US-19 White Mountains Pop
Overview
The Presidential Traverse is one of the most iconic endurance hikes in the United States — a 20–23‑mile, above‑treeline journey across the granite summits of the White Mountains. Starting at Appalachia and finishing in Crawford Notch, the route links Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce in a single, rugged push. Expect wind, weather, boulder fields, and nonstop exposure as you march across the roof of New England. It’s a full‑day odyssey through some of the wildest terrain and fiercest conditions in the East — a true American classic.
Quick Stats
• Location: Gorham, New Hampshire
• Distance: 18 miles
• Elevation Gain: 8,205 ft
• Estimated Time: 12 - 18 hours
• Route Type: Point-to-Point
When to Hike
The best time to hike the Presidential Traverse is June through September, when the high ridges are mostly snow‑free and the notorious White Mountains weather is at its most stable. July and August offer the safest overall window with long daylight and warmer temps. June can still hold lingering snowfields and icy sections, especially near Adams and Jefferson. September brings crisp air and stunning visibility but colder, windier conditions. Outside this window, the route becomes a serious mountaineering objective with extreme winds, ice, and rapidly changing weather. For most hikers, mid‑summer through early fall is the prime season for this legendary traverse.
