4000 Footers

The hawk soared effortlessly above Eagle Crag as we labored over the open ridge toward North and South Baldface, the pair of open summits that book end Evans Notch. Although it was just the middle of the afternoon, the autumn daylight was already waning. …

The White Mountain landscape is defined by its mountain passes (called Notches), perhaps even more than its peaks. Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch, and Franconia Notch are just a few of the great valleys that channel visitors from one region of the White …

There are three Garfield Mountains along the Garfield Ridge Trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness (of New Hampshire’s White Mountains), although you’re probably only familiar with the tallest one on the four thousand footer list. The other two peaks, West (3667′) and East …

In an area full of superlatives, the Moriah Brook Trail is considered one of the most beautiful gems in the White Mountain National Forest. Located in the Wild River Wilderness, the Moriah Brook trail follows a mountain stream from its source high …

The Franconia Ridge Traverse is one of the most magnificent hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and one that I never get tired of hiking. Located in Franconia Notch, the route involves climbing four 4000 footers: Mt Flume (4328′), Mt Liberty (4459′), …

There are many trails leading to Mount Madison (5366′), the fifth highest 4000 footer in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and a pyramid-shaped peak of astonishing beauty and grandeur. The easternmost peak in the fearsome Northern Presidentials, it has clear views of neighboring Mt …

Winter Trip Planning My co-leader Bill and I had been carefully monitoring the weather all week for an above-treeline hike over Mt Pierce (4312′) and Mt Eisenhower (4779′) in the Southern Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Our planned …

The route up Mt Carrigan (4681′) in winter is one of the longest, but most rewarding, scenic hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Fourteen miles in length with 3800′ of elevation gain, the winter climb up Carrigan is one of those hikes …

It took less than a minute for my fingertips to freeze, but I could tell I had a problem right away from the pain. We’d stopped to put on goggles and facemasks when we encountered strong easterly winds and blowing snow on Mt …

The two most popular routes up Mt Washington in winter are from the east side using the Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trails or from the west side of the mountain via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and the Crawford Path. Having climbed …

As we neared treeline on North Kinsman, Mr Bunny paused to admire the rime ice that coated the stubby spruce trees near the mountain summit. It had taken on a curious orange glow instead of crystalline white, diffusing the glare of the waning …

My friend Martin from England is a serious hiker and backpacker with many big UK walks under his belt. Having just finished hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness together (which as epic), I decided that I’d take him for a jaunt up Mt Washington …

The Desolation Loop is a moderate 33 mile backpack through the eastern half of the White Mountain’s Pemigewasset Wilderness, bounded by the Bonds, Ethan Ridge, and Carrigan Notch. There are many excellent swimming holes and wilderness campsites along the route, which will appeal to more …

After several years of compulsive peakbagging in the White Mountains, I’ve changed my goals and set out to hike many of the trails that I’ve never set foot on before. With over 1500 miles of interconnected trails, there are still many miles …