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
Freezing rain and rain and snow after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. West wind 25 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Little or no ice accumulation expected.
Tonight
Snow and freezing rain before 8pm, then rain between 8pm and midnight, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 20 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Little or no ice accumulation expected.
Monday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. High near 27, with temperatures falling to around 18 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -5. Northwest wind 35 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Monday Night
A chance of snow before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -10. Northwest wind 25 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 20. Southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.
Wednesday
A chance of snow between 7am and 1pm, then rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Pictures
Photo by @laxfreak548
Photo by @laxfreak548
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, 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. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about
