u/should_be_holier

Hi All,

I'm a pretty experienced backpacker (I've done a number of the 4000s), but it's been a few years since I did a serious overnight in the WMNF. I am planning two trips, one a Friday to Sunday at the end of August. Another a Tuesday to Friday in mid-September.

I am hoping yo avoid the Pemi, due to it's closures right now.

Does anybody have some suggestions? If it helps you calibrate, I did Carter Dome/Wildcat recently as a day hike and didn't have any issues with fitness.

Thanks!

Hi All,

I'm currently planning a backpacking trip for mid-September (15th through 18th) and I wanted your feedback to make sure I am not missing anything, as I rather prefer type II fun to type III. The trip is for the Presidential range (I have hiked Adams, Franconia, and several other similar mountains before, so I'm not new to this; I've done multiple overnights in the whites, too). The plan goes as follows.

Tuesday the 15th (4.1mi): Arrive at Lowe's Path Trailhead around 3:30pm (will parking be an issue?). Hike up King's Ravine (yes, I hate myself), then pitch my tent at Valley Way campsite.

Wednesday the 16th (16.1mi): Bag Madison, descend (is it even possible to descend Madison on the East?), and pick up Lows Bald Spot. Ascend the Wildcats from the west to bag the peaks (not Wildcat A, which I already have), double back and stay at Harvard Cabin Shelter 8. Yes, this is a brutal day, but I am in good shape and have been hiking the whites for 12 years now. EDIT: I have been made aware that Harvard Cabin is not open in September. I will switch that to Shelter 8.

Thursday the 17th (13.1mi): Boott Spur, North Isolation, Isolation. Then ascend dry river, pitch tent at Naumann Tentsite, bag Jackson, then return to Naumann for evening.

Friday the 18th (15.1): This is the hardest day. Cross the ridge, Pierce to Adams, then descend Lowe's Path (NOT KING'S RAVINE). I imagine I'd reach my car by late afternoon, then drive two hours to my extended family in southern NH for a weekend of rest.

I am considering reversing directions so as to avoid that Madison descent. I am open to any feedback as well. Perhaps a different starting location makes sense.

Thank you all for your help!

Hi All,

I was going to hike the Pemi loop in mid-September, but given the closures this year, I am planning a 3-4 day hike through the Presidentials. I was hoping to park at the southern end (Crawford Path Trailhead, arriving around 6am), and take a shuttle of some sort to the northern end. Does anybody have any advice or guidance? In the past I've always done loops or organized car swaps at each end of point to points with a key switch halfway through.

Thanks for any advice!