Summary

Second of five hikes that progressively get harder leading to Mt. Washington!

This hike is not for beginners... but for the experienced. We will summit Mt. Madison [5,366']. The hike is very challenging though not as much as Mt. Washington which is why we are coordinating progressively harder hikes leading up to it in early July! 

We are taking the easiest route to Madison via Madison Spring Hut, using the Valley Way and Osgood Trail; up and back. Valley Way is a relatively moderate and sheltered route up the AMC's Madison Hut. After the Hut, we will take the Osgood Trail for the exposed boulder-climb to its summit cone.

There is 4,100 feet of elevation gain in about 4 miles of steady climbing. Total mileage up and back is 8.4 miles. The upper cone of the mountain is a jumble of broken rock, devoid of trees and any protection from the elements. We are allowing a full day for this very strenuous climb, which includes difficult boulder-hopping on the upper ridges.

The views south and southwest to the neighboring Presidential peaks and into the Great Gulf are very fine; the distant view is excellent in all other directions, and it includes Chocorua, which is visible just to the left of Mt. Washington.

Apres-Hike: We'll be starved. Everyone is welcome back to our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ. It's BYOB and bring snacks to share. We ask $5 to reimburse us for our costs. Showers are available if you want to freshen up.

If you ask us whether or not this hike is for you, we will honestly tell you whether or not you are suited.  If you haven’t asked us about your suitability for this hike, and you are wondering about this warning, then ask.  We will openly tell you if we think you have bitten off more than is safe for your hiking ability.

1. To attend this hike, you must NOT wear any clothing made of cotton or denim.  No exceptions.

2. Rain gear

3. Gloves and Wool Hat

4. Headlamp

5. Hiking boots

6. Mole skin or nu skin and tape

7. At least 2 quarts of water [If the Hut is open we should be able to refill our water bottles]

8. Lunch

9. Gu (or other high sugar concentrate for instant energy) – you can  find this at EMS, REI, Dicks, etc

10. Snacks

11. Insulating layer such a fleece or wool jacket/sweater

12. Bandana or something to mop up the sweat (this one item can be cotton)

13. Toilet Paper

14. Sunglasses

15. Sunscreen

While as a leader, I do carry a first aid kit, it is not fair for any hiker to expect me to carry basic items as listed above.  Please come responsibly prepared and we will have fun.

Thank you for reading this. Please take it seriously.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We are meeting at the large parking area at Appalachia which is one of the major trailheads in the White Mountains. It is located on the south side of US 2, 5.5 miles west of NH 16 in Gorham and 2 miles east of Lowe's Store in Randolph. We'll be driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser. Contact us if you are interested with carpooling from Exit 28, off I-93.