The Presidential Range is a string of mountains in New Hampshire, most of which are named after presidents. Though the Presidential Traverse is not strictly defined, at the least it is a point-to-point traverse over most of the peaks of the Presidential Range. It can be hiked in either direction, but is most commonly done from north to south. Since it’s not strictly defined, there are many flavors of the hike so the distance and elevation gain varies, but the trek is typically between 18 and 21 miles in distance with 8000′ to 9000′ of elevation gain.

For your own planning purposes, here are the different features that you should be aware of described from north to south. At a minimum, I’m considering a Presidential Traverse from Appalachia Trailhead to Crawford Connector Trailhead including the summit of all New Hampshire 4000 Footers along the route. At a Maximum, I am considering a Presidential Traverse from Appalachia Trailhead to Webster-Jackson Trailhead including the summit of all peaks with trails to them, and will list these as optional. Make sure to check for the latest weather, trail conditions and closures, road and parking closures, and whatnot when planning your hikes.

• Appalachia Trailhead
• Madison Spring Hut – water / food for purchase / open seasonly
• Mount Madison
• Mount Adams
• Mount Jefferson
• Mount Clay – optional
• Mount Washington
• Mount Washington Observatory – water / food for purchase / transportation / open seasonly
• Lakes of the Cloud Hut – water / food for purchase / open seasonly
• Mount Monroe
• Mount Franklin – optional
• Mount Eisenhower
• Mount Pierce
• Crawford Connector Trailhead
• Mizpah Spring Hut – optional / water / food for purchase / open seasonly
• Mount Jackson – optional
• Mount Webster – optional
• Webster-Jackson Trailhead – optional

POSTS

2012 Presidential Traverse (attempt)
2013 Presidential Traverse (3 days)
2014 Presi Traverse (attempt)
2019 Presidential Traverse