Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking
Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking

Trip Reviews

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Highlights

Trip Dates:

2012

Peaks and Valleys of the Pemigewasset Wilderness —
  • Jul 12–15
  • Jul 19–22
  • Aug 9–12
  • Aug 23–26
  • Aug 30 – Sep 2
  • Sep 6–9
  • Sep 13–16
  • Sep 20–23
  • Sep 27–30
  • Oct 4–7
  • Oct 11–14

Or, book a
private departure.

Price:

2012

REI member: $525

Non-member: $575

Total Days: 4
Group Size: 4-10

Activities:

  • Hiking

Accommodations:

AMC Highland Center or Joe Dodge Lodge, 1 or 2 nights; Rustic, shared-room bunkhouse lodging at AMC huts, 1 or 2 nights. See "Accommodations Note" for details

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking

Journey through the dramatic high peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains on this guided hut-to-hut hike.  Most of our days will be spent following sections of the famed Appalachian Trail and other classic routes as the splendor of fall color unfolds.  After each full day of hiking, our evening is spent relaxing and enjoying great meals and fascinating interpretive talks at one of the AMC Huts or the Highland Center at Crawford Notch.  All meals and bedding will be provided for us throughout the trek, helping to keep our packs relatively light.  While we’ll hope for clear, dry, and pleasant early fall weather and wonderful views, we’ll also prepare for the possibility of challenging mountain weather.

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – By Departure Itinerary:

  • The Presidential Peaks

    Meeting place: AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch

    Order of accommodations: Highland Center, Mizpah Springs Hut, Lakes of the Clouds Hut

    *Note: This itinerary can be considered more difficult than the average offering this season*

    From the Highland Center, we ascend up to the Mizpah Springs hut then continue on the following day to Lakes of the Clouds. Along the way we gradually traverse the presidential ridge and will study the rare alpine vegetation found only above tree line. We'll enjoy opportunities to summit Mt.Pierce, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington before returning to the Highland Center for our final farewell.

  • Peaks and Valleys of the Pemigewasset Wilderness

    Meeting place: AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch

    Order of accommodations: Highland Center, Galehead Hut, Zealand Falls Hut

    Our Mid-Summer getaway takes you to the most remote area in the Whites. This trip leaves from the Highland Center at Crawford Notch. We ascend to the Galehead Hut, with spectacular vistas, and continue on the following day to Zealand Falls Hut where soaking tired feet and legs in the cool waterfalls is tradition. Along the way, we enjoy opportunities to summit Galehead Mtn., South Twin Mtn, and visit Zeacliff, one of the finest viewpoints in the White Mountains.

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – By Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1

    The trip begins today in New Hampshire’s breathtaking White Mountains. On some departures, we rendezvous at Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch and on others we meet at the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch (see “Note on Itinerary” below for details).  Feel free to arrive anytime between noon and 2 pm to check in and get comfortable, then plan on meeting as a group for dinner and to review the trip itinerary in detail and discuss gear and other important info.  We’ll stay at the lodge tonight before starting out on our hiking route tomorrow.  Meals provided: buffet lunch and dinner.

  • Day 2

    Today the group will hike to the first of our huts along the trail.  The huts are situated in picturesque locations among the White Mountains, where after a solid first day of hiking, you can look forward to a friendly greeting from the hut crew, complete with a piping hot meal and naturalist led evening talks about the natural history of the White Mountains.  On most trips, we can drop our gear at the hut after our first hike then choose from optional out-and-back hikes that will allow us to enjoy some of the surrounding vistas.  See “Note on Itinerary” below for detailed information on which hut we plan to visit today on which of our departures and the associated hiking options. Meals provided: breakfast at the lodge, bag lunch, dinner at the hut.

  • Day 3

    Our hut crew prepares wonderful hot breakfast for us today before we hit the trail once again.  Look forward to your guide’s expertise contributing much to your hiking today, as opportunities to discover the surrounding area abounds.  We’ll enjoy some lunch on the trail along the way, and look forward to the unique setting and fresh faces of tonight’s hut when we arrive.  See “Note on Itinerary” below for detailed information on which hut we plan to visit today and on the hiking options that we may choose to take advantage of after we arrive this afternoon.  Another delicious family-style dinner and evening program is provided at the hut tonight.

  • Day 4

    After breakfast today, we’ll descend from the hut.  We plan to arrive back at our starting point between noon and 2:00 p.m. today, and lunch can be purchased at the lodge for those wishing to eat before heading home.  Trip participants are also welcome to stay an additional night at the AMC member rate discount to rest before leaving at trip’s end. If you are flying home tonight, please allow extra time for uncertainties or delays accordingly.  Meals provided: breakfast at the hut.

Accommodations Note:

On this trip we stay in AMC huts and lodges that highlight the beauty of the White Mountains. The Highland Center at Crawford Notch and Joe Dodge are both comfortable lodges with well-equipped common rooms. These eco-friendly lodges have heated, shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms with hot showers and towels. Phones and wireless Internet access are available in some locations. The final two nights we stay in more rustic huts along the trail. Each hut is unique, but we sleep in unheated bunkhouses where blankets and pillows are provided. Bathrooms have composting toilets. A small store is available to purchase snacks and other incidentals. After a full day of hiking, these huts and lodges offer a good night's sleep in a beautiful setting.

Note on Itinerary

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedules listed above, these itineraries are subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.  This can include changes in the huts to be used, trails to be hiked, etc.  This trip is operated rain or shine.

Important Information about Air Travel

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm that the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Single Travelers

Accommodations are bunk-style huts along the routes we hike.  Each hut has a number of rooms, each one sleeping several people in bunks.  As such, private rooms are not available on any of our departures.  There are no additional single fees assessed for single travelers.

Price Includes

All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; professional guiding; taxes; transportation to and from trailheads when required; gratuity for the hut crews (though you may always opt to give more if you like).

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Qualifications

This trip is rated Vigorous (4), as we plan to hike for 5-8 hours per day most days on steep, rocky, sometimes exposed terrain, gaining and/or losing up to just over 3,000 feet in elevation some days. We will carry day packs while we hike as well. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Closet Airport(s)

Manchester Airport, Manchester, NH – 115 miles, 2.25 hours

Transfers

There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place.  Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s.  Late-season trips, such as our last October departure, should be expected to experience colder temperatures and prepare adequately.  Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff. 

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s.  Late-season trips, such as our last October departure, should be expected to experience colder temperatures and prepare adequately.  Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear
  • Trip leader first aid kit
Hiking Gear
  • Daypack: approx. 2,000 - 4,000 cu. In.
  • Pack cover – waterproof
Outerwear
  • Rain jacket and pants, lightweight, waterproof and breathable
Clothing
  • Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom, synthetic or wool
  • Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great)
  • Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
  • T-shirts, synthetic
  • Underwear
  • Hiking socks, 3 pairs
Clothing Accessories
  • Sun hat with brim
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Bandana
  • Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear
  • Hiking boots: sturdy, stiff-soled, well broken-in, rising above the ankle (these are a necessity for hiking on this trip!)
  • Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
  • Moleskin or other feet first aid
Travel Accessories
  • Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Personal medications
  • Insect repellent (small, packable)
  • Toiletry kit: roll of toilet paper, toothbrush & paste, pack towel (think light!)
  • Personal first-aid kit, small and light
Optional Field Gear
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
  • Ear plugs
  • Camera
  • Extra warm clothing for late season departures, such as a down vest or jacket

Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking
 
4.1

(based on 14 reviews)

79%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Guides (13)
  • Food (12)
  • Accommodations (11)
  • Group camaraderie (10)
  • Activity level (9)

Cons

  • Activity level (3)
  • Poorly organized itinerary (3)

Best Uses

      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual adventurer (10), Avid adventurer (4)
      • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
      • I liked the itinerary (11), All the details planned for me (9), Good value (7), Active adventures (6), Destination (5)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 14 customers

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    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Awesome Trip!

    By TAW II

    from Fairfield, CT

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Activity Level
    • Exceeded Expectations
    • Food
    • Guides
    • Well Organized Itinerary

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

        Our guides, [...] were great. They had an amazing depth of knowledge not only about the geography but also the botany, geology and history of the area. The huts were a great alternative to camping and the food exceeded expectations. We would definitely recommend this trip.

        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
        • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
        • Why did you choose this trip?:
        • We wanted a hut-to-hut trail hike experience that was within driving distance of our home. Additionally, we were relying on REI to provide knowledgeable guides (which they certainly did!) since we had never been on a multi-day hike before.
        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
        • Hiking across the Presidential Traverse; great views of where you are going and where you have been. A truly unique experience.
        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
        • Make sure you are in shape! Walking a few miles a day isn't the same thing as hiking these trails (ascents, descents, rocky terrain). Seriously follow the recommended packing checklist. We had everything we needed. Definitely consider trekking poles if you don't already have. Bring earplugs for sleeping in the bunkrooms. Break in your boots before the trip and bring blister care. Worth it!
         
        4.0

        Awesome Trip

        By Snax

        from Connecticut

        About Me Casual Adventurer

        Pros

        • Accommodations
        • Activity Level
        • Food
        • Group Camaraderie
        • Guides
        • Well Organized Itinerary

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

            The guides were the best. Mike and Lori were enthusiastic, knowlegible, attentive, and did a great job in making sure that the trip was good for everyone, taking into account the range of abilities of the memebers of the group. Our group was great!

            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
            • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
            • Why did you choose this trip?:
            • I wanted to hike the White Mountains without having to organize it myself. Saves me the work of reading guidebooks, planning the itinerary, making reservations, scheduling dates that work amongst friends, etc etc. Everything was planned out and well executed.
            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
            • Meeting new friends. Reaching all of the peaks that we had planned plus a bonus
            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
            • I would imagine that most of the people who would choose to travel w/ Rei are like minded, so you should pretty much be guaranteed a good group
             
            5.0

            Beautiful NH

            By JeremiahME

            from Maine

            About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual Adventurer

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Accommodations
            • Activity Level
            • Exceeded Expectations
            • Food
            • Group Camaraderie
            • Guides
            • Well Organized Itinerary

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                REI provides a potentially great adventure here. I was so lucky to have participated in this... It really made my summer. Again, our leader, Jamie, was a great guy - if you can have him as your leader you'll be lucky!
                Life is short - live it!

                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                • I Liked the Itinerary
                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                • This trip was last minute. Other plans I had for the summer didn't go accordingly... this sounded like it would be a nice way to get out and explore.
                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                • Being outdoors. Having an adventure. The trip leader (Jamie) was fantastic. He was fun-loving, talkative, friendly... he really made this trip an excellent adventure!
                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                • Make sure that you are in "shape" and ready to hike. Be prepared to hike with a pack, carry food and water (extra weight) and do so for 4+ hours.
                 
                4.0

                Beautiful scenery

                By Nicdanmit

                from Oak Park, Illinois

                About Me Casual Adventurer

                Pros

                • Accommodations
                • Food
                • Group Camaraderie
                • Guides
                • Once in a Lifetime Experience

                Cons

                • Activity Level

                Best Uses

                  Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                  The guides and the food were really good. We would play scrabble or poker at night depending on which hut had what games. The people in my group were really nice. We all had different hiking abilities but we got along well. We slept in bunk beds in one room all together which was interesting. No big snorers in the group so that was good. There were 40m/hr winds and it was wet and cold when we started to hike on Saturday but it ended up being sunny and a little cool when we got to Mizpah that afternoon. The weather can change in the blink of an eye. Was a little disappointed that we had to hike down the way we went up Mt Washinton because of safety with the weather changing that Friday. Overall it was a really good trip. I enjoyed being with a group of people who liked to hike. I enjoyed the quiet, the smell of the trees, and the beautiful scenery of the mountains. Saw a spruce grouse and a squirrel, that was it on the wildlife that we observed.

                  • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                  • All the Details Planned for Me, Recommended by a Friend, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                  • Why did you choose this trip?:
                  • Sounded like a fun hiking adventure, Never have been to the East coast.
                  • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                  • Eating lunch on the rocks before getting to Mizpah hut. The view was spectacular and it was nice to be a group all alone in the quiet of this beautiful scenery.
                  • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                  • Make sure you like to hike on boulders and are not skiddish with large changes in elevation hiking up and down on rocks. I felt like I was in shape but mentally and physically I dont like dramatic heights and walking on boulders. I was used to hiking on trails out West with switchbacks and dirt with branches. I never used the toilet paper roll I brought. I would bring one or two pair of clothe

                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  This is the way to backpack

                  By J-Lo

                  from Houston, TX

                  About Me Casual Adventurer

                  Pros

                  • Accommodations
                  • Food
                  • Guides
                  • Well Organized Itinerary

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                      It was so nice not to have to worry about cooking or cleaning after a day of hiking and the food was great and plentiful. The hut staff were very entertaining so don't forget to bring some cash to tip them.

                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                        • Our guide was great! He was very knowledgeable about the area and specifically our route. He was also very laid back, it was like a friend was leading the trip.
                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                        • Take the difficulty rating seriously. I saw that we would only carry 20-30 lbs each with a max of 5-8 miles per day and I vastly underestimated how difficult it was and did not train accordingly. As out of shape as I was I made it fine, but it was hard.

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Fantastic and challenging trip!

                        By Robin23

                        from Philadelphia, PA

                        About Me Casual Adventurer

                        See all my reviews

                        Site Member

                        Pros

                        • Accommodations
                        • Activity Level
                        • Group Camaraderie
                        • Guides
                        • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                        • Quality Equipment Provided
                        • Well Organized Itinerary

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                            I was just looking back at this trip and saw all of the negative comments about it, and I can't understand why. (The only difference might have been the weather - ours was perfect.) It's not supposed to be a stroll through the woods - it's hiking. But there are plenty of rests. Be fit. Be ready for summer humidity of the East coast, too! Have the correct gear. I didn't have everything, but was lucky they had an equipment room in the basement of the Lodge. The guides were very knowledgable and nice - terrific people. Our group was great, as well - everyone very nice.

                            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                            • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                            • Why did you choose this trip?:
                            • I chose this trip because I wanted to travel with a friend and have an active vacation - not laying around on a beach. I love to hike and wanted to see someplace I hadn't been before, and I wanted a lot of exercise.
                            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                            • The highlight of the trip was seeing the spectacular views from the White Mountains. We had perfect, perfect weather in the second week of August. This was August of 2009. Laying on giant rocks at Galehead Hut and seeing the thousands of stars. Can't beat that.
                            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                            • Be fit for this trip. When I took it, it was rated a 3/4, and some people thought that meant it was a 3 - easy, but it was not. I am pretty fit - I run about 10-15 miles a week, and this was a nice test of my endurance. Also, I learned that downhill is not a piece of cake! Hiking poles are very useful!

                            (9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            3.0

                            A mixed first-time White Mtn experience

                            By kstothart

                            from Boston, MA

                            About Me Casual Adventurer

                            Pros

                            • Activity Level
                            • Food
                            • Group Camaraderie
                            • Guides

                            Cons

                            • Accommodations
                            • Poorly Organized Itinerary

                            Best Uses

                              Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                              Overall there were many positives to the trip - for instance, we met a good group of hikers & had a knowledgeable guide. We also got to see some stunning scenery and tackled some trails that frankly needed a good guide. The distances traversed seemed reasonable, but given the climbing and terrain we had a pretty unbalanced itinerary.

                              A gentle introduction on the first day of our hike (approx. 5 miles) was followed the next day by a 10-hour marathon through difficult terrain, made worse by wet weather. The final day was a 3-hour downhill stroll. Overall, a more evenly spaced itinerary would have improved the experience.

                              Also, as an REI traveller, having booked this trip well in advance, I had expected the accommodation to have been planned in advance. After the 10-hour slog, we arrived after dark at Greenleaf hut to find barely enough beds for the group, and those available scattered around the complex. I would have expected a set of beds to be set aside, and some expectation of our delay from communication with the guide. Instead we turned up with dinner in full progress and no space to join the diners. Since most people stayed in the dinning hall after eating, there was still a lack of space for all of us to eat together. We were given cold leftovers and some of us went without a full meal. I'd probably expected more than this given the price of the trip and the big day of hiking we had just got through,

                              In summary, we enjoyed the hike & had some great company, but the premium paid through REI for an organized trip didn't reflect in the quality of the planning.

                              • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                              • All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                              • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                              • Some of the trekking and views were amazing, particularly on the alpine peaks such as Mount Lafayette & South Twin.
                              • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                              • You'll need a basic level of fitness as some of the trails are extremely rocky, making the task of scaling the mountain with a heavy backpack tricky, unless you are an experienced hiker.

                              (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              Good trip in the fall, despite weather

                              By fsujeanniek

                              from Reno, NV

                              About Me Active hiker and climber, Casual Adventurer

                              Site Member

                              Pros

                              • Accommodations
                              • Activity Level
                              • Fall foliage
                              • Food
                              • Group Camaraderie
                              • Guides
                              • Quality Equipment Provided

                              Cons

                              • Bad weather
                              • Needs better pretrip info

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                                The highlight of this trip for me was the PHENOMENAL fall foliage, and the food! (I went during early Oct. when the leaves were peaking.) The hut crews were fun, and our guides were great.
                                Early October is supposed to be nice there, but unfortunately, due to rainy/stormy weather, the hardest, and probably the most exciting, part of our itinerary had to be altered (i.e. made much easier). So it's a good idea to just assume that, unless you get really lucky with the weather, you will likely have a change of itinerary, so don't have your heart set on any particular places.
                                Make sure your rain gear is SOLID, not questionable or cheap. Buy the most expensive stuff you can afford because it will work better. Also, make sure you have extremely water-proof boots - the heavy-duty leather ones, so that, if it's been raining, you can just tromp through the water, instead of doing miles of rock-hopping. Your feet will thank you for that! And, be sure to bring or borrow gaiters to keep water out of your boots.
                                If you're going any time in Oct., bring down booties and your own sleeping bag, which I did not, because the huts are very cold, the mats you sleep on are cold plastic, and there aren't always enough blankets to keep you warm. (The pre-trip info did not really explain this enough.)
                                Also, if you don't hike regularly, PLEASE train for this because there are some very steep, rocky parts - it's not a casual walk in the woods.
                                Overall, this was still a fun trip despite the weather, especially if you want to see amazing fall colors and experience fun huts on the AT. I would do it again just for the food and to see if I can catch some good weather and actually do our original itinerary.

                                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                • To see some great fall foliage while hiking part of the Appalachian Trail and seeing some of the AT's huts.
                                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                • The PHENOMENAL fall foliage, and the food.
                                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                • See detailed comments below, but basically: have GOOD rain gear and VERY water-proof boots; bring down booties and your own sleeping bag in the fall. If you're missing some gear/can't afford something/lose your luggage, they have a pretty well-stocked gear room at the lodge where you can borrow stuff. Call ahead to find out what they have and don't have.

                                (4 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                1.0

                                Worst trip I have ever taken

                                By George Dickerson

                                from Wallingford, CT

                                About Me Avid Adventurer

                                Site Member

                                Pros

                                  Cons

                                  • Accommodations
                                  • Activity Level
                                  • Fell Short of Expectations
                                  • Food
                                  • Poorly Organized Itinerary

                                  Best Uses

                                    Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                                    Promised 3-4 hours of easy hiking when we booked our trip in April. When we arrived we were told that REI had not booked our trip until the night before. By then the Huts were sold out and they expected our group to hike 11 hours each day. Huts were supposed to be heated, they were ice cold.

                                    • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                    • Active Adventures, I Liked the Itinerary
                                    • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                    • We were planning a get together to hike for a couple of hours each day with some friends.
                                    • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                    • I would not do this trip

                                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    awesome, simply awesome!

                                    By over the top

                                    from Mansfield Mass.

                                    About Me Casual Adventurer, Outdoor lover and enthusi

                                    Site Member

                                    Pros

                                    • Accommodations
                                    • Activity Level
                                    • Exceeded Expectations
                                    • Food
                                    • Group Camaraderie
                                    • Guides

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                        Comments about REI Adventures Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking:

                                        Overall, this was an amazing trip. Our guides were fantastic and went over and above the call in more than one way. The people we met were just so much fun to be around and we bonded right away and were a very good team right from the start. The huts and hut staff were amazing and the trip itself, though challenging at times was nothing short of spectacular!!!

                                        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                        • Active Adventures, Destination, Good Value
                                        • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                        • I have been up in the Whites before but wanted to share it on my first anniversary with my wife Pat. She loves adventures but had never been on an overnight backpacking trip. I wanted to try one of the REI trips and this seemed like a good one to start with; close to home and not to expensive and it took place over our anniversary.
                                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                        • Besides the views, which were the best I have ever experienced in the Whites before, our guides were the best!! Jamie and Mike bought Pat and myself each a small bottle of champagne which they gave us after dinner Sat. night at the Galehead hut. We shared it with all our new friends and had a great time.
                                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                        • DO NOY UNDERESTIMATE the White Mountains!! We had great weather, sun not too much wind both which are rare for that location. Do a little research into the White mountains as far as trails and conditions that can be expected and be prepared. If you do, you will have an incredible and comfortable experience!!

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                                        Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking

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