White Mountains Section Hike

I made it to New Hampshire from NYC to section hike the White Mountains section of the Appalachian trail. 

Access was through Boston then direct bus to Lincoln with Concord. 

** UPLOADED IN REVERSE ORDER **

I was taking a bus out of Gorham back to Boston while this guy was continuing north with a very heavy pack. We ate breakfast together in McDonalds and he didn't even take off the pack! An old local guy commented on how everyone is always in a hurry nowadays lol

Murica 250th

Small town festival was the best way for a night in the town

Stayed here with many other hikers... Several KMS before here were skipped as it was a long day and I was able to find a great ride into Gorham from a very nice Maine family. I didn't even have to ask. Immediately upon emerging from the forest the father offered me a ride down the hill. Thanks!! 

I had to cross it as it seemed the only feasible way at the time

Descending down this ridge was one of the most serious parts of the trail. If you don't have the visibility for the cairns then it would be sketchy

Madison Spring Hut. Half way marker on a long day. Some of these huts were even selling soup and they often had baked goods. Best was the chocolate mint cake at Lake of the Clouds. 

Presidential Traverse. Named such because the peaks all take the names of former USA presidents

Along the Presidential traverse. There was many short cut trails that descended into the valleys but without knowing the condition they were in and extra motivation from the people I was leap frogging with I stuck to the whole traverse

Day Trippers at the summit

Extreme Weather Museum

Old railcar to the summit. Expensive for all ways to get up and down the mountain. Thru hiking is definitely the best way.

I actually decided to skip the summit before returning and seeing the weather was clearing up and really wanting to visit the extreme weather museum at the top. I had been carrying a coupon this whole time from a hostel back south for the museum then got there and found out it was free to enter

Morning to Mt Washington

Bretton Woods?

Lake in the Clouds hut. Another work for stay here. 

Crawford Path history

Photo of how gear and food gets resupplied at the huts

Some strange people hiking the AT... This group leaves camp super early and was very artsy in appearance

Couple drinking wine and watching a movie

Side trail down to the AMC Highland Center. Best place for a real meal and proper bed

I met a thru hiker at Zealand Falls hut who gave me the phone number for a forecast at Mount Washington Summit. Good to call this number before heading up. 

Zealand Falls

Swampy in Lincoln Woods

Beautiful landscapes and this was during a heat wave but fortunately it was tolerable at high elevation

Me at the summit of South Twin Mountain. 1491 M

Galehead Hut

I decided to do this section stoveless to save weight after hearing about the potential work for stay programs at the Appalachian Mountain Club huts. This meal was one of the most welcome sights and feelings of appreciation I have had on trail. 

A picture perfect bluff for my pack 

A long first day with the sun setting over the trees

Looking back into the valley towards Franconia Notch. I meant to shuttle further up the valley and see the "Old Man Mountain" museum and the New England Ski Museum before hiking to the closest hut only a few kilometers from the highway (Greenleaf hut) for a potential overnight stay and easy first day. But I got flustered with the crazy shuttle driver that picked me up in Lincoln and was non stop enthusiasm after hearing I was from Canada. I got dropped off near the Official AT trailhead south of the State Park. 

Mt Lafayette. Many day trippers also but no one descended the other side

Alpine Zone

A massive climb to gain elevation and cross the White Mountains

Pemmigwasset River

Would have been a great spot for a dip if I was not just starting out. The heat of the day definitely warranted it. 

Plymouth, New Hampshire

The bus arrived in Lincoln and I walked through the town to get my bearings but there wasn't much there. Apparently the first SOBO thru hiker was coming through when I was heading northbound. 

Heading north out of Boston and traffic was really backed up entering the city