Presidental Traverse

We headed up Valley Way at 5 AM hoping that the high winds forecasted would lessen by the time we reached the summits. Unfortunately, the winds were slightly worse than forecasted with sustained winds of 65-70 with ferocious gusts. We tried to summit Madison several times but had to turn back. The hut was full of AT thru hikers who had to delay because of the winds. The winds were the worst I have ever experienced! Since the high winds were forecasted to continue until the afternoon, we decided to hike back down instead of continuing.

This hike is about 20 miles long with an elevation gain of 8000 ft. We will hike up the Valley Way to the hut, tag Madison, and then continue over Mt. Adams, Jefferson, Clay, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, & Pierce before heading down the Crawford Path. Hikers can stay at my house near Franconia NH before & after the hike if desired.