Mount Adams

Elevation: 5,774ft

Distance: 10miles

Embarking on a journey to hike Mount Adams in the White Mountains of New Hampshire can be both thrilling and challenging. As the second highest peak in the region, Mount Adams offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a recount of my two attempts to conquer this majestic mountain and some tips for those looking to do the same.

On my first attempt, I chose the Airline Trail, unaware of the challenge that lay ahead. The trail proved to be quite difficult, especially as we climbed above the treeline and found ourselves navigating through a vertical boulder field. Unfortunately, due to several factors, we had to turn back before reaching the summit. If you are new to hiking or have limited experience, I would not recommend this trail as a starting point.

Undeterred, we decided to give it another shot and took the Daniel Webster Trail on our second attempt. This trail proved to be much easier and enjoyable, with better footing and fewer strenuous sections. If you’re hiking with a dog who struggles with balance, this trail is the superior choice. As an added bonus, the Daniel Webster Trail is a popular starting point for the Presidential Traverse, providing valuable insight into what to expect on that iconic journey. Furthermore, we were able to summit both Mount Adams and Mount Madison, and even took a well-deserved break at the Madison Spring Hut!

Our route followed the Presidential Traverse path up to Mount Adams, then descended via the Star Lake Trail to the Perapet Trail. These trails, while rocky and slightly challenging, allowed us to loop around the mountains without having to summit any peak twice. Both the Star Lake and Perapet Trails eventually reconnect with the Daniel Webster Trail, completing our journey.

In summary, hiking Mount Adams proved to be a fantastic day hike in the White Mountains. Both our canine companions, Java and Echo, had a great time, and the challenges we encountered above the treeline were manageable. As with any hike in the Presidential Range, expect rocky terrain and breathtaking vistas, making for an unforgettable adventure. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and set off to conquer Mount Adams!