Mount Adams is the second highest peak in NH at 5,774 feet. Located in the Presidential Range Between Mount Madison and Mount Jefferson, it has incredible views. It is often hiked as part of the presidential traverse, with Mount Madison, or hiked by itself.
Elevation: 5,774 Feet
Rating: Difficult
Distance: 9.4 miles
Hike Time: 4-7 Hours
Mountain Range: Presidential
Elevation Gain: 4,445 Feet
Photo by @laxfreak548
Trail Map
Trails
There are many options to hike up Mount Adams. The below listed are the quickest way to solo hike Mount Adams, however there are other options from the east and south that are great trails for combining other presidential peaks.
Short Line Trail (Yellow)
This trail is 4.8 miles to the summit and begins at the Appalachia Parking Lot.
Air Line Trail
The air line trail parallels the Short Line Trail, and is accessible from the same starting location. This trail is very similar to the short line trail. Mileage: 4.3 miles to summit.
Lowe’s Path (Blue)
This is a 4.7 mile trail to the summit located at the Lowes Path Trailhead (click for directions)
Valley Way Trail
This trail also begins at the Appalachia Parking lot. It is 4.6 miles to the summit of Mount Adams.
Pine Link Trail
This option begins more to the east than the other options. It features around 3,900 feet of elevation gain. This trail is 4.9 miles to the summit of Adams, and 3.7 miles to the summit of Mount Madison. This is a great option for summiting both peaks. This trail begins on Dolly Copp road which is closed in the winter. Directions to Pine Mountain Trailhead
Directions
Weather Forecast
Gorham, NH
Today
Areas of fog and a chance of rain showers before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. West wind 25 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 30 to 35 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind 30 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.
Tuesday Night
A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 0 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
Wednesday
Rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night
Rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday
Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Pictures
Photo by @laxfreak548
Photo by @laxfreak548
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about