State: New Hampshire
Location: White Mountains National Forest
Length, One-Way: 3 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5000 feet
Elevation Change: 2500 feet
Best Season: May to September
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy
Parking: White Mountains National Forest Fee Site.
New Hampshire Mountains
Trail Information
The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail begins on Washington’s western side and ascends 3 miles to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Lakes of the Clouds hut, where it links with the Crawford Path for a final 1.5-mile push to Washington’s summit. The trail begins in a small parking area. The trail starts simply enough, climbing gradually through lush forest and immediately crossing over Franklin Brook. At one mile, it intersects with the trail to the Cog Railway then begins to climb more steeply, following the path of the Ammonoosuc River as it tumbles off the mountain. At 1.4 miles, you’ll see memorial to Herbert J. Young, who died of exposure there in 1928. A little beyond the 2 mile point, the trail crosses Gem Pool and begins its steep and rocky ascent up the ravine wall. A short distance down the trail is a small spur that leads to what is known as “Gorge” with its beautiful pools and falls. The terminus is at the AMC hut, elevation 5,000 feet. Some find the descent of this trail more difficult than the ascent due to its steepness and usual slippery conditions.
The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail is frequently combined with the upper portion of Crawford Path and is the shortest western route to the summit of Mt. Washington.
Note: Don’t forget Mount Washington’s notorious weather when planning your hiking trip. The mountain has a reputation for some of the worst weather in the East and it’s not uncommon to encounter winter-like weather in the middle of summer.
Directions
From Interstate 93:
Take exit 35 near Franconia Notch. Drive 10.4 miles north on US Route 3 to Twin Mountain. Turn right onto US Route 302 and drive 4.4 miles. Turn left on Base Station Road. Follow this about 5.6 miles to USFS parking area on the right.
