Hiking the Presidential Traverse

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:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • One or two days of hiking, depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Accommodation in the Grey Knob Cabin for the two-day tour
  • Transportation to the trailhead

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Glen, NH
  • Accommodations (available at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH, for a fee of $20 per person)
  • Food and snacks

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:

• • Day pack with 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)

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.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

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.