Trail Report: Madison Hut and Mt. Madison

One of my favorite hikes is Mt. Madison. Back in 2005 I did this hike for the first time and then I have done it three more times since. It's a beautiful hike but is not easy. This is more of a moderate hike but the views will be worth the journey up the mountain. When you start this hike, its best to start at the parking on Route 2 near Randolph Hill. During the summer the parking fills up fast so get there early. Some people enjoy taking the Valley Way Trail up to Madison Spring Hut, but I prefer Airline Trail. It's easy at first but the trail gets steeper as you hike up. When you reach the sign that lets you know you have reached the Alpine Zone.

The Alpine Zone Sign

Hiking on the Airline Trail in the Alpine Zone

 Once you are hiking in the Apline Zone, you are above tree level. Here you will follow rock piles until you reach Madison Spring Hut. I love being above tree line for you get to see views all the way around you. Once you are over at Madison Spring Hut, you can go inside for restrooms and for resting. I enjoy a snack or even just have lunch inside at one of the benches. There is also a lake called Star lake down the trail for viewing.

Mt. Washington from Mt. Madison (sometimes you can see the cars driving up_

The marker on Mt. Madison

After a rest, hike up to the top of Mt. Madison, it is rocky, climbing over boulders at times but it will be well worth it! The views are amazing! I love seeing Berlin, Jefferson, Mt. Washington, top of Mt. Wildcat and more all around me. The hike will take about six to seven hours. After hiking back down Mt. Madison and back to the hut, I normally take Valley Way back down to the parking lot. It's not as rocky and hard on your legs. The hike it worth going up and if you want to see views...then this is the hike for you! Mt. Madison is 5366'

Madison Spring Hut

Inside Madison Spring Hut (have benches, bathroom and sleeping rooms)

Happy Hiking:)

Hut to Hut in the White Mountains

It's Still Winter, yet I am already gearing up for Spring. Got to enjoy some muddy hiking come March 21st! I just went to go buy a new map called Hut to Hut on the Appalachian Trail. It shows Lonesome Lake, Greenleaf, Galehead, Zealand Falls, Highland Center, Mizpah Spring, Lake of the Clouds, Madison Spring, Pinkham Notch and Carter Notch. Out of all these Huts I have been to seven of these Huts. I hope to visit the others this summer so I can have all of them to my list. I have never stayed at any of the huts, though I hope to also change that this summer as well. Here are a few Huts that I have visited:

The Greenleaf Hut in Franconia Notch

Lonesome Lake Hut in Franconia Notch

Madison Spring in the Presidential Range

Lake of the Clouds Hut near Mt. Washington

Have you been to any of the Huts on the Appalachian Trail?

Which one is your favorite to visit or stay at? 

Happy Hiking!

Four AMC Huts I would like to stay at in the White Mountains

Four AMC Huts that I would love to stay at 

in the White Mountains

1. The first AMC Hut I would love to stay at next summer would have to be the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Hut. When I hike up to Mt. Washington I enjoy taking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail so that I hike right up to this AMC Hut first. This wonderful AMC Hut is right by the two Lakes of the Clouds and have a beautiful view of the Mount. Washington Valley. I would love to wake up to a lovely sunrise at the Hut. I bet it is so beautiful. The Hut is right near Mt. Monroe and only about a mile from Mt. Washington. In side the Hut is a lovely eating area, rooms with bunk beds, and restrooms. Here is a picture of what the hut looks like and location:

2. Lonesome Lake AMC Hut would be another great place I would love to stay in when I hike next summer. It's right by Lonesome lake and you can see a beautiful mountain view of Cannon Mt. I also love that the bunk beds are in another building where there are separate rooms. The restroom is also in another building away from the sleeping rooms, and the place to grab some food is in another building a little higher up where you can see outside at the view. Then there is a place to eat and relax down by the lake. Last time I can up this Hut was packed, and many were swimming at the lake. Here is a picture of this hut:

3. One AMC Hut that I want to stay at, but never had a chance to see yet, would be Greenleaf Hut. This is right near Mt. Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge. I have only heard such great reviews about this hut and how wonderful it is to stay at in the summer months. I would be able to stay and do the Ridge which I want to do. I want to hike all the five Mountains in one day. It would be a great way to do all five. 

4. The Madison AMC Hut would be the other great hut to stay at in the White Mountains. It's was just remodeled this year and when I up to check it out, it was wonderful inside. The restrooms were clean, the eating area was big and the sleeping area is located on the other side. I love how this hut is right near Mt. Madison and also not far from Mt. Adams. Plus it is near lake Star which is a very nice small lake. 

Here is a picture of this Hut:

These huts are prefect for families, couples, groups and individuals. You will need to call for reservations in order to stay at these huts. The number to call is 800-262-4455. Enjoy your stay:)

Taking on Mt. Washington

 Mt. Washington

I love this crazy mountain. There has been so many stories of the dangers hiking this mountain that I get goose bumps just thinking that something could go wrong. Even with the greatest weather, you need to be safe while hiking the white mountains and of all the mountains to be the most concerned about would be Mt. Washington. I am very glad though that there are a few huts around that can give cover if the weather would turn bad. Always have protective gear and pay attention to the weather before hiking.
I hiked Mt. Washington in JULY, it turned to hail when I got to the top! Yes, it can snow on top of Mt. Washington even in July. One hut around is the Lakes of the Clouds AMC hut near Mt. Monroe. Also there is AMC Madison Spring Hut near Mt. Madison which has been re-modeled and looks great! If you are at the top of Mt. Washington when weather turns bad, there is a place on top for hikers in need of shelter.
In the summer, on clear days, some people think that they are in the clear and hike up, but the sun can be strong and after the Lake of the Clouds, there are no more trees. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. After the huts, you are following rocks the rest of the way up to the top. Mt. Washington is 6288' and what makes it so dangerous is also the winds. Winds can pick up quickly and can be very strong. I have felt the winds up near the top of Mt. Washington and I as nervous that I can really going to be blown off the cliffs. Remember to be safe when hiking and always stay on the trails!!!
Plus if you are going to hike up this mountain, please have a map, and compass with you. It's so easy to get lost. I can't tell you how many times, people are just hiking in the white mountains with families and ask me where they are, and don't have a clue where they are going. Think that just following a trail in the white mountains will lead them someplace amazing. Well, most trails around here will take to you someplace great, but you don't want to lose your way back home. 
So exciting to be hiking this mountain again this month!! Tell you all my tales of what happens on this crazy mountain! Happy Hiking!

New AMC Madison Spring Hut!

This week's hike journey up to Mt. Madison had us head also to the New AMC Madison Spring Hut. This hut is located between Mt. Madison and shoulder to Mt. Adams. It is also close to Star Lake. The Hut is amazing now. I loved the look of the inside of Hut and how they set it up. Here are a few pics

The top pic is the Hut and the next pic is inside of the hut. I love the wood and the sleeping area is where the guy in blue is sitting, there is a doorway. the Bathrooms are to my left and they were nice. I loved the kitchen and they have a place to sit outside as well. I am so glad they have a new hut. I already can't wait to visit up Mt. Madison again. Speaking of Mt. Madison, here is a picture of a view from the top this year....

 There is my friend posing in front of Mt. Washington. The red arrow is pointing to the Auto Road that cars drive up to get to the top of Mt. Washington. The Green arrow is pointing to the Station at the top of Mt. Washington and the black arrow is pointing to a group of nails that lets you now that you are no top of Mt. Madison! :)