Heading to Washington on Friday...

[Bergman]

I just had a few last moment questions, i really appreciate any feedback i get!

firstly, is there like an official address or whatever for like the parking lot/office area? I need to enter this in to map quest for the best directions. i couldn't find an address anywhere on the site.

also, are the camping sites located at the beginning of the trails? allowing one to go up the mountain, come down, and then camp?

Thank you all!

[Bill O]

Try Pinkham Notch, AMC Pinkham Notch, Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. According to the AMC website there is no address, Its just listed as Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16, gorham, NH.

Dolly Cop is a nice campground, just a few miles down the road from the Pinkham trailhead.

[KD Talbot]

Directions to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center are here:

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodg...directions.cfm

If you want to climb the mountain then come down and camp then Hermit Lake is where you want to be. This requires packing all your gear in 2.4 miles and 1850' elevation gain. You must purchase the passes in person at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. There are 10 open front shelters which hold 86 people and 3 tent platforms. No pets.

If this is not what you had in mind then I agree with Bill that Dolly Copp is your best bet.

http://www.campsnh.com/dollycopp.htm


KDT

[tkahike]

We annually camp at Dolly, one of my favorite campgrounds.

[rockin rex]

Dolly is a great campground!! Have stayed there many times. As far as back country camping there are some great spots off Rt 2 on the Randolph side. Park at lowes store and just head up the lowes path. This path will lead you to shelters, cabins and tent areas as you climb towards Mt. Adams and the Gulfside Trail. There are many different options for camping off this trail. There is also the Great Gulf that you can camp in with a permit. If you call Pinkham 603-466-2721 they can give you the info about these two areas. There are STRICT rules about where you are allowed to camp. The D.O.C. rangers will ticket you if they catch you camping illegally in the back country so be careful in picking your spot if you are going to tent.

[Bergman]

Is Pinkham Notch Visitor center where the trails up Mt.Washington start?

Thank you all for the info!

[Brad]

Is Pinkham Notch Visitor center where the trails up Mt.Washington start?

Thank you all for the info!

There are trails to the summit from all sides. Pinkham is the major starting point for trails to the east. Crawford Notch is the main spot from the south. The Cog Railroad base station on the west. And several places along route 2 to the north.

From Pinkham there are several good first-timer routes for a day loop. One I like is Tuckermans Trail - then north up Lions Head Trail - cross the Alpine Garden - then up to the summit - then down Tuckermans Headwall (or Boot Spur) and back to Pinkham.

Boot Spur is longer. These are nice loops - good variety in terrain - great views. However, be mindful of the weather when above treeline which is very low on Mt Washington.

[Bill O]

Is Pinkham Notch Visitor center where the trails up Mt.Washington start?

Thank you all for the info!

The majority of Mount Washington day hikes are based out of Pinkham Notch.

[Brad]

I just added some screen shots from DeLorme's Topo USA 6.0 software. They are posted at http://public.fotki.com/MWO/saved/other

The whole Presidentials Range


Northern half of the range


Southern half of the range


Summit trails

[KD Talbot]

As this is obviously your maiden voyage on Mount Washington then I suugest you start at Pinkham Notch. Go into the AMC store and there is a model of the mountain showing all the trails. You can buy a map there also. Talk to the people there and tell them it's your first time climbing MW and they will be glad to help you out. Brad's suggestion is great, but may be a little more than you want to tackle the first time. Straight up Tuckerman Ravine Trail or Lion's Head Trail to the summit, then down by one or the other will be a great hike. If you feel real confident at the summit of Lion's Head, then go across the Alpine Garden Trail as Brad suggests and take Huntington Ravine Trail to Nelson Crag Trail to reach the summit, but this will add a good distance to the hike.

If you are not familiar with being above treeline then there is much you need to know. People have died on this mountain of hypothermia in every month of the year, some unprepared for the conditions, some fully prepared. These would be my quick suggestions: No sneakers, only sturdy hiking boots. 2 litres of water per person. Plenty of food, sandwiches and snacks. A fleece. A lightweight breathable raincoat. A map. A flashlight. The common sense to turn back if conditions get bad or someone in the party is falling behind or too tired to go on. Don't split up.

The list goes on and on. I'm not trying to scare anyone off, thousands of people make the climb each year. Those who don't follow basic safety rules or use common sense we read about in the AMC Rescue reports, or worse their names are with the 140 others on the plaques in the Sherman Adams Building on the summit. Even experienced hikers can get in trouble above treeline.

By all means go and enjoy yourself, but don't take the mountain lightly.

There are some good threads in this section of the forum about what to bring, what to expect and how to have a safe hike. I suggest reding through the threads for as much info as possible.

Good luck and have fun!
KDT