Day Trips
Mount Washington & Presidential Range Traverse

Friday > Arrive at Crawford Notch

We depart New York City on Friday afternoon and drive into the heart of the White Mountains, the most rugged in the Northeast. Along the way, we will stop for dinner and bathroom breaks. Accommodations this evening will be at the Shapleigh Bunkhouse, recently renovated from historic home to highland hospitality. Amenities at the bunkhouse include: Breakfast at the adjacent Highland Center Lodge, common room for all guests, bed linens and a retail store for any last minute necessities. Showers are also available. Get some sleep though, because we have an early morning and peaks to bag!

Saturday > Presidential Peaks

After a warm and cozy night’s sleep, followed by an early hearty breakfast, we will lace up our boots, double check our gear and head for the wilderness. Today we will hike a total of 13 miles and gain almost 5,000 feet in elevation — a truly dawn to dusk mission!

Our hike will begin on the oldest continuously maintained hiking path in America (the Crawford Path) built by Abel and Ethan Allen Crawford in 1819. Along this first leg, we will stop for scenic vistas, ponder the magnitude of an old-growth forest and refuel by historic Gibbs Falls. Just two miles further, we will reach the summit of Mount Pierce (4,310 feet), and rise above timberline. Starting at this peak, we will have joined the Appalachian Trail, the 2,174-mile trail running from Georgia to Maine. Fortunately for us, we are not going all the way.

The trail remains in the high alpine zone, uniquely void of trees and completely exposed to wind, weather and the most spectacular views one could hope for during the six miles to follow. Next along the Presi Range come Mount Eisenhower (4,780 feet), Mount Franklin (5,001 feet) and Mount Monroe (5,372 feet) and the aptly named Lake of the Clouds. Here we can refuel, replenish our water and consult the clock and the clouds. If all looks good, we will then summit Mount Washington (6,288 feet) and proclaim ourselves Kings and Queens of the world (or at least New England)!

From here we have a steep 4.2-mile descent through Tuckerman’s Ravine (or, “Tucks”), world-famous for its backcountry skiing lure. Two miles past Tucks, we will arrive at Joe Dodge Lodge, our well-earned home for the night where dinner will be waiting for us at 6:00pm sharp! Accommodations at the lodge include: dinner, breakfast, beds, linens, showers, towels, soap, and shampoo.

Sunday > North Conway, NH and White Mountain Cider Company

After our epic traverse, we can take it easy today. Following a breakfast buffet, we can take our time packing up and say our last “goodbye’s” to the Presi Range. On the way back to NYC, we will stop in North Conway, NH and visit the White Mountain Cider Company. Here we can stock up on their fresh baked goods, hot cider, coffee, mulled cider, and their famous apple cider donuts (guilt-free after this weekend). We will also grab a proper lunch in North Conway before returning to NYC by 8:00 PM.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

1. Activity

   How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

2. Distances

   You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

3. Surfaces

   What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

4. Elevation Change

   The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

5. Altitude

   The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

1. Activity

   1 – 3 hours

2. Distances

   Walk or hike less than 3 miles

3. Surfaces

   Flat terrain

4. Elevation Change

   Little or none

5. Altitude

   Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

1. Activity

   2 – 5 hours

2. Distances

   Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 1,500 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

1. Activity

   4 – 6 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 2,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Experience required.

1. Activity

   5 – 8 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

4. Elevation Change

   3,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

1. Activity

   10 plus hours per day

2. Distances

   Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 4,000+ feet per day

5. Altitude

   May well exceed 14,000 feet