I’ve been exploring Vermont this winter with the intent of hiking and backpacking in the Green Mountains this summer and autumn (2024). The last time I spent time in Vermont was in 2008 when I section hiked The Long Trail. Now I …
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Hiking the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland
The Cape Wrath Trail is considered the hardest hiking route in the United Kingdom. Located in Scotland, it runs from Fort William, through the Highlands and Western Scotland, to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath, the northwestern-most point of Scotland. Approximately 230 miles in …
Read More »Climbing Mt Mansfield (VT) in January
Mt Mansfield (4393′) is the highest mountain in Vermont and can be quite challenging to climb in winter conditions. I recently climbed the peak with several friends, including my friend Ken, who is hiking all of the Vermont 4000-footers this winter. I’ve …
Read More »Return to Mt Jefferson in January
After turning around on an Mt Jefferson attempt last week, I was resigned to not getting the peak for my January Grid: The weather has been so exasperating this month, with frigid temperatures and high wind, that there have only been a …
Read More »A Mt Jefferson Attempt in January
I really wanted to climb Mt Jefferson (5712′) this month, but some things are more important than bagging a peak. Many of us partner up on potentially dangerous hikes, especially above treeline, but when push comes to shove, are you willing to …
Read More »Hiking Franconia Ridge in January
Franconia Ridge is lovely to hike any time of year. But it can get pretty hairy to climb in winter when it’s cold and the wind is blowing hard. The best days don’t come around that often so you need to watch …
Read More »Winter Hiking and Weather Forecasting in the White Mountains
If you plan to hike in the White Mountains in winter, it’s important to pay careful attention to the weather forecast so you can avoid hiking in dangerous conditions. High winds, cold temperatures, or deep snow can compromise your safety but can …
Read More »Hiking Mt Adams and Mt Madison in December and January
Mt Adams (5774′) and Mt Madison (5367′) are the second highest and fifth highest four thousand footers in the White Mountains. They’re usually hiked together on the same day because they’re adjacent at the northernmost end of the Presidential Range. Climbing Adams …
Read More »TGO Challenge: Route Planning Tips for Backpacking Across Scotland
The TGO Challenge is an annual backpacking event that lasts for 15 days and involves backpacking coast to coast across Scotland, a distance of 180-200 miles. It’s been held for 40 years and is organized by The Great Outdoors Magazine which is …
Read More »Climbing Mt Washington in Winter – 10 Tips for a Successful Hike
Backpacker Magazine got it right when they named Mt Washington (6288′) one of the 10 most dangerous hikes in America. While avalanches are a concern, safe routes exist to climb the peak as long as the weather is favorable. But it often …
Read More »When Does Winter Start in the White Mountains?
Winter isn’t so much of a season in the White Mountains as an altitude. The onset of winter always starts at the higher elevations first with freezing rain and snow before the snow line drops into the mountain passes and valleys below. …
Read More »The Terrifying 25: A Popular List of Trails in the White Mountains (NH)
The Terrifying 25 is a popular list of difficult and at times terrifying hiking trails in New Hampshire’s White Mountains compiled by Trish Herr, the author of Up! A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure, and her daughters Alex and Sage when they were …
Read More »The White Mountains 4000 Footer Grid
The White Mountains 4000 Footer Grid, called The Grid, requires hiking all 48 of the mountains on the White Mountains 4000 footer list, once each calendar month. That equates to 48 x 12 or 576 climbs, although you can climb multiple peaks …
Read More »The Winter Route to the North Twin Trail Trailhead
The forest service road (Haystack Road, also called FR #304) that leads to the North Twin Trail trailhead is gated in winter. While you can hike 2.5 miles along Haystack Rd to the trailhead from Rt 3, it’s much shorter to park …
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