Trails Used

Shortline, Subway, Kings Ravine, Gulfside, Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Notes

Attempted Adams in Sunday Memorial Day storm via King Ravine. Easy approach, fun crawling thru Subway caves! Minimal snow in the caves. No snow up King Ravine headwall, yet wet rocks made for slow travel and cold fingers. Significant snow remains in Great Gully. Cresting Durand Ridge revealed 40-50mph winds, freezing rain, and a 1/4" glazing ice covering all surfaces making travel near-impossible. Retreated to Madison Spring Hut (CLOSED) and out via Valley Way, which was smooth cruising. We were the only crazy ones out there, and had fun in challenging conditions while prepping for an upcoming mountaineering trip.

Parking

Appalachia Trailhead

Water Crossings

None

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lowe’s path, Gulf side, Jefferson loop, Randolph path, Emerald trail, Israel, the Link.

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lowe’s path is in great conditions, pretty dry and smooth climbing. No more ice or snow anywhere but the Jefferson snowfield to cross, no issues there. I found the way down very interesting, and Emerald Bluff is a must see! Those less travelled trails are beautiful too, not eroded, almost no rocks or water, with a nice pine needles flooring. Great hike, combined with some other Adams family peaks and a small bushwhack to Nowell Ridge. Nice 360 views from there, a nice surprise.

Parking

Parked at Lowe’s store.

Water Crossings

Cascade brook was not too difficult, but still had to look for the best place to rock hop.

Wildlife

Yes, at the end of the day black flies were terrible.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Castle Trail, Gulfside, Lowe's Path, Presidential Rail Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

up castle trail to Jefferson. bits of mud here and there but mostly dry, no snow nor ice anywhere on this trail. castles are looking cool like usual. still waiting on spring to come to the higher elevations. from Jefferson went across Gulfside to Adams. Gulfside was all dry except for a 50ft or so area of snow that's a bit sketchy to cross. from Adam's went down Lowe's path. Nice to see a handful of improved sections of trail on there. no snow nor ice on Lowes either. A bit more mud towards the bottom of Lowe's but nothing bad. Bugs started getting really bad the last mile or so before the rail trail.

Parking

lot was mostly full by 8am

Water Crossings

crossing of Israel river at the beginning of castle trail is rock hoppable after looking around for a bit

Wildlife

pretty terrible down low, not much higher up

Trails Used

Airline, Gulfside, Osgood Trail, Valley Way trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

This was a GREAT day for these. Airline was in perfect shape. Almost all the rocks were dry and grippy. There were a few areas with some wet rocks but it was not an issue. Gulfside was in equally good shape as was the Osgood trail. No snow or ice on any of them. Valley Way had more areas of water and wet rock in all the usual places. Down lower the trail is in nice dry shape and allows for faster travel for sure. Lots of gridiots out and about today and it was fun to catch up with everyone. Kudos to Jason and his crew for bagging 1 and 2 on their 48!

Parking

Plenty of parking available at 6:30am even on a Saturday and a holiday weekend. Cars were on the road when I returned.

Water Crossings

The water crossings on Valley Way were easy.

Wildlife

None until the very end of the day on Valley Way. They weren't too bad but if they landed, they bit. And I squashed them. It's the circle of life.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Airline, Gulfside

Trail Conditions

Notes

Woke up after not sleeping well multiple nights in a row, but had all my gear packed & food prepared for my planned effort & already took the day off from work. Unfortnately The whole day i ended up feeling off after not fully recovering from a presidential traverse last weekend (achilles/knees/feet), sleeping poorly, etc. This manifest itself in me tripping quite a few times/not being able to hold a regular pace & move efficiently. Anyway.. The forcast was a high of 46 on washington with 20-25 mph winds. There was not a cloud to be seen in the sky all day. I started at 0530 from valley way up airline. The water had frozen overnight & it was about freezing in the parking lot. A great day in my opinion. I brought a single microspike in case it was absolutely needed. Didnt even bother on what remains of the Jefferson snow field. The way to handle this is 'kick in' to the snow and move slow to prevent a slide. Most of the day above treeline it was a bit hard to stay warm, but this was mostly a personal choice (i had the layers to stay warm). Later when i got below treeline i missed the feeling as it was hot and humid (hot for spring). Aside from the mentioned personal issues it was undeniably a choice day to be above treeline and i only encountered a handful of people. The views via Airline are unmatched on a clear day, even feeling off a great day to be up above.

Water Crossings

n/a

Wildlife

soon

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Great Gulf Trail, Sphinx Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mt. Jefferson Loop, Gulfside Trail, Lowe's Path, Air Line, Gulfside Trail, Osgood Trail, Great Gulf Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Aside from the below-treeline section of Sphinx Trail, which was very wet and like a stream bed in spots, the trails were mostly dry with minimal mud and wet ground. There were only two small snowfields I had to cross, and traction wasn't necessary for either. Definitely have good trail eyes and be comfortable with following wild, lightly used, hard-to-follow trails if you're going deep into the Great Gulf on the Great Gulf Trail or its offshoot trails. Madison Spring Hut was still closed, and there wasn't anyone outside or inside it getting it ready for re-opening- it was still fully boarded up, like it was all winter. Will open on June 4th according to the AMC webpage for the hut. Weather conditions were pretty stellar, with mostly sunny skies, light wind, cool to mild temps, and low humidity. Great day and conditions to do this death march, which ended up being 16.5 miles roundtrip with 6,000 feet of elevation gain.

Parking

Two other vehicles in the Great Gulf parking area when I started and about a half dozen when I ended. Not many people on the northern Presis today at all

Water Crossings

Rock hopped the crossing of the West Branch of the Peabody River due to the bridge still being closed. Had to take a few leaps of faith from one rock to another. All other unbridged crossings were also rock hopped.

Wildlife

Very little until I got to the Osgood Cutoff junction and it had warmed up.

Trails Used

Lowe's Path, King Ravine Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Hiked via Lowe's Path through King Ravine trail in mid-May. Trail was muddy on Lowe's Path with snow still present on some rocks in King Ravine. Described as dangerous at certain points with exposed rock climbing. No other hikers encountered until Airline Trail. Hiker found it challenging and rewarding despite fear.

Also on this trip

Notes

Two-day guided hiking trip with Redline Guide Chase Hall. Day one: Madison and Adams (10 miles, 5300' elevation gain). Day two: Hale. Guest summiting mountains toward 576 peak goal (currently at 534/576). Day two originally scheduled for Wednesday but moved due to forecast. Photos included but conditions not specified.

Trails Used

Airline

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Fun day catching up with Adina and Angela. Winds were brisk up above treeline. We can officially declare ice out on Airline. There’s nothing left, monorail or otherwise. None of us had the desire to see if it was the same story on Valley Way, so we went out and back Airline. Side notes: can still see the “7” in King Ravine so Great Gully still needs some time. The Jefferson Snowfield looked alive and well from afar.

Parking

Plenty of parking @ Appalachia.

Water Crossings

NA

Wildlife

If a bug wanted to land on me, if would have to do some serious planning in 30-40mph wind.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Valley way, Osgood Trail, Gulfside Trail, Airline, Lowe's Path, Randolph Path, Amphibrach, The Link

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

The last half mile below Madison Spring Hut had an elevated and slippery monorail. We all barebooted up with no issues. If I descended this way, I'd probably put on rock spikes. Above treeline is almost all snow free, outside of a few patches in the scrub. Lowe's Path and Randolph Path are snow free and in great shape!

Parking

Quiet day at Appalachia

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops as of 4/28

Trails Used

Valley way, Gulfside trail, Lowes Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Went to Mt Adams via Valley Way - 80% of the trail is dry with patches of mud. As you get to valley way tent site there is a lot of snow and ice covered rocks (where the snow has melted and refrozen), also a monorail up to Madison hut at times nearly a foot tall! The monorail is stable in places and breaking apart at others - but this was the only section where traction and poles helped going up and down. There is a small section of monorail and slush going from Madison hut up gulfside trail but it doesn't last long and is more stable than the one on Valley way. The rest of the way to the summit of Adams is pretty snow clear (only a few patches but did not require me to use traction). Most of the snow on Adams seem to have melted from the high temps this weekend.

Water Crossings

Stream crossings had some ice around them but nothing significant

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Valley Way, Airline, Airline Cutoff, Osgood, Star Lake, Lowe’s Path, Gulfside, Airline, Scar, Scar Loop, Scar, Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Summer conditions for 80 percent of the hike. 1.6 miles to around 2.2 miles on Airline from Appalachia has ice covered rocks and trails. Melting fast. Airline Cutoff to Madison Hut has a raised monorail that is quickly falling apart, leading to some postholing. Star Lake trail has some hidden snow in sections where the sun hasn’t hit it yet leading to some postholing. Some spots looked to still have 6 or so feet of snow between the lake until you get to above tree line but navigating wasn’t terrible and didn’t need traction. Some snow and ice on Osgood (AT) between Lowe’s Path Junction and Airline Trail. Easy to navigate around and use exposed rocks. No traction was needed. Little wind, lots of sun, and 360 views. Great day in the northern presidentials!

Water Crossings

All water crossings on Valley Way were easy to navigate.

Wildlife

Some buzzing but not attacking.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Amphibranch -> Hincks -> Gray Knob -> Randolph Path -> Mt. Jeff Loop -> Gulfside -> Adams -> Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hit the first snow patches around 2200' and Gray Knob trail was pretty slippery despite being mostly flat. I never put on my gaiters but once or twice I fell in deep enough where they would have helped out. Overall a very nice day for a hike. I had my spikes but never really needed them. There was a steep snow field going up Jefferson where they would have given me more confidence and coming down valley way was pretty steep and slippery up top. Snow cleared up around the Valley way campsite and it was mostly fine after that. Watch out for loose rocks though as the snow-melt has left some rocks unstable.

Parking

Parking lot was just barely overfilled

Water Crossings

Water crossings were mostly fine except where there was significant ice.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Amphibranch -> Hincks -> Gray Knob -> Randolph Path -> Mt. Jeff Loop -> Gulfside -> Adams -> Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Hit the first snow patches around 2200' and Gray Knob trail was pretty slippery despite being mostly flat. I never put on my gaiters but once or twice I fell in deep enough where they would have helped out. Overall a very nice day for a hike. I had my spikes but never really needed them. There was a steep snow field going up Jefferson where they would have given me more confidence and coming down valley way was pretty steep and slippery up top. Snow cleared up around the Valley way campsite and it was mostly fine after that. Watch out for loose rocks though as the snow-melt has left some rocks unstable.

Parking

Parking lot was just barely overfilled

Water Crossings

Water crossings were mostly fine except where there was significant ice.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Airline, Gulfside, Osgood, Airline Cutoff

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Airline is bare until about 2,700’ (~1.6 miles) when traces of snow appear. About 2,800’ crusty snow, white ice, frozen boot prints, and black ice become consistent and warrant traction. 3,200’ to about 3,600’ had significant ice flows. Above that went back to crusty snow, white ice, and black ice all the way to Adams summit. Gulfside and above-treeline had 2-4” of snow in places. Firm early in the morning but got packed and became soft and slick late morning. There was a bit of monorail on Gulfside in the treed area closer to the hut. Descending Airline had all the same as in the morning but was softer and had good grip with spikes, even the ice flows. I expect it will refreeze/firm-up overnight warranting traction. Ascending Madison from the hut began with soft packed snow and mini-monorail but quickly became more rocks than snow all the way to the summit. Airline cutoff had 2-3” of soft snow.

Parking

No issues in lot.

Water Crossings

Minor rock hops.

Wildlife

None

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Crawford

Notes

Started around 2 AM for sunrise on Madison, hiked the ridge crossing multiple peaks. Perfect temperature, clear skies with cloud formations. Hiker wore shorts and t-shirt, resulting in significant sunburn. Noted sloppy spring season conditions expected to improve.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Jewell Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Lowe’s Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Jewell trail from the Ammo parking lot was coated with a couple inches of fresh snow. Beneath the snow was a somewhat wet trail with minimal, avoidable ice in a few spots. Higher on the Jewell trail was an elevated monorail that was fairly stable. The alpine zone had about 4-6” of fresh snow in between dry rocks/boulders, which required some tedious footwork to avoid a rolled ankle. There were a few spots of snowdrifts up to my knees. The trail was surprisingly easy to lose because of the new snow and rime ice. The first half of the Jefferson snowfield was ice while the second half was 4” snowdrift. I got by with microspikes but I would recommend crampons, ice ax, and self arrest skills. Be safe out there! It was a lovely day to be above tree line for this out and back hike. Minimal wind, sunny skies, and clear views!

Trails Used

Lowe’s Path

Trail Conditions

Notes

Bare booted whole way. Monorail gone. Carried microspikes, didn’t use

Water Crossings

Nothing big

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Valley way, gulfside, airline

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Bare booted on dry tail (meaning no snow) almost up to Madison hut. Spikes needed for a short distance. Removed spikes at the hut to summit Madison and didn't put them on again. Airline trail had only one small section with frozen snow/ice. Easily avoidable

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Lowe's Path, Randolph Path, Israel Ridge Path, Gulfside Trail, Mount Jefferson Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It was a beautiful day in the northern Presidentials to tag Jefferson and Adams for my April grid. Thinking there would be more winter trail conditions left on the northern slopes - and always being wary of the Jefferson snowfield - I brought my snowshoes and crampons, but they got a free ride all day. After parking at Lowe’s store and heading up Lowe’s Path, I headed for Jefferson first. Conditions lower down were the usual spring mix of run-off and mud, but there was pretty minimal ice. After turning onto the Randolph Path, there is some unstable monorail between 4,500’ and treelike, but it’s pretty easily navigable without too much post-holing. Not worth putting on, or bringing snowshoes, for. Above treeline, it’s basically fully back to summer conditions and talus hopping, except for the few snowfields that are still hanging on. The Jefferson snowfield is still pretty substantial, but with the warm temps, easily crossable without traction. Jefferson was beautiful and I had all of it to myself, with a little wind and lots of sun. After running into a few Presi-traversers on the way back towards Adams, I kicked more steps down across the snowfield. Depending on experience and exposure tolerance, descending the snowfield without traction may be a little spicy for some people. If we get another big freeze, then you’d definitely still want traction crossing it. I passed a couple other people on the way over to Adams, including finally meeting Eric, but I was surprised how few people they were for such a beautiful day. As per usual, the wind was ripping across Adams’ summit, but the warm temps and bright sun make things pretty nice. After that, it was time to get my legs retrained in talus hopping all the way back down to Lowe’s.

Parking

First car at Lowe's Store at 7am

Water Crossings

All low and easy to cross

Wildlife

Saw a couple - they are coming

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Valley Way, Lowe's Path, Gulfside Trail, Edmunds Col

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Navigation errors added approximately 1 mile to the hike. Descended wrong way off Adams near Star Lake and had to backtrack. Stayed on Israel Ridge Path after split on Gulfside Trail instead of continuing to Edmunds Col, not noticing error until reaching Randolph. Clouds and wet rocks slowed progress significantly (2.25 hours longer than February attempt). Light traction needed in trees and on Jefferson snowfields. Hiker is completing a monthly challenge with 14 peaks done and 16 remaining for April.

Parking

Car was alone in Madison Hut lot at both 06:00 (start) and 14:00 (finish).

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Weather was excellent. Spring conditions evident on the mountains.

Trails Used

Lowe's Path

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Broke trail for first 3 miles without spikes or snowshoes. Used spikes on final ascent to summit. Stayed at Gray Knob Cabin run by Randolph Mountain Club.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Air Line, Gulfside, Osgood Trail, Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It may be spring on paper, but it was still winter on the Northern Presis, especially above 4,000 feet. Below that, there wasn't a whole lot of snow, with about two to three inches of fresh powder from last night. Since I was the first (and possibly the only) one up Air Line today, I did the honors of tracking it out. Parts of Air Line below 4k feet were very icy, with that fresh powder obscuring some prolonged ice flows; crampons were not overkill, and I did indeed switch to them on this section. Similar deal for Valley Way, although the ice wasn't as bad. From 4K feet to treeline, snow depths increased significantly and quickly (3+ feet easily), with stable monorails either starting to form or already formed. Lots of rime ice above treeline, as well as fresh snow hiding ankle-twisting gaps in the rocks; felt like I was playing Minesweeper with my foot and trekking pole placement. No views from Adams due to summit fog, although I did get some views from Madison, including a few really nice undercast views. Although we're now almost to April, I would definitely still carry all the standard winter gear (micros, snowshoes etc.) for a while if attempting any of the 4Ks. After all, you never know with spring shoulder season...

Parking

Only about five or six other vehicles in the Appalachia lot when I started, and a few additional ones when I finished.