20s and 30s Monroe and Eisenhower

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 6 - Strenuous
Trip Leader(s): Ian Baker, Rachel Leaderach
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000018nXd
Register By: 7/24/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join us for a spectacular day above tree line as we hike to Mt. Monroe (5,369’, #5 on the NH 48 list) and Mt. Eisenhower (4,763’, #11 on the NH 48 list). We will hike Mts. Monroe and Eisenhower as a point-to-point, ascending via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail up to Lakes of the Clouds, following the Mt. Monroe Loop Trail and Crawford Path south to Eisenhower, summiting Eisenhower, then descending via the Edmands Path. We will do a partial car spot, from the Edmands Path Trailhead. Weather-permitting, participants can expect gorgeous views throughout the hike as our route will keep us above tree line for multiple hours!
Our route is just under 10 miles in length with approximately 3,350’ of elevation gain, which we will hike at a pace on the fast side of moderate (aiming for 1.5-1.75 mph moving pace, for an estimated hike time between 7 and 8 hours). While most of our route features moderate grades, prospective participants should be aware of two challenges. First, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail has one fairly steep section below Lakes of the Clouds Hut; this section also features some ledges that are lightly to moderately steep and sometimes wet. Second, the hike features many miles above tree line where we’ll be exposed to the weather (and the sun) for many miles. Even on days with hot weather in Boston, temperatures above tree line on the Southern Presidentials seldom rise out of the 50s or 60s.
Participants must have recent hiking experience on similarly-strenuous peaks in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, or New York, plus a regular, robust cardio exercise regimen and appropriate 3-season hiking gear. After registering for the hike, one of the leaders will contact you to schedule a time to talk on the phone for ~15 minutes to discuss your recent hiking experience, fitness regimen, and gear to ensure the hike is a suitable fit.
To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions or excessive crowding, the planned trip destination, activity and/or meeting place and time may be modified. In that event, participants may elect to join in that activity or opt out. We will hold Sunday, July 26 as a backup date for this hike if weather conditions prohibit us from hiking on July 25.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!