Mount Adams

Height: 5,774 feet (1,760 meters)
Location: New Hampshire, United States, North America
Lat/Lon: 44.32?N, 71.29?W

Hiking in New Hampshire - Mount Adams, the second highest peak in New Hampshire (after Mount Washington), dominates the northern Presidentials.

OVERVIEW

To the northeast of it lies Mount Madison, and to the southwest lies Mount Jefferson. It has two significant subsidiary peaks, Mount John Quincy Adams (5394 feet, 44.324?N, 71.289?W) lies to the east of the main peak, overlooking the Adams-Madison col, Madison Spring Hut and Star Lake, while Mount Sam Adams (5584 feet, 44.322?N, 71.301?W) lies to the north, overlooking Thunderstorm Junction. The summit is a jumble of rocks that rises over 1,000 feet above treeline, with spectacular views in all directions.

Because of its spectacular views, challenging climb and consequent relative lack of crowds it is a favorite of strong hikers, many of whom combine its ascent with that of Mount Madison.

By any route the scramble to the summit is an easy Class 2 rock-hopping climb. The main routes are otherwise Class 1, though there are a few Class 2 routes that are less commonly used. All routes involve about 4 to 5 miles each way, with an ascent of about 4,500 feet.

ROUTE

The two trailheads are on US 2 west of Gorham. The Appalachia parking is on the south side of the road, 5.5 miles from the junction of NH 16. Lowe"s Store is on the north side of the road about 7.5 miles from the junction. The easiest route is by the Valley Way trail, from the Appalachia trailhead to Madison Spring Hut. It rises constantly at a moderate grade, gaining 3,500 feet in 3.8 miles, but with no very steep sections. From the hut follow the Gulfside Trail until it intersects with the Airline Trail, coming up from the same trailhead (Appalachia) as the Valley Way. The Gulfside and Airline trails coincide for a short distance, then the Airline Trail branches off to the left to ascend to the summit. This route is 4.7 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of 4,500 feet. Climbing Mount Madison from the hut will add one mile (round trip) and 500 feet of elevation gain.