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We can let you know as soon as they are.
Spend 4 days in the soaring peaks and rugged terrain of the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
New Hampshire's White Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northeast, and the famed Appalachian Trail takes us straight into the heart of it. Our destination is the Pemigewasset Wilderness, 45,000 acres of colorful, rugged, federally designated wilderness. The area is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular parks in the United States.
Our journey takes us past babbling brooks, picturesque waterfalls and to incredible summits, such as South Twin and Galehead Mountains. We journey from river valleys up to alpine peaks, seeing beautiful and rare plant life along the way. With some luck, we may spot moose, white-tailed deer, fox, and many more creatures. Retire each evening to rustic accommodations in the company of new comrades. Staying in huts allows us to travel with lighter packs than normal, overall enjoying a more comfortable journey. We depart home having experienced a unique blend of adventure and unbridled beauty.
Important Note: We will not be operating our Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking – Presidential Peaks adventure during the 2022 season. Dates for 2023 departures should be available late this summer.
Accommodations are owned and managed by AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club). While all REI guests must adhere to REI’s stated Covid policies at the time of travel, at present, AMC is not requiring other guests to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Sleeping arrangements at the huts are in co-ed bunkhouses shared with both REI trip participants and other AMC guests. Bathrooms are shared and there is a common indoor dining room for all guests. These huts are available to thru hikers and overnight guests so there is potential to be amongst guests who have not been vaccinated or tested while participating in this trip.
This trip is rated Vigorous (4). The hiking portions of the trip involve carrying a 15–25 lb. backpack over steep, rocky, sometimes exposed terrain with elevation gain and loss of 3,000', and up to 8 miles daily.
To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your overall enjoyment is your overall fitness level.
All accommodations; 3 wool blankets and 1 pillow at huts; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; professional guiding; transportation to and from trailheads when required.
Our trip begins today at the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Arrive at the AMC Highland Center this afternoon to check into a dormitory-style room. If you arrive earlier in the day, the lodge staff is happy to recommend short hikes in the area. We meet our guides and fellow travelers early this evening for an orientation and a review of the trip itinerary and gear list. We enjoy a family-style dinner, then turn in for the night in order to be well-rested for tomorrow’s hike. Dinner included.
We shuttle to the Gale River Trailhead (1,600') to begin our hike. The trail begins with a gentle descent and stays within earshot of the Gale River for three miles. As the trail gains elevation, we are rewarded with spectacular views up the valley and toward the Twin Mountains. Reaching the Garfield Ridge Trail junction, there is a significant steep and rocky climb before we reach our destination, Galehead Hut (3,800'). The hut provides co-ed, bunkhouse-style sleeping arrangements, cold running water and composting toilets. Located in the gap between Galehead and South Twin, the views to the south provide a glimpse of the vast Pemigewasset Wilderness. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.6 miles, 7–10 hours, Elevation gain: 2,200'.
The expertise of your trip guides will contribute to your hiking experience today. Setting out from the hut, we ascend South Twin Mountain (4,902'), the highest point of the trip. This is a strenuous hike with a gain of 1,100' in less than one mile. Reaching the summit, we take in panoramic views of Mount Guyot (4,508'), Mount Bond (4,698'), Bondcliff Peak (4,265') and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We follow the Twinway Ridge Trail for four miles, then descend 1.5 miles with an elevation loss of 1,110'. Reaching Zealand Falls Hut (2,630'), we are rewarded with some of the White Mountain’s best scenery including brooks, marshes and waterfalls. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles, 6–8 hours, Elevation gain/loss: 1,100'.
We depart from Zealand Falls Hut and hike to the AMC Highland Center. Our route is dependent on weather, trail conditions and other factors. We plan to arrive at the Highland Center the afternoon. We'll enjoy a celebratory lunch together, then prepare for departures. Or, you can extend your stay to see more of the White Mountains on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 2.7–5.5 miles, 1.5–2.5 hours, Elevation gain/loss: 500'–800'.
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.
Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
