The Presidential Traverse is one of New England’s most legendary hiking routes. Threading over the rugged peaks of the White Mountains, the Traverse connects a series of summits named for U.S. presidents—including the formidable Mount Washington. Though thousands visit these mountains each year by car or cog railway, every hiker knows the best way to experience their raw beauty is on foot. Welcome to the hiker’s guide to the Presidential Traverse. Whether you plan to hike the full route in a single day or turn it into a multi-day adventure, read on for our best advice on tackling this iconic route.
Interested in a guided or self-guided tour of the Presidential Traverse?
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What is the Presidential Traverse?
The first question you may be asking yourself is, “how long is the Presidential Traverse?” The full route spans roughly 20 to 24 miles, depending on your chosen path and side trails, and crosses anywhere from seven to twelve major peaks in the White Mountains—many over 4,000 feet. Next comes the real kicker; how much elevation gain are we talking? Expect over 9,000 feet of climbing, much of it steep and rugged, with long stretches above treeline where weather can change in the blink of an eye.
The second question you may be asking is, “why in the world would I put myself through that?” The answer is simple – the views. From the exposed ridge line hiking to the dramatic summit of Mount Washington and the endless vistas rolling out from Mount Eisenhower, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. On every hike across the traverse, I discover new angles and alpine panoramas that stop me in my tracks.
The Route
The exact route of the Presidential Traverse is open to interpretation, and that’s part of what makes it unique. Purists define it as summitting only the peaks named after U.S. presidents—Mounts Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce. Others take a more inclusive approach, adding nearby summits like Mount Clay and Mount Jackson, which are part of the Presidential Range but not officially named for presidents. If you’re traveling from out of town and want to get the full experience, I recommend aiming for the broader definition. It adds a bit more mileage and effort, but also more views, variety, and a deeper sense of accomplishment when you tag every notable peak along the ridge line. Fun fact – Mount Jackson is actually named after a New Hampshire geologist from the 1800s, not the president!
Where to Start
Northbound or Southbound? While both directions are great in their own right, they offer distinct experiences in terms of terrain, difficulty, and psychological pacing.
Northbound
- Crawford Notch → Appalachia
- Lower peaks and less technical trails in the beginning to get you warmed up.
- An epic finish with two of the most dramatic peaks, Mount Madison and Adams.
- Requires tackling some of the most technical climbs and descents on tired legs.
- Significant elevation loss at the end along the well maintained Valley Way trail.
Southbound
- Appalachia → Crawford Notch
- Starts with the hardest climbs, but most dramatic views atop Mount Madison and Adams right off the bat.
- Tackles roughly half of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike!
- The second half is noticeably easier and more forgiving on tired legs.
- Less dramatic views at the end, but more gradual descent to end the traverse.
If you’re anything like me and prefer climbing to descending, I highly recommend hiking the Presidential Traverse southbound. The descent into Crawford Notch is shorter and less punishing than the long, rocky drop down Valley Way at the northern end. Going southbound also front-loads most of the elevation gain, letting you tackle the toughest climbs—like Madison, Adams, and Washington—while your legs are still relatively fresh.
The Weather
Weather on the Presidential Traverse is notoriously unpredictable and often severe, even in summer. Much of the route lies above treeline, exposing hikers to high winds, rapid temperature drops, and sudden storms. Mount Washington, the high point of the Traverse, is infamous for recording some of the harshest weather on earth, including hurricane-force gusts and freezing temperatures in every month of the year. It’s not uncommon to start the day in sunshine and end it in fog, rain, or even snow. Hikers should be prepared for full exposure with no cover, carry extra layers for wind and cold, and always check the Higher Summits Forecast before heading out. Turning back is not failure on the Presidential Traverse—it’s often the smartest decision. The best window for attempting the Traverse is typically July through early September, when the trail is most likely to be clear of snow.
The Terrain
The terrain on the Presidential Traverse is some of the most rugged and demanding in the Northeast. Trails are steep, rocky, and often unrelenting, with long sections above treeline that require careful foot placement on boulders and uneven granite slabs. Unlike the smoother dirt paths common in Mid-Atlantic hikes, this route demands constant attention and energy, which will tire both your body and mind. Hiking up Mount Washington alone is the equivalent of walking up 400 flights of stairs or climbing the Empire State Building three times. Expect your hiking pace to be significantly slower—often averaging just 1 to 1.5 miles per hour, even for experienced backpackers. Descents can be just as taxing as climbs, especially in wet or windy conditions. If you’re used to covering 3 miles an hour on local trails, be prepared to adjust your expectations. The miles are hard-earned here.
Overnights on the Presidential Traverse
If you plan to hike the Presidential Traverse over multiple days, staying at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) huts is highly recommended. These backcountry huts—strategically spaced along the route—offer shelter, meals, and bunk accommodations, allowing hikers to carry much lighter packs without tents, stoves, or bulky food supplies. Given the unpredictable and often extreme weather in the White Mountains, having a reserved bed indoors can be a critical safety net, especially when storms roll in. The huts also provide access to up-to-date weather forecasts, water, and trail information from knowledgeable staff. While more expensive than traditional backpacking, the huts offer a safer, more manageable way to experience this demanding route.
If your heart is set on camping along the Traverse, it’s important to note that all tent sites and shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You’ll want to arrive early and be prepared with a plan B if the sites are at full capacity upon arrival.
Must-Have Equipment for the Presidential Traverse
Hikers tackling the Presidential Traverse tend to be weight-conscious—and for good reason. While shaving your toothbrush in half or spending $800 to save a few ounces might seem excessive on most trips, this is one route where weight really does matter. With over 9,000 feet of elevation gain and relentless rocky terrain, every pound on your back feels heavier by the mile.
If you do it in one day, I recommend carrying a running vest that can hold a minimum of two liters of water. The vest must be big enough to house plenty of food and layers. My favorite running vest for this purpose is from Salomon.
If you’re backpacking, consider bringing a set of fishbone stakes to make your life easier. Due to the fragile alpine ecosystem, most of the camping areas along the route will require you to pitch your tent on a wooden platform. A lightweight tent (we love Big Agnes), paired with a compact quilt or sleeping bag like those from Enlightened Equipment, can make a huge difference in both comfort and endurance. If you’re staying at the AMC huts, all you’ll need for your sleep setup is a sleeping bag liner.
A reliable rain jacket, like one from Outdoor Research, is a non-negotiable, and don’t forget insulating layers—even in the middle of summer. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or trail runners are a must, and a set of trekking poles will save your knees on the steep descents.
Transportation
Point-to-point hikes like the Presidential Traverse can be logistically challenging, especially when it comes to transportation. If you’re working with just one vehicle, I can’t recommend Trail Angels Hiker Services enough. Dan has been shuttling hikers around the White Mountains for years, and his reliability and local knowledge are top-notch. After a long, exhausting day on the ridge—when your legs are toast and your brain feels like mush—it’s a huge relief to have a ride lined up and not worry about how you’re getting back to your car.
Another option is the AMC White Mountain Hiker Shuttle, which connects major trailheads throughout the region. While it’s a solid choice, keep in mind that it operates on a fixed schedule with limited pickup and drop-off times. That can be tough to coordinate if you’re trying to time your traverse around a narrow weather window or if your pace is unpredictable. Either way, plan your shuttle ahead of time—this isn’t the kind of hike where you want to wing the return trip.
Other Helpful Tidbits
Start small. Before committing to the full traverse, consider hiking a few of the White Mountains’ 4,000- or 5,000-foot peaks to get a sense of the terrain, elevation gain, and trail conditions. The Whites are no joke, and easing into them can help you build confidence and fitness for the full challenge.
Carry the Ten Essentials. Even if you’re aiming to complete the traverse in a single day, the combination of rough terrain and unpredictable weather means you could be out longer than expected. Always pack the Ten Essentials—navigation, extra layers, food, headlamp, and more. Check out our full guide to make sure you’re properly equipped.
Bring bug spray. The black flies in the White Mountains are notoriously brutal, especially from late spring through early summer. They love the summits, the valleys, and just about everywhere in between. A good bug repellent (and maybe a head net) can be the difference between an enjoyable hike and a miserable one.
Join the AMC. The Appalachian Mountain Club is a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor conservation, education, and recreation. Membership supports trail stewardship and conservation efforts in the region—and comes with perks like up to 20% off AMC lodging, maps, and gear.
Get a Hike Safe card. For a small fee, New Hampshire’s Hike Safe card gives you peace of mind: if you need rescue due to an injury or unexpected situation, you won’t be held financially liable—provided you were hiking responsibly and not being reckless.
Practice Leave No Trace. The Presidential Range is a fragile alpine ecosystem that sees heavy foot traffic. Respect it by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything, stay on trail, and read our guide to learn how to minimize your impact while enjoying these wild places.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve got the scoop on hiking the Presidential Traverse, it’s time to start planning your own adventure. Thinking about tackling the traverse but not sure you want to do it solo? Take a look at our guided Presidential Traverse and other backpacking trips – we’ll handle the details so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Happy Travels!