Our goal was to summit both Madison and Adams, camping out a mile below the summit at Valley Way Tentsite...The hike up was tough and with a late start we didn't get above treeline on day 1, deciding to set up camp and rest up for a big day Sunday. We planned to bag the 2 most northern summits of the Presidential range, including Mt. Adams the 2nd tallest peak...well we started our hike early on day 2 and were met with steady rain and thunderstorms...the alpine zone is not somewhere you want to be during a thunderstorm...
So we compromised and decided to head up to the Alpine zone and check in at the AMC Madison Hut and make a decision at that point...We got up to the hut and were met with heavy rain and winds as we sat between both Madison and Adams...We dried off and fueled up but decided given our experience the best thing to do was head back...We did take the Airline trail which kept us above treeline for about a mile as we headed down the ridge above Kings Ravine...The trek down made us realize we made a smart decision as it may have been the longest 4 miles of my life...The trail was made more difficult with the rain providing little to no traction and some scary moments including my first hiking fall and injury.
Instead of more details on our route and our experience I feel you would get more out of what I learned on this trip...so below check out the top 5 lessons learned from our first trek above NH treeline:
1. Know your Experience- We knew we had little hiking experience, especially experience above treeline, so we listened to the advice of the experts and stayed off the summit where the weather would leave us exposed and vulnerable. It was tough being so close to the summits and not bagging them, but getting home safe was more important...Be Adventurous, but be smart and know your limits!
2. Pack Light- I have said this before and thought I learned my lesson, but with 3-4 miles of vertical hiking I truly learned the importance of a light pack. Pack smart and safe, but knowing what to leave behind is the key to a more enjoyable hike. AMC has huts above the treeline throughout the Presidential range so you can trek without a heavy tent; I would certainly consider this for the next hike. They fill up fast and reservations are required so plan ahead.
3. Pack the Sticks- We were smart enough to pack one set of poles we had from skiing/snowshoeing...and I don't think we would have made it down without them given the wet conditions. We will both carry our own next hike without a doubt. We ended up sharing a set this hike and it gave us enough balance and sense of security to safely make it back. I always thought these were just one of those "extra" accessories, a way for the industry to make more money...I was wrong... and will never go without again!
4. These Boots are Made for Walking- I have been hiking in the Brooks Cascadia, a solid trail running shoe, but after the Greylock hike and rolling my ankle a few times I felt I needed to invest in some solid boots. GOOD CALL...I grabbed the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots(review to come in the next few weeks), and much like the hiking poles...I would not have made it without them...Certain things you can skimp on and try to save some cash, but so much of the gear you invest in for hiking will help keep you safe, and may even save your life. Don't skimp on the boots!
5. Don't Leave your Rain Gear at home- We checked the forecast and figured we could get away with our lightweight Brooks running jackets- water resistant and lightweight, but certainly not waterproof...Weather said chance of thunderstorms, so we packed as light as possible and skimped on the rain gear...bad choice that we will not make again...ALWAYS pack the rain gear, especially if you are heading above treeline. The weather up there is unpredictable...and it can be clear in the valley but rainy at the summit. Staying dry is so important when you are exposed on the summit with no protection from the elements. Hypothermia is one of the leading causes of death and injury on the Presidential Range...Pack a good solid rain jacket and pants, and don't leave the pack cover behind either...If you get stuck on the mountain, you need everything in your bag DRY...something we also failed to do...Don't leave the rain protection behind with hopes of saving weight in your pack...Staying dry means staying warm!
Take our advice and be prepared, even in the smaller New England mountains. The weather is unpredictable and harsh...and you need to pack with survival in mind...whether it is winter or the dog days of summer...
BE SMART...BE SAFE...BE ADVENTUROUS!
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