Mount Adams is the second highest peak in NH at 5,774 feet. Located in the Presidential Range Between Mount Madison and Mount Jefferson, it has incredible views. It is often hiked as part of the presidential traverse, with Mount Madison, or hiked by itself.
Elevation:Â 5,774 Feet
Rating:Â Difficult
Distance: 9.4 miles
Hike Time:Â 4-7 Hours
Mountain Range:Â Presidential
Elevation Gain: 4,445 Feet
Photo by @laxfreak548
Trail Map
Trails
There are many options to hike up Mount Adams. The below listed are the quickest way to solo hike Mount Adams, however there are other options from the east and south that are great trails for combining other presidential peaks.
Short Line Trail (Yellow)
This trail is 4.8 miles to the summit and begins at the Appalachia Parking Lot.
Air Line Trail
The air line trail parallels the Short Line Trail, and is accessible from the same starting location. This trail is very similar to the short line trail. Mileage: 4.3 miles to summit.
Lowe’s Path (Blue)
This is a 4.7 mile trail to the summit located at the Lowes Path Trailhead (click for directions)
Valley Way Trail
This trail also begins at the Appalachia Parking lot. It is 4.6 miles to the summit of Mount Adams.
Pine Link Trail
This option begins more to the east than the other options. It features around 3,900 feet of elevation gain. This trail is 4.9 miles to the summit of Adams, and 3.7 miles to the summit of Mount Madison. This is a great option for summiting both peaks. This trail begins on Dolly Copp road which is closed in the winter. Directions to Pine Mountain Trailhead
Directions
Weather Forecast
Gorham, NH
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 42. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of rain showers between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then patchy fog between 3am and 5am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. South wind 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday
Rain showers and patchy fog before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 49. South wind 25 to 50 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 35 to 60 mph, with gusts as high as 80 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Juneteenth
A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Pictures
Photo by @laxfreak548
Photo by @laxfreak548
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
