I wrote this post about hiking through White Mountain National Forest while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail! At this point, I was about 1700 miles and 5 months into my journey with another month left to go.
By far, my favorite part of hiking through the White Mountains was Franconia Ridge. A totally exposed section of trail that is way above the tree line, this hike makes you feel like you’re on the West coast.
I enjoyed this part of the hike so much, that I returned there a year and a half later to do the Franconia Ridge loop. Below is a map of the Franconia Ridge loop on gaiagps.com. If you ever have a chance to hike this loop I highly recommend it, but make sure you start early in the day as it’s a long uphill hike!
Related posts about hiking:
- Exploring Ice Caves and Hiking on Mendenhall Glacier
- Complete Women’s Hiking and Backpacking Gear List
- Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock Loop Hamburg, PA
We have made it through the White Mountain National Forest!
White Mountain National Forest has been looming over us for months. We have heard stories of how difficult the hiking would be, but we have also had five months to prepare.
Even with 4 months of preparation, hiking every day for up to 20 miles per day, this section of trail was the most difficult by far. Our daily mileage was cut in half as we were able to manage about 10 miles per day.
Day 1 – Mount Moosilauke – 13 miles
We entered the park around 8 in the morning. Our plan for the day was 16 miles going over Moosilauke mountain. Moosilauke begins with a 4000-foot climb that feels nearly vertical. As we gained elevation we entered the alpine zone, and went above tree line. The top of the mountain was shrouded in fog, but we still felt a rush of excitement that comes with completing such a difficult climb.
It was extremely cold and windy on top of the mountain and we didn’t waste any time in starting the descent. The hiking was strenuous and we found that we were only capable of completing 13 miles that day.
Day 2 – Mount Kinsman – 13 miles
We woke up the next day tired and sore. Kinsman mountain was next. The elevation gain looked smaller than Moosilauke and we hoped to make it another 13 miles into Lincoln, NH. First stop was another milestone on our hike, the 1800 mile mark!
The hike over Kinsman was more difficult than I was prepared for and the hike down was treacherous and slippery. After many falls, curses, and threats to quit the trail we made it to the Lonesome Lake hut and were treated to this view.
The huts that speckle White Mountain National Forest are staffed and have running water, but are very remote. Weekly, staff members hike up supplies weighing more than 50 pounds uphill for miles. As I arrived at the hut today, I got to watch a helicopter making a yearly delivery of heavier supplies that the staff couldn’t carry, and took this awesome video of the helicopter dropping fuel.
After breaking for a while at the hut we had an easier 3-mile hike, mostly downhill and caught a hitch about halfway to the town of Lincoln, walking the last 1.5 miles into town.
Day 3 – Lincoln, NH – 0 miles
Day off! We were exhausted and in need of some real food. We stuffed ourselves with veggies and got some laundry done at Chet’s place. A hostel run by a very nice guy named Chet.
I needed this day off. I was exhausted an discouraged. Food, friends, and a bit of rest was exactly what the doctor ordered.
While in town, we met up with a fellow hiking buddy named Snorlax.
Snorlax has been putting up a YouTube videos of his hike, and you can check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/PrizedMouse
Day 4 – Franconia ridge – 9 miles
This is the place that you see in movies about the Appalachian Trail. One of the coolest hikes I will ever do. Don’t believe me? Check out this video.
With sweeping views for hundreds of miles, and a barren rocky landscape, this is one of the most jaw-dropping and best hikes on the East Coast.
Day 5 – Zealand Hut – ? miles
The huts in the White mountains are staffed cabins that prepare breakfast and dinner for visitors. They are very expensive but allow thru-hikers to do a work-for-stay where a few chores get you the meals leftovers and a warm place to sleep. Today we did our first work for stay at Zealand hut and were treated to a huge turkey dinner!
Days 6-8 The Presidentials!
We summited Mt Washington on our either day in the park. We were lucky to have some of the best weather possible – only a bit clearer and we were told the ocean would have been visible in the distance.
Hearing that we were thru-hikers, a member of the observatory offered us a free tour of the weather observation facilities – something that most don’t get to see.
Days 9 & 10 – onward to Maine
We finished out the Whites with some of the most difficult climbs in the park – up the Wildcats and Carter Dome. Our last day was rainy and windy, but also offered us a quick glimpse of just how bad the weather can be in these mountains.
As we reached the top of Carter Dome winds were reaching up to 50 mph, and I found it difficult to stand upright.
We now have less than 300 miles to go. We met up with Tinder, Birch, Hustle, and Flow, and along with Mac, Snorlax and I, our hiking crew is complete. Some really tough hiking still lies ahead, but now that we have made it through the Whites and we are reunited with our friends, I am confident that we can conquer anything in our way.