I'm posting this trip with my Meetup backpacking group because of its potential to our hammocking group although it is not well suited for hammock or tent camping. Much of the hike is above tree line and the only way to camp is to drop off the ridge along often rigorous rocky paths. But that said, I feel that these mountains offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in the eastern US. Check out those shown in the 2nd video describing days 3 & 4.
We stayed three nights at the AMC huts. MadisonSpring, Lake in the Clouds and Mizpah Spring. All three offered excellent shelter, food and fellowship. Highly recommend them. We had similar experiences at these huts two years ago. These huts offer practical options for shelter in these high mountains. In all honesty, I'd recommend them solely for the reduced pack load in not carrying hammock, tarp and quilts. The traverse from Madison Springs to Lake in the Clouds huts is one of the toughest hikes I've ever done. My pack load this trip was 13 lbs with water. That was plenty.
I've been sore for two weeks from this hike, despite training with a loaded pack for three months, but already eager to get back up there. There is a majesty to these mountains as well as serenity. Hope you'll enjoy the videos. BTW, I posted a separate trip report in the forum Backpacking section involving me getting "lost" on the 4th day. It was uneventful in the end but a pretty sobering experience, one I'll be reminded of going forward.
As a footnote to the hike, I've decided my future hikes in the Presidentials will begin at the AMC Highlands Center and use the Crawford Path toward Mt. Washington. I'll be 70 my next birthday and the rigors of the hike up to Madison Springs (I had to hike back down Tuesday morning to escort a member of our group who had been injured) and the type of hiking (rock to rock) on the traverse are going to exceed my physical capacity to enjoy a hike. Instead I'll get up to the "great high places" by way of the Crawford. It has some rock scrambles but a slightly lesser gradient. For example, the hike to Madison Springs averages more than 18% over 5 miles. To Mizpah Spring the grade is about 13-14%.
Day 1 & 2 Up to Madison, the Traverse to Lake of the Clouds
https://youtu.be/YLTgdAiOTB4
Days 3 & 4 From Lake of the Clouds down to the AMC Highlands Center
https://youtu.be/RMPk6oFF_aA
In addition, here is a little fun. One of our group did a parody of Satchmo. It was a touching memory of a special personality and brought happy moments to the hut crowd. The whole hut applauded.
https://youtu.be/PVm1b-HDDv4
Here are a couple pictures that I find particularly compelling.
Sunset from Madison Springs on Monday Aug 5
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Morning hiking along Mt. Monroe's shoulder toward Mizpah Spring
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Early morning sunrise over Mt. Washington from Lake in the Clouds
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