The Presidential Traverse on the White Mountains is one of the most classic and well-known routes in New Hampshire. The name of the route originates from the fact that you get to take on all of the mountains in the Presidential Range in one crazy continuous hike. There’s nearly 23 miles to hike here, with a stunning 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Given that the route also encompasses almost all of the state’s highest peaks with almost maximum exposure, the scenery here is truly breathtaking. While most hikers reserve at least 2-3 days for visiting the Presidential Traverse’s picturesque vistas, many extreme hiking enthusiasts choose to test their limits and do the hike in one day. If you decide to take on the Presidential Traverse, you better come prepared! Keep in mind — this trip is not for the faint of heart. Discover more amazing hikes in the USA from Maggie Slepian, backpacker, trail runner, hiker, and mountain biker.
Conquer one of the toughest hiking trails in the American Northeast
Marvel at the vistas from some of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks
Explore a wide variety of interesting terrains over 23 miles
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire, please refer to New Hampshire’s COVID-19 guidelines for out-of-state visitors.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
Hiking the Presidential Traverse is a strenuous undertaking and should not be taken lightly. This adventure, especially the one-day tour, requires top physical conditioning. The majority of the climb is above the treeline, and you will be exposed to sun, rain, sometimes snow, and of course the White Mountains’ notorious winds. Participants must be avid hikers with previous camping experience and be in terrific physical condition. On the one-day tour, you will be hiking over 20 miles for up to 18 hours with intense changes in altitude. The two-day tour is less strenuous but still requires great physical shape and experience with hiking.
Your guides hold complete discretion to change the itinerary if they see that the participants’ fitness level is lacking. In this case, there will not be a discount or refund.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Mount Washington can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Presidential Traverse, most people fly into Portland International Jetport. From there, you can rent a car and take a 2-hour drive to Glen, NH, or take a bus to Naples American Legion and take a taxi, which will take you around 2h15min total.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH, or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
