The White Mountains - Climbing Mount Madison via Howker Ridge Trail

Standing tall at 5,366 feet in elevation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Mount Madison is the northernmost mountain in the Presidential Range. Mount Madison and the Presidentials, including nearby Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington all rise well above treeline into the alpine zone. Weather can be very changeable and harsh without much notice. On this trip, we lucked out with clear skies, but a steady wind.

We began at the Appalachia Trailhead on Route 2, just outside of Gorham, NH. From there, we took the Sylvan Way Trail to the Howker Ridge Trail. The Howker Ridge Trail climbs steeply after Hitchcock Falls, making its way over a series of small peaks on the ridge, eventually ending above treeline at the intersection with the Osgood Trail (which is also the Appalachian Trail). From there, we followed the Osgood Trail over the summit of Mount Madison and down to the Madison Springs Hut.

The Appalachian Mountain Club huts are always a welcome break from a hike in the White Mountains. They offer a comfortable place to rest, restrooms, clean water, and if you want to spend a few dollars, freshly baked goods and coffee.

After resting at the hut, we made our way over to the Airline Trail to descend back to Appalachia. The Airline is one of the most scenic trails in the area, following a narrow ridge along the edge of King's Ravine, offering views both up the mountain and down into the valley. The trail descends more than 3500 feet to Appalachia, so you're knees will definitely feel it by the end!

This was a 10 mile hike with about 4,300 feet of elevation gain. We'd classify this as a difficult hike, with rock scrambles, a few small climbs over large rocks, and then a very long and rocky descent on the Airline.

Check out our hike of Mount Washington here.

You can find this hike:

• Described in the White Mountain Guide
• Shown on the AMC White Mountain Map
• Shown on the White Mountains Trail Map
• Shown on the Dartmouth Outing Guide Map

Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:

• Hike On Guides (hike with us!)

Gear we used on this hike:

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Shoes
• Deliberate Life Designs Sandals
• Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoe
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles 
• Darn Tough Socks
• Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Energizer LED Headlamp 
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Mountain Hardwear Acadia Jacket
• Arc'teryx Gamma SL Hooded Jacket
• Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker
• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Puffy

Hydration and Nutrition:

• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix - Summit Tea
• NUUN Sport + Caffeine Hydration Tablets
• Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie
• Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews
• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink
• Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans

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