This heinously strenuous 22-mile, 8700' vertical gain mega-hike of the Presidential Range has become an annual GO tradition. For those who like the combination of spectacular, extended time above tree line and a serious endurance challenge, it truly is something special. The trip has cultivated a number repeat (or should I say 'serial') traversers over the years, each always ready to improve upon his past attempts, There is also room for delivering that amazing First Experience to a few eager traverse newbies.

The logistics

On Friday night, we will spot cars at key contingency points, share a carb-rich dinner, and camp out (or stay at a nearby motel) at the northern end of the Presidential Range, near the Pine Link trailhead. In the wee hours (well before dawn), we will begin our ascent. Through the course of this very long day (somewhere in the neighborhood of 17 hours), bodies and weather permitting, we will traverse eight 4000-foot peaks: Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce, and Jackson. After grabbing a late but well-deserved dinner, we will crash for the night, have Breakfast on Sunday morning, and head out.

Is this for me??

To consider joining us, you first need to anticipate that you'll be in great shape. The best way to assure this is to do plenty of hikes of steadily increasing size every week or two, between now and July 24. If you'd like some help in assessing your prospects and/or in developing a plan of action for ramping up on stamina, feel free to contact me.

Next steps

The first step is to plan and kick off a program for achieving sufficient physical stamina in time for the trip. As the trip date approaches, I'll be in touch to go over trip logistics at the next level of detail, as well consult on gear/food needs.  Of course, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions in the meantime.

We will meet in Gorham, NH, at a spot TBD.  Directions to Gorham from Concord, NH:  Follow I-93 North for 74 miles. At Exit 35, take Rt. 3 north for 12.4 miles, and turn right onto Rt. 115.  Rt. 115 ends In 9.7 miles as it hits Rt. 2. Turn right (east) on Rt. 2. You will reach Gorham in 12 miles.  This drive will take you approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.