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
Overnight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7. Wind chill values as low as -37. West wind around 50 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph.
Friday
A chance of snow showers after 10am. Mostly cloudy. High near -3, with temperatures falling to around -10 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -47. West wind 50 to 55 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.
Friday Night
A chance of snow showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -33. Wind chill values as low as -76. Northwest wind 60 to 70 mph, with gusts as high as 95 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near -13. Wind chill values as low as -81. Northwest wind 55 to 70 mph, with gusts as high as 85 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around -23. Northwest wind 35 to 55 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph.
Sunday
Snow likely after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near -2. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Sunday Night
Snow. Cloudy, with a low around -5. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.
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
