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Hiking the Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire
As featured in Treks in a Wild World |
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River on the route of the Appalchian Trail
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The Appalachian Trail is a continuous marked footpath
that goes from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain
in Georgia, a distance of about 2160 miles. It follows the
Appalachian mountain range through fourteen states and it
generally takes around 5 months to trek the entire length,
but many sections of it can be done in a day, two days, two
weeks or a month – it’s up to you!
Highlights
- The beautiful colours of changing leaves in the White Mountains
in fall.
- Battling with the elements. Yes, this is a highlight: experience
the rage and beauty of Mother Earth on the top of Mount
Washington.
- The food in the AMC huts. The staff are well-trained in
the art of cooking hearty meals for weary trekkers and the
camaraderie in the huts is special! |
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Our Journey Path (as featured in Treks in a
Wild World)
Holly Morris heads to the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
a two hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts. This section
of the Appalachian Trail is great if you are looking for a
3-5 day trek in this area and you want to catch some of the
beautiful fall colours of the White Mountains. Holly begins
her trek at the trailhead at Franconia Ridge. She hikes
up four thousand feet to the Greenleaf Hut where she
stays overnight. From there, Holly heads north east to Zealand
Falls before finally attempting to climb the highest mountain
in the Northeast United States – Mount Washington.
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Holly Morris' route map
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Survival Tips
Bring clothing for all seasons. The northern reaches of the
Appalachian Trail can experience freezing temperatures at
night, especially on the top of Mount Washington. In the film,
you’ll see Holly donning her waterproofs – and boy
did she need them!
The Appalachian Mountain Club, or AMC, runs a network
of nine huts in the White Mountains. They provide bunk beds
and meals that cost around fifty dollars per night. Give them
a ring in advance to make a reservation – they get booked
up, especially on weekends.
Once you reach the top of Mount Washington, you can
always take the Cog Railway back down – go on,
you deserve it – you made it to the top! |
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Did you know?
At 6,288 feet, New Hampshire’s Mount Washington
is the highest peak in Northeast USA.
Mount Washington is legendary for its extreme weather conditions.
In 1934, the world record wind speed of 231 miles per hour
was recorded on the summit of Mount Washington.
Every year, about two thousand people attempt to hike the
entire length of the Appalachian Trail, but only around three
hundred last the distance.
If you do succeed in hiking the whole length of the trail,
you earn the right to change your name to something more earthy,
such as Hawk, Wind or Squirrel. This is known as your trail
name. |
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Holly Morris heads out on the Appalachian Trail
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