NH4K - Madison, Adams, and Jefferson (ADVANCED)
Details
Organizer: Michael Blair @ (978) 808-1932
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Read the entire description before you RSVP and answer all of the questions that are part of the RSVP process. Failure to answer them will result in your removal from this event.
If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk so consider this before you decide to participate.
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What We're Doing
The plan is to climb three of the NH 4,000 Footers - Madison (#5 @ 5,367'), Adams (#2 @ 5,774'), and Jefferson (#3 @ 5,712'). This will be a long day and there will be quite a bit of time spent above treeline - if the weather is good we will have some spectacular views.
It will still be winter in the mountains so having done similar hikes during this winter season is a pre-requisite for this trip.
We will use Valley Way Trail to get to treeline (just below the AMC Madison Spring Hut which is closed in winter) before climbing up to Madison. From there we will retrace our steps down Osgood Trail to the hut and then use Gulfside Trail and Air Line Trail to reach Adams. We will continue along Gulfside Trail to Jefferson before using Randolph Path and Lowes Path to get to our cars.
Use these links for more information about the summits and trails:
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/2-Mt-Adams-5774--5-Mt-Madison-5367
• http://trailsnh.com/peaks/nh/4000/3-Mt-Jefferson-5712
Neither guests nor dogs are permitted on this trip.
Trip Summary
On this moderate winter pace (~1.5 MPH) traverse we will hike about 13.3 miles and climb about 6,200 feet. It should take about 12 hours to complete this trip. This event is considered to be Advanced because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions - there is no guarantee we will complete the entire event as described here.
We start as a group, hike as a group, and finish as a group. Our pace will be that of the slowest hiker. This trip isn't for you if you are faster than the group and don't want to stay with us, if you want to head off on your own, or if you are slower than the group and expect us to constantly wait for you.
You need to become self-reliant by learning about the route and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
What to Bring
You will need snow shoes and mountaineering crampons - microspikes or hillsounds are only acceptable as a back-up. I will update the this a few days before the hike when I know more about what we can expect to encounter out on the trails. Be sure to look at the gear information listed below - if you have any questions about what to wear and/or what to bring let me know.
Use this link for a list of items needed for a winter day hike:
http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_Clothing_and_Gear_List.pdf
Do not rely on others to have extra items to share with you at the meeting spot or on the trail. You should know how to use all of your equipment - test and adjust it prior to this trip.
Weather
Dangerous weather conditions will cancel this event - I will post an update and/or send an email to all confirmed participants.
Use this link for the current weather forecast:
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/forecast.php
Directions
We will meet at Lowes General Store - it is located on north side of Route 2 west of Gorham, NH. This is where we will finish so we will leave a few cars and drive to where we are starting. According to Google Maps this meeting spot is 169 miles from Boston and it should take about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive there.
Use this link for customizable driving directions:
While carpooling is encouraged you are responsible for coordinating your own rides. Use the comments section below to communicate with others who may also be looking to share a ride. If you do share a ride be sure to share the expenses (gas and tolls).
Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.