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The Presidential Traverse on the White Mountains is one of the most classic and well-known routes in New Hampshire. Its name stems 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 ft 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. Tackle the Presidential Traverse in two days for a scenic yet challenging experience, or push yourself to the limit with the one-day option for a thrilling, high-intensity adventure led by an expert guide! Discover more amazing hikes in the USA from Maggie Slepian, backpacker, trail runner, hiker, and mountain biker.

Adventure highlights

  • Not for the faint of heart
    Conquer one of the toughest hiking trails in the American Northeast in 1 or 2 days
  • Breathtaking views along the way
    Marvel at the vistas from some of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks
  • Intense 23 miles
    Explore a wide variety of terrains over 23 miles and reach 9 major peaks over 4,000 ft

Available itineraries

Full-Day Hike of the Presidential Traverse

This one-day tour of the Presidential Traverse is meant for hardcore hikers looking to push their endurance and abilities to the next level. Opt for a very early start and conquer the 14-18 hour climb up one of New Hampshire’s most classic routes, with some amazing views from an altitude of over 4,000 feet. This hike is a massive undertaking, so you should be very confident in your abilities before undertaking it!

  • The more advanced one-day tour doesn’t include sleeping at Grey Knob Cabin. You will be attempting to finish the climb by nightfall. This tour requires an early start, around 3 AM. You will stay at your guide’s bunkhouse the night before, as this allows your guides to do a gear check and get anything you may need. This is an extremely demanding hike, as you’ll be walking for 14-18 hours, depending on the weather conditions and your fitness levels

Two-Day Tent-Based Presidential Traverse Hike

Spend the night camping in tents along the traverse.

Hike the challenging and beloved Presidential Traverse with an experienced local guide! Experience some of White Mountain’s stunning vistas and gaze upon the Presidential Range’s 9 magnificent peaks on this challenging 2-day trek.

  • The two-day Presidential Traverse starts with a gear check at the guide’s bunkhouse at 8am before hitting the trail. We’ll spend the night camping in tents along the traverse, making it a more relaxed experience compared to the one-day challenge. This option offers a less strenuous hike while still taking in the epic views and terrain.

Two-Day Presidential Traverse Hike at Gray Knob

Spend the night at the Gray Knob.

Hike the challenging and beloved Presidential Traverse with an experienced local guide! Experience some of White Mountain’s stunning vistas and gaze upon the Presidential Range’s 9 magnificent peaks on this challenging 2-day trek.

  • The two-day Presidential Traverse starts with a gear check at the guide’s bunkhouse at 8am before hitting the trail. We’ll spend the night at the Gray Knob, making it a more relaxed experience compared to the one-day challenge. This option offers a less strenuous hike while still taking in the epic views and terrain.

Appalachian Trail Tours
Section hikes (7) | All-women hikes (3) | Beginner-friendly (4)
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Meet your guide

Northeast Mountaineering
5.00
Northeast Mountaineering
AMGA Certified Guides
Northeast Mountaineering is a small group of highly trained and experienced guides with years of experience on rock, ice, and snow, from New England to Alaska to Yosemite, and Ecuador to Nepal. Despite their own personal ascents, they thrive on teaching their skills to others. Their programs are built on education, mentoring, and investing time and energy in the development of each skier and climber. At NEM you will get a relaxed and fun environment where you can reach your full potential.
4.75(4 reviews)
A
Anna B.
|October 2024
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Zoe Z.
|October 2022
NEM is a great company, staying at the bunkhouse made everything super easy and you have the ability to rent all of the gear you could possibly need which is incredibly helpful. Everyone I talked to or meet in person was awesome, I would highly recommend them and go on another adventure with them!
E
Eamon M.

Great experience. The guides are all first-class and super down-to-earth. Staying at the bunkhouse was cheap and easy. Gear is all first-rate. On day one we got the basics down (my brother and I had no winter mountaineering experience). On day two we summitted Mt Washington. Our guide had been up 63 out of his 67 attempts. He knew every inch of that mountain and we both felt totally at ease. An awesome experience! Excited to come back for some ice climbing.

Show all reviews
4.75(4 reviews)
A
Anna B.
|October 2024
Z
Zoe Z.
|October 2022
NEM is a great company, staying at the bunkhouse made everything super easy and you have the ability to rent all of the gear you could possibly need which is incredibly helpful. Everyone I talked to or meet in person was awesome, I would highly recommend them and go on another adventure with them!
E
Eamon M.

Great experience. The guides are all first-class and super down-to-earth. Staying at the bunkhouse was cheap and easy. Gear is all first-rate. On day one we got the basics down (my brother and I had no winter mountaineering experience). On day two we summitted Mt Washington. Our guide had been up 63 out of his 67 attempts. He knew every inch of that mountain and we both felt totally at ease. An awesome experience! Excited to come back for some ice climbing.

C
Cynmrs1

Amazing adventure! Our guides Brett and Judy were true experts in their field. They gave us all a sense of security and adventure. I highly recommend N.E.M. We will be back!!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 1 or 2-day guided Presidential Traverse hike
      • Accommodation for 1 nights in tents or the Grey Knob Cabin (refers to 2-day tours)
      • Transportation to the trailhead

    Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

      • Accommodation before and after the hike (guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH)

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Glen, NH
      • Food and snacks
      • Personal gear and equipment
      • Gear rentals
      • Travel and medical insurance
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • 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.

    With 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.

  • Yes! Since the Presidential Traverse hike is long and exhausting, your guides highly recommend staying in the area to make it as seamless as possible.

    They recommend their Bunkhouse—it’s got a heated communal bunkroom, bathrooms, shower, fireplace, outdoor fire ring, and a kitchenette. You can add a night or two to your booking at checkout.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Backpack with a mandatory waist wrap (around a 55-65L bag)
      • Trekking poles
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Hiking boots or sturdy trail-runners
      • Lightweight wool socks
      • Trekking pants
      • Wicking T-shirt
      • Wicking long-sleeve shirt
      • Light down or synthetic jacket
      • Waterproof hardshell jacket
      • Waterproof hardshell pants
      • Lightweight gloves
      • Synthetic base layers
      • Warm hat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    If you’re doing the 2-day hike or are staying at The Bunkhouse before or after the hike, you’ll also need:

      • Tent (for the 2-Day Tent-Based Hike)
      • Sleeping bag
      • Sleeping pad

    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:

      • For the two-day tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
      • For the one-day tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.

    Hiking in Mount Washington can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    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.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Payment in full is due at the time of booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:

      • Up to 30 days before your adventure: Full refund will be issued
      • 29 days – 72 hours before your adventure: Full refund in the form of NEM credit
      • Within 72 hours of your adventure: No refund will be issued

    Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 7 days prior to your adventure without incurring a date change fee. Date changes may be requested between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date for a $25 fee per person. There are no date changes allowed within 72 hours before your adventure.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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