Favorite Trail?

[GBouch2]

Although this trial is always in need of some kind of repair, I always enjoy the Six Husbands Trial. It's quiet, desolate and physically challenging. Camp at the base, have lunch at Madison Hut or Washington!

[rockin rex]

Favorite trail has to be trails out of the great gulf upto the ridge. Six husbands and Madison gulf trail over the head wall both with full packs are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not far behind are the trails out of Randolph up to the ridge especially kings ravine on its way upto thunderstorm junction.

[Brad]

I have always liked going up Lions Head to the summit and then down Tuckerman's Headwall. Going up you pop out in the open with great views very quickly. On the way down you continue with good views for quite a while.

Last summer I went up the Amonoosic Ravine Trail to the Lakes and then summit. Came down the Jewell Trail. Did this loop with my 9 year old grandson - for his first, of many, hike up Mt Washington.

Here is a picture of him after we left the Lakes heading to the summit.

[MtnMagic]

The Ammo, Tuck to Lions Head, and Nelson Crag have always been my favorites. As well as approaching from Crawford Path or on Gulfside continuing on from Jefferson. Though after a sample hike of the Dry River Trail, I would love to get to the rock pile after seeing the exciting views from Oakes Gulf. And I will someday!

[rockin rex]

Some people asking about trails up washington so thought I would bring this back upto the top where people can see it. I really enjoyed peoples input on their favorite trail up the rock pile. Am surprised though that the trails on the Randolph side were not often mentioned. I guess for most that is to long a day to summit Washington from that side and then come back down. I do have to say. I love kings Ravine!!

[Joey Keyz]

I never climbed to the top. I plan on trying it this fall. I'm not in the best of shape due to a car accident I had back in 2000, but I still have some power in me I think to give it a shot.

What's the easiest way up and down MW?

[rockin rex]

My kids would say the cog but trail wise I would have to say Tucks. The reason I say that is not because of the terrain but because of the amount of people that use that trail. You kinda join in with the flow of hikers and it tends to pull you along. It is also the shortest way up. Terrain wise there are ones that are easier but the mileage is longer. I always recommend Tucks to people that are climbing Washington for the first time.

[Steve M]

My kids would say the cog but trail wise I would have to say Tucks. The reason I say that is not because of the terrain but because of the amount of people that use that trail. You kinda join in with the flow of hikers and it tends to pull you along. It is also the shortest way up. Terrain wise there are ones that are easier but the mileage is longer. I always recommend Tucks to people that are climbing Washington for the first time.

I'm glad to hear you say that. That is exactly what I felt also. My wife and kids have never hiked to the summit of Washington but they will be going with me for Seek-the-Peak and I chose Tucks for their first trip. My wife is concerned about our 7 yr old. He still has trouble following directions and she is a little nervous about the section around the headwall. That could potentially be a dangerous place. Has anyone with small kids hiked this path? What was your experience and do you have any advice??

[Rich]

I'm glad to hear you say that. That is exactly what I felt also. My wife and kids have never hiked to the summit of Washington but they will be going with me for Seek-the-Peak and I chose Tucks for their first trip. My wife is concerned about our 7 yr old. He still has trouble following directions and she is a little nervous about the section around the headwall. That could potentially be a dangerous place. Has anyone with small kids hiked this path? What was your experience and do you have any advice??

My wife and our 7 year old son (who has many miles in the Whites) will be on Tucks and Lion's Head for STP. No need to mess around the headwall especially when it'll be soo crowded. At parts you need to "pull over" so others can pass! A friend had to grab someone and pull them back up when she slipped off the trail. I think I read Brad had to do the same once? 1600' fall into the ravine. Also, LH is a bit more tame for a first timer. Perhaps we'll meet up and maybe do part of the climb together, Steve?

[Steve M]

My wife and our 7 year old son (who has many miles in the Whites) will be on Tucks and Lion's Head for STP. No need to mess around the headwall especially when it'll be soo crowded. At parts you need to "pull over" so others can pass! A friend had to grab someone and pull them back up when she slipped off the trail. I think I read Brad had to do the same once? 1600' fall into the ravine. Also, LH is a bit more tame for a first timer. Perhaps we'll meet up and maybe do part of the climb together, Steve?

That sounds good to me. I may decide to do Lions Head with them anyway, no need to put anyone in danger. Keep in touch and let me know your plans. We will be arriving in the Whites on the 17th and staying at Saco River campgrounds until the 29th. We will be taking several shorter hikes before STP but haven't decided which ones. Maybe Mt. Willard and some of the waterfall trails. We shall see. Anyway I look forward to meeting you and your family.