Winter Hike Mt. Madison & Mt. Adams Via the Valley Way Trail
Valley Way is the access route to Mt. Madison and Mt. Adams most travelled by, and for winter hiking that makes all the difference. The easiest and most direct route to Madison Hut, hikers come one and all for day hikes to the aforementioned summits, overnights at the Valley Way Campsite or above treeline (winter only), to venture into the Great Gulf for ice climbing, or to begin treks across the Presidential Range.
Does Your Outdoor Clothing Help Keep You Safe?
When hiking or backpacking, the relationship between outdoor clothing and personal safety is obvious. We know our woods wardrobe should be comprised of layers. On the base layer we avoid cottons in favor of moisture-wicking fabrics. With outer layers we look for ventilation, wind protection and water resistance. In between it’s always good to have a lightweight fleece handy when extra warmth is necessary. Various combinations of the three keep us covered in all conditions. But how many of us consider clothing color as a safety feature?
Winter Hike Mt. Moosilauke Via the Appalachian Trail and Glencliff Trail
A fresh coat of snow, drizzled in hues of blue from the early morning light, blanketed the Mt. Moosilauke field. The snow was broken only by a classical cross country ski track showing the way. To the west, through the towering trees, the hills were awash in sunlight, fulfilling the promise of a rare cloudless day. The ascent of Mt. Moosilauke via the Glencliff Trail (also the Appalachian Trail) was just beginning, and already it was hard not to love this idyllic winter hike.
Don’t Buy Hiking Boots Online
Look, I loathe shopping as much as the next outdoor nut, but if there’s one piece of hiking gear that’s essential to buy in store, it’s boots. There’s too much at stake in terms of sizing, fit and quality to risk pixel picking. The wrong boot can turn an otherwise glorious hike into an insufferable pain in the foot.
Winter Hike Mt. Pierce Via the Historic Crawford Path
Looking for an ideal winter hike to break-in the snow trail legs? Or perhaps you’re a casual hiker interested in bagging a (relatively) easy winter peak? Then again, maybe you just want a trail teeming with scenic charm for a little natural healing? If your head is nodding with any of these, then Mt. Pierce—the mountain formerly known as Mt. Clinton—via the historic Crawford Path, is the ticket.
Winter Hike Baldpate Mountain Via the Appalachian Trail in Grafton Notch, Maine
The Appalachian Trail’s northbound ascent of Baldpate Mountain from Grafton Notch is a rocky, bruising trail in the summer that crushes the hopes of thru hikers looking for an easy stretch after the rigorous Mahoosuc Range. Add snow and this hike transforms into a backcountry winter wonderland where you’re more likely to encounter a moose than a fellow hiker.