Presidential Traverse - North

New Hampshire’s Presidential Traverse is one of the Northeast’s premier alpine routes. The Northern Presidential Traverse covers the range’s roughest and most dramatic terrain, linking Madison, Adams, and Jefferson. A two-day version is approximately 11–14 miles with 5,000–6,500 feet of elevation gain, depending on the descent route. The northern peaks are steep, rocky, and highly exposed, making this shorter route every bit as serious as its mileage suggests.

The first day climbs from Appalachia via the Valley Way—about 3.8 miles and roughly 3,500 feet—to AMC’s Madison Spring Hut, with an afternoon ascent of Mount Madison if conditions permit. Day two crosses Adams and continues toward Jefferson before descending by the selected exit trail;