How Hard Is It To Hike Presidential Traverse In 2 Days?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Enjoy this 20.4-mile point-to-point trail near Randolph, New Hampshire. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of

12 h 19 min

to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How hard is the Presidential Traverse?

The Presidential Traverse is a

strenuous and sometimes dangerous

trek over the Presidential Range of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Contained almost entirely in the 750,000-acre (3,000 km

2

) White Mountain National Forest, the Presidential Range is a string of summits in excess of 4,000 feet (1,200 m).

Can you hike the Presidential Traverse in one day?


Most recreational hikers stretch a traverse into two or even three days

, taking their time over the craggy route and availing themselves of the bunks and warm meals at the AMC huts along the way. The single-day effort has a rich history, though, dating back to the first recorded “Range Walk,” as folks called it then.

How do I hike the Presidential Traverse?

Getting to the Appalachia Trailhead from Interstate 93 is straightforward. Follow I-93 to exit 35, US 3 North. Stay on US 3 North for 12 miles to NH 115 North. After roughly 10 miles turn right onto US 2 East, follow it for a little over 7 miles, and the Appalachia Trailhead will be on your right.

When can you hike the Presidential Range?

Experienced hikers can and will do the Presidential Traverse hike in every season, but Quade says that most people stick to the summer months, when there’s maximum daylight. “

July and August

are very nice,” he says.

What should I bring to a Presidential Traverse?

You will need: lightweight wool socks, trekking pants, wicking t-shirt, wicking long sleeve shirt, light down or synthetic jacket, waterproof hard-shell jacket, waterproof hard shell pants (for rainy and windy days), lightweight gloves, warm hat and sunglasses.

Is the Presidential Traverse a loop?

One of the great hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is called a Presidential Traverse. It’s so-called because hikers climb all of the mountains in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in

one continuous hike

that’s nearly 23 miles long with close to 9,000 feet of elevation gain.

What peaks are in the Presidential Traverse?

However, a classic Presidential Traverse includes a specific set of peaks named after U.S. Presidents: Mount Madison (5,367 feet), Mount Adams (5,774 feet), Mount Jefferson (5,712 feet), Mount Washington (6,288 feet), Mount Monroe (5,384 feet), Mount Eisenhower (4,780 feet) and Mount Pierce (4,310 feet).

What mountains are part of the Presidential Traverse?

The Presidential Traverse is a 19 mile section of New Hampshire’s White Mountains that consists of 7 peaks:

Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Mount Eisenhower and Mount Pierce

. It is the highest elevation ridge in the state.

How many peaks are in the Presidential Range?

The Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the United States. It comprises

thirteen mountains

, nine of which are over 4,000 feet in elevation, and seven of which are named after U.S. Presidents.

What can I bring to AMC hut?

Guests should bring

their own appropriately rated sleeping bag and pillow

. Mattresses will be disinfected between users. Vaccination is recommended but not required for guests.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.