Mount Madison sits at 5,367 feet (1,636 meters), making it the 5th highest peak in New Hampshire. It is the northern most mountain in the presidential traverse, and has various route options for summiting. The symmetrical rock covered and pointy peak of Madison stands out to many, making it a favorite among hikers. Mount Adams rises about 400 feet above to the southwest.
Height: 5,367 feet (1,636 meters)
Distance: 7.6 Miles
Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 4,050 Feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Map
Trails
Valley Way (Osgood Trail) -8.6 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 4,100 feet (Teal)
Trailhead is located at the Appalachia Trailhead. This is often combined with Watson path to make for a Madison loop. This trail takes hikers past the Madison Spring Hut.
Valley Way, Watson Path -7.8 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 4,050 feet (Yellow)
Trailhead is located at the Appalachia Trailhead. This is probably one of the shortest routes up Mount Madison, and is a perfect loop combonation with the Osgood/Valley Way trail down. The last 1.5 miles features heavy elevation gain.
Pine Link Trail – 7.6 miles round trip – Elevation Gain: 4,150 feet (Pink)
The trailhead is located on Dolly Copp Road. This trail features some views along the way, but is less common than Watson Path or Valley Way trail.
Directions
Appalachia Trailhead – Valley Way Trail
Pine Link Trail on Dolly Copp Road:
Trail Conditions
All of the trail options from the Appalachia Trailhead are well traveled, nicely marked, and covered in by the surround forest. About 1 mile from summit, hikers become exposed above treeline. The trail turns into large boulders making hiking more difficult. You are also exposed to the elements, so high winds, and rainy days, hikers need to be extremely cautions.
Winter Hiking
Mount Madison is stunning in the winter. It should not be taken lightly. Just like the rest of the presidentials, if the weather turns, hikers should turn around. The exposed summits experience extreme weathers, and the right equipment is necessary.
Weather Forecast
Gorham, NH
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. East wind around 10 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 50. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 52. South wind 0 to 10 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 54.
Pictures
Picture by @laxfreak584
Picture by @laxfreak584
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