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About


Mt. Madison
Bean's Grant, NH, Chandler's Purchase, NH

Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Osgood Trail
Looking up the Osgood Trail

Route: Valley Way, Osgood Trail, (Mt. Madison), Osgood Trail, Valley Way, Beechwood Way, Air Line

The weather was pretty lousy and the forecast not too promising. Nonetheless, looking at the radar and webcams (when visible), it seemed like the Northern Presidentials weren't getting hit with rain. The drive up wasn't too encouraging, as a dark cloud blocked views past Kearsarge North from Conway. However, reaching Glen, it looked like things weren't too bad to the north.

Not a big fan of Valley Way, I was tempted to cross over to Air Line or Watson, however I was concerned about exposure with the possibility of thunderstorms. Reaching the hut, there were blue skies overhead - a great sign. Arriving at an empty Mt. Madison summit, I had great views, enhanced by a strong cool breeze.

Back at the hut during the dinner hour, I bought a lemonade and brownie before setting off for the base. Nearing the bottom, I decided to try the Beechwood crossover for the heck of it (pretty gradual with decent footing), prior to taking the Air Line for the balance of the descent.


Hike Ratings
Getting To Trailhead: Easy
Destination: Mt. Madison
Length: Moderate
Steepness: Difficult
Navigation: Moderate
Views: Excellent
Crowds: Moderate


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Monday, July 27, 2009
Hike Commenced: 3:27 PM
Parking Elevation: 1,311'
Destination: Mt. Madison
Ascent Commenced: 3:27 PM
Summit Reached: 5:38 PM
Time Elapsed: 02:11
Trailhead Elevation: 1,311'
Summit Elevation: 5,367'
Vertical Gain: 4,186'
Hike Ended: 8:22 PM
Hike Time Elapsed: 4:55
Hike Vertical Gain: 4,316'


Valley Way Trail trailhead at Appalachia
Valley Way Trail trailhead at Appalachia

Flowers near the Madison Spring Hut
Flowers near the Madison Spring Hut

Looking at the Carters and Wildcats from Mt. Madison - Click to enlarge
Looking at the Carters and Wildcats from Mt. Madison

Topographic map of Mt. Madison - Click to enlarge


Directions to trailhead: Take US 2 West from Gorham to the Appalachia parking lot.

Back to Mt. Madison Profile




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