Full Hike [CC]: Mountaineering's Presidential Roots (White Mountains, New Hampshire), Part 1

Due to this nation's development, modern mountaineering stemmed from New England. But not for sport. Instead, the earliest practitioners were surveyors and businesspeople making practical uses of the White Mountains, Catskills, and Adirondacks. It was only after most of the loftiest peaks-East to West-had been measured and mapped that mountain climbing purely for the challenge and excitement became a thing.
Nowadays, hikers still use the White Mountains as a steppingstone to become full-fledged mountaineers. More than simply topping 6,288-foot Mount Washington (highest in all of the Northeast), they link together seven presidential apexes to form an extended route, attaining staggering distance and elevation gain and rivalling major feats elsewhere.
The "Presidential Traverse" scrambles over Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Pierce (the preferred order, but sometimes reversed). Of course, hazards abound in those 18.6 miles. Below treeline are annoying rocks/roots/slippery areas, while higher altitudes mean being completely vulnerable to the wildly erratic weather. (Per point-to-point) there are logistical considerations. And over 9,000 feet to gain.
At least, backpackers can glamp at staffed lodging accommodations-à la European Alps huts-run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and Randolph Mountain Club (RMC). Those sumptuous options, along with heavy commercialization of Mount Washington, ensure safety, comforts, and encounters with plenty of other visitors. Regardless, the Whites will always gift aspiring hikers a sense of adventure. And new growth-on some the country's oldest trails.
Photos: photos.app.goo...
Route: Valley Way Trail-Watson Path Trail-Osgood Trail-Star Lake Trail-Gulfside Trail-Air Line Trail-Israel Ridge Path Trail-Mount Jefferson Loop Trail- Caps Ridge Trail-Trinity Heights Connector Trail-Crawford Path Trail-Mount Monroe Loop Trail-Mount Eisenhower Loop Trail-Webster Cliff Trail
Type: Point-To-Point
Distance: 18.6 mi.
Elevation Gain: 9,296 ft.
Location: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, United States
Date/Time: 2022-08-27 1015
My Thoughts:
I was enjoying a wonderful breakfast (the dish was "eggs Benedict") at a small but popular cafe in Tucson, Arizona. The guest beside me and I started casually chatting and "Mount Washington" was brought up. That chance event instigated my first trip into the Whites.
There, while finding myself among a strange gathering humanity of hikers, backpackers, drivers, Cog riders, and motorcyclists (it was "bike week"), my intrepid eyes were shown the entire range. More researching led to the Presidential Traverse. But I already had countless other hiking plans-in distant places-which disallowed an immediate attempt.
Fast forwarded to last year. I was determined to return and wrap up unfinished business. Plus, because my mountaineering journey had begun elsewhere, it would only be proper to film where the sport formerly germinated (for the United States).
There were a couple of other important subjects to understand. First, the correct aim was to cross all seven "presidential" peaks of the range. There would be no versions or variations. To do anything else (such as summitting extra peaks) was wasted effort.
Second-and related to unnecessary hiking-was to use the most direct trails. My video would show me on Watson Path to reach Mount Madison and not Valley Way. Likewise, I chose Gulfside-Airline to top Mount Adams and not Star Lake.
Speaking of which, while attempting, I was surprised most by the intricate web of trails that saturated the mountains. But the maps really helped; AMC's was excellent and current, which I studied/used in conjunction with others'. Further, the complexity did not bother me one bit-because I could not call myself a "mountaineer" without walking those storied paths.
Although I have never taken career baby steps on these mountains, in a way, I am no different than the hikers doing so. Some will advance to grander achievements-as have I. We go to the mountains for utility, distraction, evolution. Or just for the stupendous thrill of it all.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace

[@TheOutboundMind]

More facts that I'm sure everyone can't live without:
- These videos (parts 1 and 2) are the most accurate and thorough depiction-available anywhere-of the Presidential Traverse (PT). As well, the mileage and elevation gain numbers I've provided are very close to actual: 18.6 (±0.2) miles and 9,296 (±20) feet. I get the data through a combination of methods
- The Traverse is to cross all seven presidential peaks of the range, by the most direct/efficient path. No more, no less
- Going north-south is preferred because the hardest sections are done first. For example, rising from Appalachia Trailhead to Mount Madison summit eliminates ⅓ of the total elevation gain. With my personal situation (one vehicle; needing maximum daylight), the shuttle schedule also worked better for that direction (but I had to start much later than usual because of it)
- The hike is almost all YDS class 2-3
- I believe those giant cairns in treeless areas are maintained (i.e., not randomly built by passing hikers). Likely by the AMC, and/or Forest Service and other volunteers. They are for guiding the way and preventing people from trampling on sensitive vegetation. They serve their purposes here, but know that one should be able to navigate without using them, even in bad weather. Of course, walk on the rocks
- This took the title for having the most trails utilized in a single hike. Needless to say, I was in pure bliss studying the maps
- Above timberline lodging choices-that are directly on the PT-will be the two costly AMC huts. Book early. There are more options at lower elevations
- Water is available at many places
- (In part 1) my chief concern is having enough light (for filming) under those trees, before reaching timberline on Mount Madison
- (Part 1) Watson Path-Mount Madison-AMC Madison Spring Hut is more direct. Continuing on Valley Way-hut-Mount Madison-hut adds an extra 0.5 mile. After the hut, using only Star Lake is a slightly longer way to Mount Adams summit
- (Part 1) related, Watson Path is the most difficult segment on the PT. But it is also very fun scrambling, and light climbing, that shouldn't be missed. The blazes are fading and could easily be missed, however
- (Part 1) there was more water at the Snyder Brook crossing during my first time through. It certainly could become dicier
- (Part 1) there are 3-4 false summits on Mount Jefferson (coming from the north)

[@scottallen6135]

A lot of people on those trails. The Presidential Traverse must be a common bucket list item. I see that you got lucky with no rain. The weather looks crazy up there. Thank you for the video, Outbound Mind. I will call you Om for short. 😊

[@TheOutboundMind]

I've been up there multiple times and it seems that the White Mountains are always: 1) full of people and 2) full of weather.

[@ericschraut3377]

Excellent videos sir! It was nice to see the expanse as you hiked. The only time I hiked the PT, I could barely see 50 feet in front of me for 90% of the time.

[@TheOutboundMind]

The weather behaves in part 1, but watch part 2 and you'll recognize a familiar scene.