sites and cabins fill up fast. As for tent sites, all the places you can camp are listed above. Everything above treeline is illegal. Everything with 200 feet of a trail is also illegal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Solve *