Hiking Tips

There are two ways to learn about hiking. You can forge head-first onto the trails, make mistakes, and hopefully learn from them. Or you can take the shortcut trail to the summit of efficient hiking by learning from someone else’s missteps. While there’s nothing wrong with the first approach, it will likely lead you to acquiring some unnecessary gear, not to mention blisters. Trust us, we’ve been there and done that. Hopefully the posts here, a collection formed from lessons learned the hard way, will help set you on the right path.

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Winter Hike Mt. Adams Lowe’s Path in the Presidential Range

by Daren Worcester 3

The White Mountain Guide describes Lowe’s Path as the “easiest way to climb Mt. Adams.” There’s an important distinction to be made here: easiest doesn’t exactly equate easy, especially in the winter. The 4.7-mile climb to New England’s second highest peak, 5,799 feet, will beat your legs into submission like a drill sergeant at boot camp. Don’t worry, though, it’s jolly good fun. And the rewarding views of neighboring Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Madison, and big brother Mt. Washington will quickly cleanse any residue of a pre-dawn rise and shine.

Hike Mt. Garfield via the Garfield Trail

by Daren Worcester 3

On paper the Garfield Trail looks to be a daunting challenge: a five-mile, 3,000-foot climb in the White Mountains to the summit of 4,500-foot Mt. Garfield. In reality, compared to neighboring hikes such as the Liberty Springs Trail, Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path, it’s a walk in the White Mountains National Forest park.

Hike Mt. Washington Via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail

by Daren Worcester 30

If you’re looking to boldly hike where no explorer has gone before, this trail isn’t for you. On the contrary, Mt. Washington is a major New Hampshire tourist destination, and the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is the White Mountains’ version of hiking Disneyland. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t do it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Consider it required reading for hiking.

Hike Katahdin Via the Cathedral Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine

by Daren Worcester 2

The Cathedral Trail is the most direct route from the base of Katahdin to the summit. If the trail name alone doesn’t provide adequate foreshadowing, future hikers should know that “direct” means “straight up now tell me is the trail gonna be like this forever.” What’s more, the terrain likely qualifies as cruel and unusual—in a good way, of course, for trail masochists.

Hike the Katahdin Knife Edge Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine

by Daren Worcester 17

I’ve never considered myself afraid of heights. Cautiously reserved, perhaps. One could even say I have a strong sense of self-preservation. But downright chicken—who, me? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Katahdin, the crown jewel of Maine’s Baxter State Park, has a not-so funny way of testing this resolve.

Hike Katahdin Via the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine

by Daren Worcester 12

Katahdin is Maine’s signature mountain, an honor bestowed upon it for more than simply boasting the state’s highest peak at 5,267 feet. From a distance Katahdin appears as though a crown rising above the vast woodlands of Baxter State Park.