Region
Highlights
- The not-to-be-missed northernmost peak of the stunning chain of rocky, alpine summits of the Presidential Range
- Several trails -- more like rough paths through boulders -- make their way to the summit
- Spend a night in the AMC-managed Madison Spring Hut, which lies just to the west of Mt Madison near treeline
Routes
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
26 summits • 19.0 mi • 7,788 ft gain • 12 hr 51 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
16 summits • 11.2 mi • 4,828 ft gain • 11 hr 4 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
15 summits • 6.9 mi • 488 ft gain • 8 hr 16 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
1 summit • 10.9 mi • 5,230 ft gain • 9 hr 18 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
1 summit • 11.4 mi • 5,079 ft gain • 10 hr 54 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
1 summit • 12.0 mi • 4,655 ft gain • 8 hr 16 min
/-71.2768238454,44.3287755319,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
1 summit • 9.0 mi • 4,789 ft gain • 7 hr 39 min
Latest summits
"Hiked up the Daniel Webster scout trail for Flags on 48! Was a beautiful day for this hike and get to spend few hours at summit with fellow hikers. Trail was rough and section on way down lost trail for a bit." — blackwolf_03278 • Sep 12, 2020
"A pretty good winter day for a strenuous high peaks hike. Although the sun wasn't shining brightly, we had some and that kept temps mostly in the 20s all day. There was a good wind a top Adams, blowing in from the NW. Still got great views as everything seems to be covered in beautifully patterned rime ice. Not enough snow up there, all the way up Airline, on the peaks and down Valley, ice was prevalent. The microspike on my left foot broke 1 mile down Valley. Did some slip/sliding the rest of the way down." — Alohabuffy • Dec 29, 2019

"Single-day Presidential Traverse to finish off 3 days of peakbagging and Appalachian Trail redlining in White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. The Traverse, spanning Pinkham Notch to Crawford Notch, covered 25 miles and 8,300 feet of elevation gain in 14 hours moving. Popped above tree line shortly after sunrise, and climbed the talus ridge up Mount Madison in the clouds. " — wacbravo • Sep 9, 2019

"Last week we were all set to go camping ... a nice long weekend of relaxing. At the last minute our friends talked us into joining them to complete one of the Northeast Ultra 8's - the Presidential Traverse - 24 miles and 9200 feet of gain over some tough terrain. It was not my best day, I wasn't feeling it and I was slower - thankfully these guys were not worried about pace and instead they were all about enjoying the day, working together to get it done and keeping it fun - so thankful for a great crew!" — deb-and-rob • Aug 31, 2019

"Took on Madison and Adams today in our quest to complete all the Presential Range. Couldn't ask for better weather. The hike was challenging but well worth the effort. The views were outstanding." — hbotc • Jul 24, 2019
"Madison and Adams kind of day. Juel was with me for both peaks. Ashely and another guy for just Madison. Madison wasn't bad. Kind of windy on Adams, so Juel and I did not stay long. Great getting another couple of Presi peaks." — newenglandwarrior • Feb 12, 2019
"Juel and I teamed up for a Madison and Adams hike. Had a tough time keeping up with her. Coming off of Adams, we decided to quickly tag JQA. Got some good butt sledding in coming off that peak. Great picking up two Presis for my Grid." — newenglandwarrior • Dec 20, 2018

"Hiked with Bob. Weather was good. Some occasional clouds but the summits remained clear. Temps in the 30s wind 20 or so. Met quite a few through hikers going in both directions. Tough climb but the views were incredible!" — kevin-kilpatrick • Sep 30, 2018
"Began the Presidential Traverse on 08/22 but the weather was too bad to attempt the summit. Stayed overnight at the Madison Springs Hut and made the summit the next morning. It was much nicer then but very windy." — dmcosker • Aug 23, 2018

"25F on top. 60mph winds. Got to the hut before sunrise, so we played UNO for about an hour before we went up to Madison for an amazing sunrise. Above the clouds but sandwiched below summit fog. Up Airline and down Valley Way" — mikeinfantino • Jul 19, 2018