This is a big hike, but should be a fun one. There will be plenty of time above treeline and no shortage of views! Adams and Madison are part of the northern Presidential Range ~ and among the tallest peaks in the northeast [#2 and #5 respectively]. 

Stats

Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Distance: 9.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,244 feet
Time: 8-10 hours

Itinerary

Start: Appalachia Traihead [Route 2]
Valley Way
Watson Path
Mt. Madison Summit [5,366 ft.]
Osgood Trail
Star Lake Trail
Mt. Adams Summit [5,799 ft.]
Air Line
End Appalachia Trailhead

The journey to the summit of Mt. Madison is long and steep with roughly 4,000 of elevation gain in the 4 miles it takes to get there. The open, rocky crest of Madison combines nearby views of Mt. Washington and Adams, the Great Gulf and the Carter Range. We'll descend to Madison Spring Hut to refill our water bottles. Mt. Adams may seem pretty close, but it's another 1,000 foot climb in just one mile. We'll take the steep, rugged Star Lake Trail to the summit of Mt. Adams that is very steep and rocky, with large boulders and some ledge scramblng in the upper section. This is not a dog friendly hike.  We'll hike by Star Lake that is a beautiful mountain pond sprinkled with lichen-dotted rocks. Many hikers have long considered Mount Adams to possess the grandest view of all the White Mountain 4,000 footers! We'll descend using Air Line that provides maximum views with our traverse of the exposed Knife Edge on upper Durand Ridge; the lookout into King Ravine is especially dramatic.

Due to the high elevation and level of exposure, we'll have to be particularly mindful of the weather forecast and adjust our plans if necessary.

Stuff To Bring:

• Non-cotton clothing [synthetics/wool]
• Layers
• Rain Gear
• Proper footwear [hiking shoes/boots]
• At least 2 liters of water [we'll get more water at the Hut]
• Sunscreen/Sunglasses
• Lunch/snacks

After The Hike: We'll drive into Gorham, NH and have dinner at Mr. Pizza. Bring a change of clothing. 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Follow New Hampshire Route 16 north thorough Pinkham Notch to the town of Gorham and turn left [west] on U.S. Highway 2. The large Appalachia Trailhead parking area is on the left [south] side of the highway about 6 miles west of Gorham. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.

Or take I-93 North, then U.S Highway 3 North, and then New Hampshire Route 115. Turn right [east] on U.S. Highway 2 and drive about 12 miles [more or less] to the large Appalachia Trailhead parking area on the right [south] side of the highway. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser.