5 Days Hut-to-Hut in the Appalachian Mountains, Vermont–New Hampshire
Hike the Appalachian Trail's White Mountain section with overnights at five staffed AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) huts. Unlike Western U.S. trails, these are true backcountry lodges with hot dinners, full breakfasts, and crew support. Perfect for Eastern hikers seeking community, alpine scenery, and the psychological ease of a lighter pack.
What to expect
- Stay at 5 AMC mountain huts with prepared meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
- Climb Mount Washington's northern approaches and cross above treeline
- Traverse the Presidential Ridge with views of three states
- Swim in alpine lakes and mountain streams on rest days
- Meet hikers from around the world (huts host 30–40 per night)
Day by day
Drive 1.5 hours to Glencliff trailhead; hike 3.5 hours on Glencliff Trail to Moosilauke Hut (2,050m).
Check in, meet hut crew, explore the Bunnell Notch forest.
Family-style dinner (roasted chicken, vegetables, pie); shared bunkroom sleeps 18.
Cross Mount Moosilauke's summit (2,637m) for panoramic Whites views; 5 hours to Zealand Hut.
Rest at Zealand Hut (2,176m), perched above Zealand Notch's wild alpine ravine.
Beef stew, fresh bread, blueberry cobbler; 20-person bunkroom with real beds.
Climb steadily to Mount Jefferson saddle (2,300m); traverse above treeline on rocky ridge.
Reach Lakes of the Clouds Hut (2,652m), perched between Mount Washington and Monroe.
Three-course dinner with meat, vegetable, starch; this is the highest hut, sleep light (cold at night).
Optional sunrise hike to Mount Washington summit (2,190m gain via auto road, 2 hours up).
Explore the alpine tundra meadows, swim in the glacial lake, read.
Special multi-course dinner; crew sings after meals; share stories with hikers from Europe and Asia.
Descend Mount Madison's north ridge, crossing exposed alpine terrain.
Reach Madison Spring Hut (2,560m) in a high saddle between two peaks.
Final hut dinner; early next morning hike down to Valley Way trailhead and drive back to Hanover.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free