Presidential Traverse

[occamsrazor32]

I am seriously looking at doing the great ole' traverse this summer. Maybe July. Wonder who has done it and if you hutted it or tent and what would you recommend and just any basic info!

Thanks all,
Joey

[Cumulus]

I am seriously looking at doing the great ole' traverse this summer. Maybe July. Wonder who has done it and if you hutted it or tent and what would you recommend and just any basic info!

I did it in four days (Appalachia to the AT crossing of 302) in 2007. I could have done it in three days without too much trouble, in two if I pushed it. I stayed at the huts. That's the easiest -- you don't have to bring much food or a tent -- but most expensive option. Unfortunately, if you're going to tent there's no good (or legal) place to do so in the northern and middle Presis without dropping down off the ridge a significant distance. In the southern Presis it's easier, and in fact there's a campground right near Mizpah Hut.

I haven't stayed at a hut during full-service season since later that same year, because of the expense, but if you can afford it it's a fun experience. I would recommend making reservations soon if you're planning to be there on a July weekend. You might already be too late.

If you're going to or from Appalachia I recommend Howker Ridge Trail. No good reason; I just like that trail.

--

Cumulus

NE111: 80/115 (67/67, 12/46, 1/2)
Cat35: 3/39; WNH4K: 16/48; NEFF: 23/50
LT NB 2009

"I don't much care where --" said Alice, "-- so long as I get [i]somewhere," ...
"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."
- Lewis Carroll

[JoeCedar]

It is often done as a day hike. See HERE (http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/). About 20-22 miles and 8500-9000 vertical feet.

Several members of this forum have done it as a day hike. The Adirondack Great Range has similar stats, but most people who have done both would say the Great Range is a more difficult hike.

[occamsrazor32]

Wow ok, whats pricey for the huts?

[klip59]

The AMC huts looks like they are about $100/night with a 2 night minimum. Minimum can be in different huts. Little more on the weekend, little less during the week based on your summer dates.
https://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/huts/hut-rates.cfm

[Jay H]

I've done it like 2 times, never camping, just as a day hike. It's fairly tame, really so long as the weather is good and you don't mind a LOT of rock hopping...

I've always done it north to south and included webster and jackson on the second..

Jay

[the_swede]

Don't forget the RMC huts in the northern Prezzies! You won't get fed or have AMC staff entertain your needs but at least it's a roof over your head.

[TFR]

The AMC huts looks like they are about $100/night with a 2 night minimum. Minimum can be in different huts. Little more on the weekend, little less during the week based on your summer dates.
https://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/huts/hut-rates.cfmThere is a decent discount if you are a member. Having stayed at all of the AMC Huts, I never had a bad experience. The croo are usually excellent cooks. You get 2 meals, a night's lodging, water, a chance to meet lots of interesting people, and of course, those 'wonderful' skits! :rolleyes:

[klip59]

There is a decent discount if you are a member. Having stayed at all of the AMC Huts, I never had a bad experience. The croo are usually excellent cooks. You get 2 meals, a night's lodging, water, a chance to meet lots of interesting people, and of course, those 'wonderful' skits! :rolleyes:

discount range is around 15-20%

[procook131]

Two more accounts; one fast, and one slow.

http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12385

http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12338

I agree that the huts can be fun. I stayed at Galehead in September and it was an experience for sure. No wrong way to do a traverse... :)

[JoeCedar]

I stayed at Galehead in September and it was an experience for sure. No wrong way to do a traverse... :)

I stayed on the porch for a few minutes last Tuesday and enjoyed a snack. The hut was boarded shut.

[NorthShore]

The huts make it easier...especially if you are blessed with good weather, but you must not underestimate that range. I've done the Presidentials via huts and day hikes (not a full traverse) and we're planning to take a group of boy scouts on a presidential traverse via the huts this July. We'll take it easy on them with a night in all three of the Presidential range huts, but you don't need to ante up for that much AMC lodging. It can be done with 1 or 2 nights in the huts and it's also been done as a rather aggressive day hike.

If I was going to do it with one night in a hut, I'd probably hike from Highland to Lakes and then plan a a long Day 2. Lakes to Madison is a challenging enough hike, but then figure on at least 4 miles of knee pounding descent to the valley (~4k vertical to either Appalachia or near Dolly Copp...a little less descent but more miles to Pinkham). Know your limitations and make sure you are in shape.

It can be done in as few as 23 miles taking in all of the summits (including Mt Jackson). Figure roughly 16000 feet in elevation gain/loss (a little more or less than 8000 feet up and down depending on where you start and finish...and a few extra miles if your endpoints are Highland Center and Pinkham Notch).

One other note: a lot of people carry very little gear becasue they count on the huts for shelter and food and find that works well in good weather, but its a little too risky for my taste. I carry a fairly heavy pack. Pick up a copy of "Not Without Peril" by Nick Howe before you decide that all you need is some rain gear and a water bottle..or any combination that omits the survival basics.

[Rookie]

If you have to bail on Washington, there are shutlles you can catch down, or, the more expensive R/R. Check hours so you know.

[Pete Hogan]

occamsrazor32,

I have planned and organized two north/south traverses - one in 2004 and the most recent in early August of 2010. See: Presidential Traverse Photos below on this page.

Both trips involved overnights in the AMC Huts. Since the drive over to NH involved the better part of a half day, we booked an additional night before and after the traverse in Joe Dodge Lodge as part of the overall plan. Having pre-hike and post-hike lodging made a big difference in the group's enjoyment, readiness and processing of the experience.

AMC offered a five night package with the cost of the fifth night a mere $17 pp for a clean bed/linens/hot showers, dinner and breakfast at JDL. That is quite reasonable.

Otherwise AMC does offer packages for the high mountain huts. The individual member rate for three consecutive nights this past August was $78 per night. That may seem high, but the hut food is great, the "Croos" are extremely accommodating and entertaining, the bunks are bearable and the snoring is memorable. The huts truly enrich the experience.

The huts also afford hikers the "luxury" of a a safe haven from significant weather systems that converge on the Presidential Range. (BTW...preparing for sudden, violent swings of weather would be a priority IMO).

Yes, there is some significant costs when AMC lodging is part of the package, but that depends entirely on your personal preference. Our group has been hiking together in the Whites for about 8 years and we look forward spending a week together every year. We completely enjoy the camaraderie, history and "ambiance" of the huts.

On paper, the hiking mileage and vertical seems minimal divided over a four day/three night period. I would only add that the rock hopping on the Gulfside Trail and the jagged, rocky ascent and descent of the major summits increase fatigue and can make you feel like you've hiked twice the distance. The southern Presidential Range is "softer" and more forgiving so the distances (and elevation gains) are not as challenging. (North to South Traverse)

For example, our first hike day started from Appalachia on the Airline Trail (chosen for it's scenic potential), climbing Mt. Adams and Mt. Madison before returning to Madison Hut for our first overnight. Total distance for the day was 6.9 miles with 5050' of vertical ascent. The second day included Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Clay and Mt. Washington and totaled 7.6 miles and 3050' of ascent. Our overnight was in Lakes of the Clouds. (LOC has been renovated and is in great condition albeit far too many people.)

It wouldn't be beyond our physical ability to skip the overnight at Madison Hut and continued on to Lakes on the first hike day. However, our group truly enjoys relaxing on the summits (official and otherwise), gawking at the spectacular scenery along the way, stopping for snack breaks and taking a gazillion photos. Therefore hiking 14.5 miles and 8100' of vertical to arrive at LOC would be hurried, forced and simply counterproductive to our goals.

One other word of caution, with the potential for extreme weather emergencies not to be underestimated, be prepared with maps and strategies/electronics (GPS)/or other devices (compass) for staying on route, locating escape routes or following back bearings if you need to retreat.

No matter how you do it, it is an amazing journey -- one of the classic hikes in the east. Good luck with your plans and journey!

[Snickers]

There is a decent discount if you are a member. Having stayed at all of the AMC Huts, I never had a bad experience. The croo are usually excellent cooks. You get 2 meals, a night's lodging, water, a chance to meet lots of interesting people, and of course, those 'wonderful' skits! :rolleyes:


From AMC's website:

$110/adult member avg. nightly rate | Bunk - Adult Member Full-Service Lodging.

Sat
06/04
$110 Avg.

$110/adult member
$121/adult non-member | $99/youth(13-17) member | $109/youth(13-17) non-member | $59/child(3-12) member | $65/child(3-12) non-member
Hut lodging. Dinner, Bunk, Breakfast. Taxes not included.

[NorthShore]

From AMC's website:

$110/adult member avg. nightly rate | Bunk - Adult Member Full-Service Lodging.

Sat
06/04
$110 Avg.

$110/adult member
$121/adult non-member | $99/youth(13-17) member | $109/youth(13-17) non-member | $59/child(3-12) member | $65/child(3-12) non-member
Hut lodging. Dinner, Bunk, Breakfast. Taxes not included.

They seem to have higher pricing for Saturday nights, roughly $20 more...although I noticed that the rates aren't exactly the same on every Saturday night (June vs July dates seem to differ by a dollar or two).

Sun
06/05

$92/adult member avg. nightly rate | Bunk - Adult Member Full-Service Lodging.

Sun
06/05
$92 Avg.

$92

$101/adult non-member | $83/youth(13-17) member | $91/youth(13-17) non-member | $49/child(3-12) member | $54/child(3-12) non-member
Hut lodging. Dinner, Bunk, Breakfast. Taxes not included.

[TFR]

If you want to stay in Crawford Notch an overnight at Shapleigh Bunk House is considerably less:(weekends are no different)Great, but you're not at 5,000'! :twisted:

[Magua]

Myself and two friends are going June 20th,
Day one starting at Pinkham Notch to Madison Hut, about 3366ft. and 6.1miles.
Day two Madison to Lake of the Clouds Hut, 3600ft. and 6.2 miles.
Day three Lake of the clouds to AMC Highland center, 2000ft and 8.5 miles.
The distance and ascents are close but not exact.
The money for the huts and the Three days to do it is OK with me, its not a race, I want to enjoy it.
The woman from the AMC told me of a local man that will shuttle you for a reasonable rate back to your car, as the regular shuttle stops at 12:00 pm, dont hold me to that time but its to early to get out and get the shuttle from Lake of the clouds
(Bruce Feige 1-504-615-9497) local shuttle guy. Were not going to use him because were bringing two cars, I think.
Call the AMC they are very helpful and friendly.

[occamsrazor32]

Wow guys thank you for all the info. Now the main question is, do any of you guys or gals want to come with?

[mirabela]

Hey --

2 more cents ... if you want to avoid the huts, you can do a pretty relaxed traverse if you go from 302, day 1 to the Nauman tentsite next to Mizpah hut, day 2 to Hermit Lake (sure, you have to drop way off the ridge into Tuckerman Ravine, but you can make this a scenic adventure in its own right -- go down Tucks and back up Lions Head, or Boott Spurr, make a tour of the area out of it. Day 3, hike across to one of the RMC shelters on the north slope, say Gray Knob. Day 4, over Madison & your route of choice to a road.

I've done it a bunch of times a bunch of ways, slow, fast & in-between, but this is a reasonably unhurried way to do it without spending a fortune.

[Rob S]

Myself and two friends are going June 20th,
Day one starting at Pinkham Notch to Madison Hut, about 3366ft. and 6.1miles.
Day two Madison to Lake of the Clouds Hut, 3600ft. and 6.2 miles.
Day three Lake of the clouds to AMC Highland center, 2000ft and 8.5 miles.
The distance and ascents are close but not exact.
The money for the huts and the Three days to do it is OK with me, its not a race, I want to enjoy it.
The woman from the AMC told me of a local man that will shuttle you for a reasonable rate back to your car, as the regular shuttle stops at 12:00 pm, dont hold me to that time but its to early to get out and get the shuttle from Lake of the clouds
(Bruce Feige 1-504-615-9497) local shuttle guy. Were not going to use him because were bringing two cars, I think.
Call the AMC they are very helpful and friendly.

That's the way we did it in July 1996. In 1997, we did a slightly different version, not a full Pressie Traverse, but a fun few days anyway. Last time was in 1998.

Wow guys thank you for all the info. Now the main question is, do any of you guys or gals want to come with?

Very tempting. There is a possibility, but we'll have to see. As much as I'd like to commit right now, there are extenuating circumstances that prevent me from doing so. Unfortunately, the huts usually book up quickly so that may be the deciding factor for me. Let me know when you nail down definite dates.

By the way, I see you're from Wantage. I currently live in Blairstown (2 miles from the AT and the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center), but am moving back to Hackettstown in 2 weeks.

- Rob

[Cumulus]

Day one starting at Pinkham Notch to Madison Hut

They recently did a lot of work on Madison Hut. I haven't been there since then. It used to be the most crowded of all the huts, in terms of floor space per guest; it would sometimes be difficult to find a place to put your pack. Hopefully that's been addressed with the recent changes.

The woman from the AMC told me of a local man that will shuttle you for a reasonable rate back to your car,

Whenever I'm doing a traverse with one car I always park at the terminal trailhead, hitchhike or get a ride to the initial trailhead, and then walk back to my car. That way you don't have to worry about being behind schedule on your last day.

--

Cumulus

NE111: 80/115 (67/67, 12/46, 1/2); Cat35: 3/39; WNH4K: 16/48; NEFF: 23/50
LT NB 2009

"I don't much care where --" said Alice, "-- so long as I get [i]somewhere," ...
"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."
- Lewis Carroll

[Kyler]

FYI, there is a rate special for the huts in June. 30% off on Sunday through Thursday nights between June 5th and June 23rd. Reservations must be made by April 30.

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/june-hut-savings.cfm

[Nasreddin Hoja]

I might be up for this if my partner bails. I'd like to nail this down soon. Either do it near vernal equinox or near a full moon. But I've got some stuff hanging that might force me to cancel in June.

I think someone mentioned the Randolph Huts. Two of them are close to Madison.

http://www.hike-nh.com/clubs/rmc/index.shtml

So there are 3 huts not too far away from each other, Madison, Gray Knob, and Crag. Park at the gas station, up the airline trail and take much of your elevation on the front end. I'd personally be up for Gray Knob. It's like a private house.

[Foottraffic]

Wow guys thank you for all the info. Now the main question is, do any of you guys or gals want to come with?

When are you planning this?

[occamsrazor32]

No idea at all august or july?

[Flatland]

That hike is a good time. I did it with a couple of friends last August. We just took light day packs and did it in about 10 hours. I could see it being a lot more relaxed/laid back as a multi-day trip, though. I am a cheap b@$%!#d and would find it hard to cough up $100 a night for a stay in the huts, but if money were no object that method would be ideal.

[alistair]

How about a single day, mid-week traverse some time mid-late July .... anyone interested?

Presently I am out of action due to an achilles issue and this would be my way of celebrating my come back.

[Flatland]

I might consider a July Presi Traverse, depending on what kind of speed you wanted to do....

[alistair]

I might consider a July Presi Traverse, depending on what kind of speed you wanted to do....
I won't be fast.

[alistair]

Anyone interested in a July traverse ?

[Kyler]

Anyone interested in a July traverse ?

I am. What dates are you thinking?

[alistair]

Kyler,
Can you do mid-week hiking?

[Kyler]

Kyler,
Can you do mid-week hiking?

I can any day of the week of the 18th -22nd. I could probably switch my time off to a different week with enough advanced notice.

[Magua]

6/20-6/22 these pics might come through.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2127088457415&set=a.2127082497266.126819.1252024741&type=1&theater

[alistair]

Sorry guys I don't think I will be able to make this trip in July..... for me this will have to wait till late in August.

[Kyler]

Sorry guys I don't think I will be able to make this trip in July..... for me this will have to wait till late in August.

The week of Aug 15-19 is a possibility for me.

[mirabela]

I could do something that week too.

[Kyler]

I could do something that week too.

I believe that alistair was thinking about a one day traverse, which I am open to, but I am open to a multi-day as well.

[Photobug65]

Doug and I are looking into a day-hike traverse although we haven't pinned down any dates. Let's all keep updating each other and maybe something will work out... or we can gather info if whomever does whatever however whenever. See ya on the trail?!?

[Photobug65]

Just curious if there may be any water to filter along the way?

[Cumulus]

Just curious if there may be any water to filter along the way?

You can get water at the huts.

--

Cumulus

NE111: 87/115 (67/67, 19/46, 1/2); Cat35: 7/39; WNH4K: 16/48; NEFF: 23/50
LT NB 2009

"I don't much care where --" said Alice, "-- so long as I get [i]somewhere," ...
"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."
- Lewis Carroll

[Photobug65]

You can get water at the huts.



Thanks... I haven't started looking at the routes yet but will soon. I take it the hut info and locations are notated somewhere? We plan on doing the PR as a traverse day hike later this summer so our planning is just beginning.

[JFTX]

I take it the hut info and locations are notated somewhere?

Yes, all huts are indicated on the maps. I did the traverse (without Jackson and Webster) last Tuesday (July 19) and got to Madison hut at 4:30AM and no problem getting water.

[Kyler]

Anyone interested in the week of the 15th-19th? It's coming up quick.