With 48 peaks of more than 4,000 feet high in the White Mountains, New Hampshire is a hiker's paradise. Since the late 1800s, outdoor clubs and conservationists have established trail networks throughout the state. There are guided hikes available nearly every day, and on weekends you can find three to four hikes a day offered by the Appalachian Mountain Club alone.
History
Originally centering primarily on conservation and education, the members of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) were among the first the explore the White Mountains. Many of the original maps of the region came from AMC club members, and today, the club publishes a comprehensive guide to hiking in New Hampshire.
The Dartmouth Outing Club, founded in 1909 at Dartmouth University, was the first outdoor club in the country. In 1911, the club began using a cabin on Moose Mountain during trips, and it now runs seven cabins that are open to public hikers.
Geography
"The Granite State" is home to numerous mountain ranges. The bulk of the scenic White Mountain National Forest lies within the state, while the White Mountains themselves cover nearly a quarter of the state's area.
The Presidential Range also lies within the National Forest. Each mountain is named for a different president, beginning with Mt. Washington, the tallest, and descending in order of presidential service. The forest covers a total of 734,798 acres and encompasses several mountain ranges.
Function
New Hampshire's outdoor clubs are membership organizations that schedule hikes and occasional seasonal activities. While this, in and of itself, is a great service to hikers looking for companionship or a guide, the outdoor clubs serve an even more important purpose. Each club maintains a network of trails with experienced crews.
Features
In addition to trails, several prominent New Hampshire hiking clubs also maintain cabins along their trails. As described above, the Dartmouth Hiking Club has a robust network of cabins. Many, however, are only available to Dartmouth affiliates, so it will help to have an alum on your trip.
AMC runs eight hiking huts of with varying amenities. On the top end, you'll receive dinner, water, breakfast and a bed with blankets. They are spaced a day's hike apart. The Randolph Mountain Club, a smaller operation than the AMC's, runs two cabins and two simpler shelters, with caretakers shared among the sites.
Considerations
Summer weather can be very hot and humid in New Hampshire, but the temperature in the mountains is at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler. During the day, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses regardless of the cloud level.
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