appalachian mountain club high huts

The New Hampshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club gives well organized, professional quality workshops in January and February. My husband and I went to the one this past weekend, January 30 -February 1st. We took the backcountry ski 101 class with four other people. We have skied for years, but are new to back country skiing (there are no groomed trails) and had recently purchased new skis with metal edges. The instructors were deeply experienced, patient and really good communicators. We stayed at the lodge: simple bunk rooms, (we were in a 4-person room) plenty of more than decent food. The group training sessions taught us winter survival and rescue skills and had us practice them. You could bring your own wine and beer. Everyone signs up for volunteer chores--we did Saturday night dinner set up.Of course, private rooms would be better, but the friendliness of all participants and the effort made to make everyone feel welcome made up for the one snorer in our room. The cost was $150 per person.

Stayed at all but Lonesome Lake Hut. Never had a bit experience. Stayed one night at Lake of Clouds hut with my family of two sons, two grandkids, brother, nephew, and two friends. Croo was fabulous and evening meal five star. Next day hiked to top of Mt Washington. In my humble opinion there are no bad huts. Beware not all huts (LOC and Madison) are open in winter. Those that are open have a hut master, but you are on your own for food. These are rough huts so bring your winter gear and know where you are heading.

This was my fourth and likely last hut visit. We stayed at the Madison Hut this trip. There have been some upgrades since I was there last. Fond memories of being there with kids. The staff is still friendly and the food is still good. There were three larger groups there so perhaps that changed the dynamic. People were less inclusive.It was the first time that I had seen significant drinking by the group members.The huts have become fairly expensive for a bunk, dirty blanket and unwashed pillow. The thrill is gone for me but I have to say that the stars shine brighter on the mountain. The Milky Way alone made it worth the trip.Enjoy.

I am sorry to hear that your experience at Lakes of the Clouds Hut was not what you expected. Built to accommodate 90 guests, Lakes of the Clouds is the AMC’s largest hut, and can sometimes feel crowded to people staying overnight. As you suggest, each hut is different and you may find an experience more to your liking at a quieter hut such as Galehead or Carter Notch. I hope that you will consider returning to the White Mountains again to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the region.

Hike Mt. Washington 5 times, never tire of it. Not too difficult, if you take the Tuckerman Ravine Trail you'ill be on the top in about 4 to 5 hours. Great trail, nice waterfall. Remember to bring something warm in case of the sudden temprerature drops.

I was doing a 2 day solo hike of the Pemigewasset Loop of of the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. I had planned on camping at one of the AMC shelters along the route but when I arrived at the Galehead Hut, I had other ideas. I decided to spend the night and plopped down my credit card. Usually you need a reservation, but this was in late September and there were only 8 people booked and plenty of room. My fellow hikers made for interesting conversation during the excellent dinner which consisted of pea soup, pasta, bread, and an excellent dessert, all made by members of the Croo (Hut workers). They were very accommodating... I had to get up early the next morning to be able to finish my hike in daylight and one of the Croo who had breakfast duty made me a special plate of scrambled eggs since I was up and out well before the rest of the group. No sleeping issues due to the small number of visitors... I expect that is different with a full house. The only drawback to staying at these huts is the cost. I believe I ended up paying about $133, which, while for a normal hotel with dinner and breakfast is a steal, is a bit steep for a camping trip. But in this case I was glad to skip the shelter and get a real roof over my head for the night so I didn't have to hike another 3.5 miles after already covering 18 miles. If you don't mind the price, the huts can be a great experience.

We stayed at the hut over the weekend. We had a really nice time - beautiful views, friendly croo, good food. My only suggestion is to bring earplugs. Thankfully they did have some for free when we were there. We had a very loud snorer in our room and earplugs came in handy!

My fiancé and I are in our early twenties and have been hiking for years. We decided to stay at lonesome lake hut so we could hit the kinsmans and cannon mountains without a full pack on. The hike was great and the lake was beautiful. However, we opened the door to the hut's common room and cringed immediately. There were about 15 under 10 year old kids screaming. I do like kids, but after a 10 mile hike and all your looking for is some peace and quiet in the mountains, it wasn't found here. If you're with little ones, this is the place for you, if you're like us and are looking for a nice place to stay with views and peace....pick somewhere else. Too expensive (211$ a night) for one common room on a rainy night.

Took my 5 year old to Lakes of the Clouds and Mizpah hut. It was the most relaxing, exhilarating, inspirating time I have ever spent. The hike was immense and spanned viewed 130 miles in any direction. At times it the hiking was a bit precarious feeling, but my little guy loved it, so did I. The huts were terrific with delicious hearty food and awesom Croos. Yes crews are spelled croos in the huts. I will say that the Mizpah Croo were better singers but the Lakes of the Clouds were funnier. As for accomadations think camp not hotel, bunk beds and shared bathrooms, and it all added to the comraderie, the nuance of the huts.I intend to make this a permanent part of our lives.

I`m just finishing my book about my times on the AT. I`m that rare bird, I thru-hiked the trail, all of it, and I`m a Brit. i didn`t stay at the lodge, I was camped near the stream across from the main road but did eat, too well at the lodges AYCE buffet cafe. Over a period of 4-5 days I ate breakfast dinner and tea there, all free. Being a AT thru-hiker I thought that was the deal? I slackpacked Mt Washington and the other presidential mountains there, all incredible. A very pretty location, one of the best on the AT, but please staff members, ask for payment when you see, half starved, rough looking mountain types, wonder into your palace of pancakes, maple syrup and bacon butties, oh and bottomless cups of coffe and tea. I didnt mean to not pay. Thanks.

This is a great way to get out and go hiking with kids. The huts provide lodging, dinner and breakfast. Therefore all you will need to pack in are a sheet bag, lunches, your personal items and the 10 safety items. The food is great! Just only take what you will eat on your plate to avoid any waste in the mountains. This is a good habit to get into anyway. Go to summer camp with your kids. Why should they have all the fun on their own? These are the best memories of childhood waiting for your family.

Great hut! Well supplied kitchen. Pans, utensils, plates, cups. Hot water is always available. Plenty of drinking water. The main building has the dining area and kitchen. The 2 bunkhouses are separate. They are clean and cold. Warm up in the main building next to wood stove. Caretaker was great. He had hot water ready for the guests all the time. The route we took to the hut was from Pinkham up Wildcat Ridge Trail. Had microspikes on but crampons were needed in a dozen spots, just didn't feel like putting them on. 6 hours for 6 miles. The next day we hiked out Nineteen Mile Brook trail. Much shorter trip out, about 1.5 hrs but had to walk up and down rt 16 back to car at pinkham.

Made a stop at the visitor center on the way by. The people there were quite helpful and full of information. There was an area in the lower level with hiking information, showers and other things for hikers, a cafe and gift shop in the upper area. There were also other buildings, but don't remember what they were.

My wife and I hiked up to stay at the Carter Notch Hut in October once the full-service season was over. It's a lot cheaper but you need to pack all your own food and bedding. We stayed on a Friday night and were the only guests, save for the 20-something caretaker who was a very nice guy.If you are an adventurous sort and don't mind preparing your food and sleeping in an unheated bunkhouse, you'll love the huts in the off-season! From what I could tell, Saturdays are often still busy but if you go during the week you may have the whole place to yourself. Bankhouse/hut was clean and kitchen was awesome. Highly recommended.

I took a three day hike with there friends. We stayed at Highlands Lodge then hiked to Galehead Hut. Great three days despite torrential rains the first day. The hut crew was so hospitable and we met great families from around the world. The rains deterred us from heading across the ridge line to other huts as we planned. Instead we hiked around Galehead - down the mountain to 13 Falls and over to Garfield Mountain. I would recommend spending an extra day at Galehead to see the 13 falls if there has been recent rainfall or after winter snow melt. But if the weather has been dry it's probably not worth staying a day to see them. I wish I would have had enough time to hike to the Bonds. I hear there are great views!