Multi-Day
White Mountain Memorial Weekend Expedition

Saturday > Trek into the White Mountains

We depart New York City early Saturday morning driving into the heart of the White Mountains, the most rugged in the Northeast. Along the way, we will stop for dinner and bathroom breaks. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, we will strap on our boots and hike three miles into the mountains where our backcountry hut awaits. Tonight your Outdoor Bound guides will serve you a delicious and warm meal. With bellies full and a cup of hot cocoa in hand, you can retire to the library for a quiet read, play some cards in the game room or just hit the hay for the night! Rest up, for Sunday we have an invigorating day of exploring the Presidential Range.

Sunday > The Presidential Range

After a restful sleep and a hearty breakfast, we will begin our hike into the Presidential Range wilderness. Jackson, Pierce an Eisenhower are just a few of the presidents that have been memorialized by these great peaks. Shortly after our start, we will have entered the high-alpine zone of fragile flora and fantastic views of the Presidential Wilderness. On the return, we will hike through Cloudwater bog, a true alpine environment where rainwater cannot escape, and home to the most diverse vegetation in the White Mountains. Shortly after the bog, we will begin our last climb to Mount Jackson. At 4,052 feet, we can enjoy our last glimpses of the Presidential Range before our descent. The journey will end back at the Crawford Notch where you can enjoy a shower and more fabulous food.

Monday > Mount Washington

All aboard the cog railway! After breakfast, we will hop on the train departing at 10:00 AM sharp. This old-fashioned, coal powered train ride takes about three hours round trip. Bring old cotton clothing, for the coal embers can get you dirty as they fly past the open-air passenger cars! The entire ride is filled with incredible views, slightly hair-raising inclines and of course the peak of Mount Washington. Once we reach the summit at 6,288 feet, we will have 20 minutes to enjoy the views, take pictures and grab a snack or a drink at the summit gift shop. When we return to the base of the train, we will grab a quick lunch and head on back to NYC at 1:30 PM. Drop off is at 73rd and Broadway at 8:30 PM.

The Cog Railway

Built in 1869, this old-fashioned cog railway is surely one of the most innovative industrial accomplishments of its time. The idea for the railway came from Sylvester Marsh, who after becoming lost near the summit of Mount Washington, thought that there must be an easier way to reach the top of the highest peak in the Northeast. Whether carting supplies over 25 miles with the use of ox-trains was “easy” remains in debate. Regardless, Marsh realized his dream which still transports sight-seers of all kind to New Hampshire’s most rugged summit. The round trip cog is approximately three hours in length, including a 20-minute stop at the top to take in the views or grab a cup of hot cocoa at the summit gift shop.

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