You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but you do need a solid baseline of fitness. Covering 12 miles and 4,300 feet of elevation gain over rocky, uneven White Mountain terrain is a serious physical challenge. If you regularly hike, run, or do endurance workouts, you’ll do great! We hike at a supportive, group-friendly pace—nobody gets left behind.

To feel good on these hikes, you’ll want to be in good shape, comfortable with steep, technical trails and feel confident you can maintain a consistent pace over long distances. These hikes require training. A strenuous hike in the White Mountains can rival some of the most difficult hikes in the world.

Totally fine! We will still pack all the gear you need, guide you for the day with the rest of the group and make sure that you are perfectly taken care of from your car to the summit and back! Please note that pricing does not change if you are choosing to drive yourself.

The Madison Springs and Lakes of the Clouds Huts are beautiful, off-grid backcountry lodges. You’ll be sleeping in an indoor shared bunkroom with mattresses and blankets provided. There is running cold water and composting toilets, but no showers or Wi-Fi. It’s an authentic, rugged mountain experience, elevated by a hot, family-style dinner and breakfast cooked by the hut cru!

We provide the heavy hitters: high-quality daypacks, trekking poles, and all your trail snacks. You will just need to bring your own broken-in hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing (we highly recommend moisture-wicking layers), a water bladder/bottles, and personal toiletries. Once you book, we’ll send you a comprehensive, stress-free packing list.

We hike rain or shine! Mountain weather is famously unpredictable, which is exactly why having a certified, expert guide is so valuable. We will only alter the route or cancel the itinerary if conditions become actively unsafe (such as severe thunderstorms or extreme winds).