Your NH 48 4000 Footers Ultimate Guide

That is the final word information to the 48 New Hampshire 4000 foot mountains (The NH 48). We’ve compiled all the data it is advisable hike each peak, constructed a Google Map with each hike’s location, give tips about full the complete checklist, and supply numerous different useful info.

What Are The NH 48 4000 Footers?

A NH 4000 footer is a mountain that exceeds 4,000 ft in elevation, with a prominence of 200 ft or higher. Which means there are numerous peaks throughout NH and New England that exceed 4,000 ft, however don’t have sufficient elevation distinction between peaks to be thought-about separate peaks, and official 4,000 footers. It’s a frequent feat for hikers to finish all the NH 48, or the New England 67 peaks above 4,000 ft. As soon as doing so, hikers have earned and may declare a 4,000 footer membership patch from the Appalachian Mountain Membership (AMC).

Obtain NH 48 Record if you want to start out crossing off the mountains!

NH 48 4,000 Footer Record

The beneath checklist of difficulties per peak is subjective, and based mostly on the simplest route up every mountain. Every mountain’s issue relies on a comparability to different 4000 footers, which implies no mountain (even the “simple” ones) ought to be taken flippantly. If you’re not skilled, perform some research and put together accordingly. To map out routes it is best to click on on the mountain and get entry to the complete path information for that peak.

You may click on on the hyperlinks to view mileage, trailheads, path maps, estimated instances and photos from every mountain.

New Hampshire 4,000 Footers Map

This map reveals you the place every of the NH 48 is within the state, and likewise hyperlinks out to hike descriptions for every. Try our article on NH 4000 Footer Maps.

What Is The Best 4,000 Footer?

This can be a subjective query, however there are just a few 4,000 footers which are among the hottest ones on account of ease of entry, and total ease of summiting. These peaks embrace:

Whereas there are different peaks which are nice “newbie” choices, we regularly contemplate the above peaks among the higher starter 4,000 footers as a result of they reward hikers with nice views along with being among the simpler peaks.

It’s price noting that despite the fact that these are among the simpler 4,000 footers, with out climbing expertise, it is best to possible start your climbing journey on hikes with decrease elevation acquire and mileage. Whereas climbing your first 4,000 footer could also be an intimidating journey, with correct coaching and expertise from shorter hikes, it is possible for you to to face atop these attractive peaks.

What Is The Hardest 4,000 Footer?

Owl’s Head is usually thought-about probably the most tough single peak on the NH 48 checklist. That is because of the lengthy mileage, 18.2 miles spherical journey, and the mandatory “bushwacking” (climbing off path) essential to hit the summit.

The depth of any hike relies upon the route you’re taking to the summit. Many individuals usually suppose the very best peaks are the toughest, Mount Washington and most of the presidentials are among the tallest peaks, however they aren’t essentially the toughest hikes when taking the simplest trails to the summit.

Another tough summits embrace: Mount Bond, West Bond, Mount Washington (particularly through trails like Huntington Ravine). Many different peaks have difficult routes so watch out when deciding on the paths you hike on. The hyperlinks within the desk above stroll you thru all the trails and their intensities.

Winter Mountaineering the NH 48

Some hardcore individuals wish to cross off the NH 48 within the winter months. If you happen to haven’t expertise the White Mountains when they’re white, you completely ought to. The views are gorgeous, and the expertise of climbing is totally totally different.

You will need to perceive that the risks of climbing are amplified within the winter months the place climate can change rapidly, and white out circumstances may be lethal. It’s important to be ready for winter climbing. Try our information to winter climbing.

Ideas For Ending the 4000ers

Ending the NH 48 takes dedication, regardless of how skilled you’re. It doesn’t matter if in case you have hiked world wide, by means of hiked the Appalachian Path, or haven’t but conquered a 4,000 footer. Listed here are my suggestions for conquering all of them, whether or not it’s the NH 48, New England 67, the AT or some other path.

Listed here are among the suggestions I’d cross based mostly off of my expertise:

Get In Form

Sure, ending the 48 will certainly get you in fine condition, but when your in form earlier than you begin, this turns into a complete lot simpler. Build up endurance by means of native walks, simpler hikes, runs, and journeys to the gymnasium is very beneficial. Going from little train, to your first 4,000 foot mountain has the potential for an disagreeable expertise.

Whereas health is a barrier to 4,000 foot mountains, it’s unbelievable what some constant preparation can do for most individuals’s talents within the mountains. No matter your place to begin is, when you can decide to common train and different wholesome life-style habits, most individuals are able to checking off a big portion of those mountains.

Get Mountaineering Buddies

Or make new pals! Having individuals who have related pursuits and objectives to you’ll be able to assist propel you to success. Whether or not it’s at work, or coaching in your 4000 footer journey.

Generally you aren’t at all times motivated and so they can decide you up and get you shifting. Generally you don’t really feel like climbing alone, and different instances you simply wish to share the expertise. If you happen to can, get a climbing buddy, it’s an enormous assist.

Some might discover it tough to search out others in your life which are prepared to hike. Happily, we reside in a time the place there are dozens of supportive teams, even particularly for the NH 48 peaks. Listed here are just a few nice assets for you:

Get Comfy Mountaineering Alone (Inside Cause)

We don’t suggest this at the beginning. Earlier than you start climbing alone, be sure you have developed sufficient expertise, at all times carry emergency gear, and a satellite tv for pc messenger.

Despite the fact that climbing alone brings alongside higher danger, I nonetheless suggest giving it a attempt. Having the ability to journey alone provides a component of independence, the power to go at your individual tempo, and it could improve enjoyment of nature. It’s possible you’ll even come throughout a moose or two! Simply watch out!

Wing It Generally

Generally one of the best journeys can’t be deliberate, and also you simply need to float. If a pal asks you to go for a hike, and you’ve got a while, simply do it. You’ll nearly by no means remorse it.

You’ve gotten a free day on the weekend with out plans? Hop within the automotive, seize some granola bars, waters, and make your solution to the mountains. Don’t know the place to go? Choose one off the checklist randomly. Simply be sure you do your analysis on the hikes beforehand, carry a map, and the mandatory emergency gear.

Be Keen To Drive

For many, it’s a protracted drive to get to the mountains. Typically, this drive time is price it. Load up the audio books, the podcasts, good music, good snacks, and good pals if doable.

Whereas the driving is mostly not the spotlight, that doesn’t imply you gained’t create some actually impactful recollections.

Contemplate Backpacking

A lot of my most memorable expertise in life have come from in a single day journeys. Spending the night time on prime of a ridge is without doubt one of the most unbelievable issues. Not solely does the sort of prolonged climbing let you bag quite a few peaks in in the future, it’s simply an throughout wonderful expertise.

Seize a climbing buddy, be sure you have the appropriate gear for the doable climate eventualities, loads of meals, and a deck of playing cards. There may be nothing, and I imply nothing as lovely as waking up earlier than dawn, strolling on the tops of mountains and ridges because the solar rises within the distance. Oh, sunsets and stars are an enormous perk too!

Make sacrifices

This one is fairly merely. Sooner or later, you will have to surrender one thing else to go climbing. The concern of lacking out (FOMO) is a strong factor. Initially, it’s possible you’ll get FOMO for non climbing actions, however I’d guess that with sufficient lovely summits below your belt, your FOMO instances can be about lacking the mountains.

Share Your Expertise With Cherished Ones

Possibly your family members are your climbing buddies, perhaps your family members have by no means hiked earlier than. Make them include you at the very least as soon as. Not solely will it’s an unbelievable expertise, however you’ll be capable of share one thing you’re keen on, with those you’re keen on.

How nicely are you aware the White Mountains? Take our NH 48 Quiz

Max DesMarais

Max DesMarais is the founding father of hikingandfishing.com. He has a ardour for the outside and making out of doors training and journey extra accessible. Max is a printed writer for varied out of doors journey, journey, and advertising web sites. He’s an skilled hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, path runner, and spends his free time within the open air. These adventures enable him to check gear, study new abilities, and expertise new locations in order that he can educate others. Max grew up climbing throughout New Hampshire and New England. He turned obsessive about the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, the place he guided hikes and path runs within the White Mountains. Since shifting out west, Max has continued his frequent adventures within the mountains, at all times testing gear, studying abilities, gaining expertise, and constructing his endurance for out of doors sports activities. You may learn extra about his expertise right here: hikingandfishing/about