The Presidential Traverse is the defining challenge of New Hampshire's White Mountains — a full ridge walk across the highest peaks in the northeastern United States, culminating on the summit of 6,288-foot Mount Washington. The complete traverse covers roughly 23 miles with approximately 9,000 feet of total elevation gain.
The Route — South to North
- Mount Pierce (4,312 ft): First summit; gentle approach through forest via Crawford Path
- Mount Eisenhower (4,780 ft): Bald dome with complete 360° views
- Mount Monroe (5,372 ft): Dramatic ridgeline views of Washington ahead
- Mount Washington (6,288 ft): Highest peak in the Northeast
- Mount Jefferson (5,712 ft): Third highest in the range
- Mount Adams (5,774 ft): Second highest; hardest sustained climbing of the traverse
- Mount Madison (5,367 ft): Final summit before the long descent
One Day vs. Overnight
Two-Day Overnight (Recommended)
Day 1: Crawford Notch → Lakes of the Clouds Hut (~12 miles, 6,000 ft gain). Reserve hut space 6+ months in advance at outdoors.org. Meals and bunks are provided.
Day 2: Lakes of the Clouds → Appalachia (~11 miles). Summit Washington from the hut, then traverse the Northern Presidentials to Madison, descend via Valley Way.
Weather: The Critical Variable
Mount Washington holds the all-time record for highest surface wind speed in the Northern Hemisphere: 231 mph. The summit averages hurricane-force winds 110 days per year.
- Check the Mount Washington Observatory Higher Summits Forecast the morning of your hike
- Wind chill above treeline can run 30–50°F colder than the valley
- Have a turnaround plan and use it without hesitation
Gear for the Presidential Traverse
- Hardshell jacket and pants — non-negotiable, even on a sunny forecast
- Insulating mid layer for summit stops and ridge travel
- Gloves and warm hat — year-round necessity above treeline
- Compass and paper map — phone GPS can fail in bad weather
- 3+ liters of water capacity (no reliable water sources above treeline)
Share Your Presidential Story
If you've completed it, share your route on ExplorOFF. Your beta on conditions and timing could make a real difference for the next hiker.
