Memorial Weekend: Presidential Traverse, NH

Departing New York City Saturday morning, we will drive into the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the most rugged in the Northeast. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and bathroom breaks. Upon arrival at Crawford Notch, we will pack our bags for the night, lace up our boots and begin hiking the short but steep trail to the Presidential Range.

Our hike will begin on the oldest continuously maintained hiking path in America (the Crawford Path) built by Abel and Ethan Allen Crawford in 1819. Along this first leg, we will stop for scenic vistas, ponder the magnitude of an old-growth forest and refuel by historic Gibbs Falls. After roughly two hours of strong and rewarding hiking, the Mizpah Spring Hut will come into view. Once at the hut, you can unwind with the setting sun as your guides demonstrate their culinary wizardry. Evenings at the lodge are always a fun time; good company, great food, and tall tales from the guides certainly makes for an entertaining evening at the hut. Get some sleep though, because we have an early morning and peaks to bag!

TRAIL STATS

• Hiking Distance 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain 1,900 feet

After a warm and cozy night’s sleep followed by a hearty breakfast, we will lace up our boots, double check our gear and head for the wilderness. Our journey today traverses the traditional Presidential Range- the premiere hiking trail in the region. The Presidential Range in the high alpine zone is uniquely devoid of trees and completely exposed to wind, weather and the most spectacular views one could hope for during the six miles to follow.

The first iconic landmark along the Presi Range is Mount Eisenhower (4,780 feet), followed by Mount Franklin (5,001 feet) and Mount Monroe (5,372 feet) and the aptly named Lake of the Clouds. Here we can refuel, replenish our water and consult the clock and the clouds. If all looks good, we will then summit Mount Washington, which at 6,288 feet, stands proud tallest peak in the Northeast.

From Mt. Washington, we have a steep 4.2-mile descent through Tuckerman’s Ravine (“Tucks”), world-famous for its backcountry skiing lure. Two miles past Tucks, we will arrive at Joe Dodge Lodge, our well-earned home for the night where dinner will be waiting for us.

TRAIL STATS

• Hiking Distance 10 miles
• Elevation Gain 2,400 feet

After our epic traverse on Sunday, we can take it easy today. Following a breakfast buffet, you will have the option of a morning hike from the lodge, or just explore, shop and eat your way through charming North Conway. Either way, on the way back to New York, we can stock up on fresh baked goods, hot cider, and famous apple cider donuts (guilt-free after this weekend). We will also grab lunch in North Conway before returning to New York City by 8:00 PM.

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

• Activity

  How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

• Distances

  You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

• Surfaces

  What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.