Hiking Collection by Jamie S.
The Presidential Traverse — A classic New Hampshire sandbag
2 days
4-7 h/day
33.6km
2,410m
2,230m
The Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire hardly needs any introduction. It’s one of my favorite traverses in the White Mountains, if not of all time; rugged, iconic, and challenging. I've done it multiple times in almost every season, and no matter how prepared I think I am, it always humbles me and reminds me of why the White Mountains are so special. Stretching just over 20 miles, this traverse links up all seven of the major peaks of the Presidential Range, several subpeaks, and (of course) includes Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the state, and where the highest wind speed on Earth was recorded (231 mph!). Don’t let the mileage fool you; this is not a “just 20 miles” kind of backpacking trip. Most of the route is above treeline, with constant exposure, fast-changing weather, and steep, rocky ascents that test even the most experienced hikers.
I’ve typically broken up the traverse in two days, overnighting at the historic Lake of the Clouds Hut, dramatically perched between Mount Monroe and Washington. It’s a stunning spot next to the highest elevation lakes in the eastern U.S, and the most popular hut in AMC’s backcountry hut system. Some hikers stretch the traverse to three or four days, swapping or adding in stays at Madison Spring Hut, near the northern end, or Mizpah Spring Hut, toward the southern end. While dispersed backcountry camping is technically allowed in the White Mountains, it’s not really an option here; much of the route crosses alpine terrain where camping is prohibited, or passes near summits and huts where there are also restrictions on camping. Reservations for the huts are essential and tend to fill up very quickly (no additional permits are required to hike the traverse). For more information or to book a bunk, visit outdoors.org/reservations . The huts are full-service during the season, so just bring a sleeping bag and enough snacks to get you through the day.
Although I’ve usually coordinated with friends for a car drop-off or pickup, the AMC’s White Mountain Hiker Shuttle is a fantastic option. It runs daily from June 5 to September 28, and on weekends and holidays through October 19. Follow this link for the schedule, rates, and additional information: outdoors.org/shuttle.
Outside the shuttle season in the winter and early spring, you’re on your own for transportation. Although it is less popular, a winter Presidential Traverse is a classic, serious mountaineering feat that should only be attempted by those with winter camping and hiking experience, specialized gear (namely ice axes and crampons), and technical skills; many seasoned outdoors-people (myself included) have turned back due to brutal conditions. Most hikers tackle the route in summer through early fall, when the huts are open and the weather is more forgiving. “Forgiving” in the White Mountains, however, is a relative term; even in July, I’ve seen temperatures plummet and visibility vanish. You must be ready for sudden clouds, rain, and mist, and extremely high winds, all making for hypothermia-inducing cold above 4,000 feet.
For those who come prepared, the Presidential Traverse delivers some of the most unforgettable ridge running in the state, if not the entire northeast. The sweeping alpine views, challenging climbs, and historic huts make it truly special, and for me, it’s where I fell in love with backpacking and the alpine.
I’ve typically broken up the traverse in two days, overnighting at the historic Lake of the Clouds Hut, dramatically perched between Mount Monroe and Washington. It’s a stunning spot next to the highest elevation lakes in the eastern U.S, and the most popular hut in AMC’s backcountry hut system. Some hikers stretch the traverse to three or four days, swapping or adding in stays at Madison Spring Hut, near the northern end, or Mizpah Spring Hut, toward the southern end. While dispersed backcountry camping is technically allowed in the White Mountains, it’s not really an option here; much of the route crosses alpine terrain where camping is prohibited, or passes near summits and huts where there are also restrictions on camping. Reservations for the huts are essential and tend to fill up very quickly (no additional permits are required to hike the traverse). For more information or to book a bunk, visit outdoors.org/reservations . The huts are full-service during the season, so just bring a sleeping bag and enough snacks to get you through the day.
Although I’ve usually coordinated with friends for a car drop-off or pickup, the AMC’s White Mountain Hiker Shuttle is a fantastic option. It runs daily from June 5 to September 28, and on weekends and holidays through October 19. Follow this link for the schedule, rates, and additional information: outdoors.org/shuttle.
Outside the shuttle season in the winter and early spring, you’re on your own for transportation. Although it is less popular, a winter Presidential Traverse is a classic, serious mountaineering feat that should only be attempted by those with winter camping and hiking experience, specialized gear (namely ice axes and crampons), and technical skills; many seasoned outdoors-people (myself included) have turned back due to brutal conditions. Most hikers tackle the route in summer through early fall, when the huts are open and the weather is more forgiving. “Forgiving” in the White Mountains, however, is a relative term; even in July, I’ve seen temperatures plummet and visibility vanish. You must be ready for sudden clouds, rain, and mist, and extremely high winds, all making for hypothermia-inducing cold above 4,000 feet.
For those who come prepared, the Presidential Traverse delivers some of the most unforgettable ridge running in the state, if not the entire northeast. The sweeping alpine views, challenging climbs, and historic huts make it truly special, and for me, it’s where I fell in love with backpacking and the alpine.
Visibility:
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The Presidential Traverse — White Mountains
33.6km
2,410m
2,230m
Last updated: July 11, 2025
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Activities
18.1km
07:28
2,090m
930m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Hard
15.5km
04:21
320m
1,300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Moderate
Collection Stats
Activities
2
Distance
33.6 km
Duration
11:49 h
Elevation
2,410 m
2,230 m
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