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Hike Tuckerman's Ravine Trail on Mt. Washington

Jackson, New Hampshire

4.9/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

9 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Shannon Kalahan

This White Mountain National Forest hike is 9 miles roundtrip to the Lakes of the Clouds hut. The summit is 8.2 RT. There is a family-friendly shorter option, where the first 2.4 miles of the trail are much more manageable. This hike offers waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular views (especially in the warmer months).

While this trail is open year round with winter hiking/skiing down the ravine walls, this entry will focus on hiking in the warmer months.

Your hike starts behind the Pinkham Notch AMC Center in Jackson, NH at an elevation of approximately 2050 ft. There is plenty of parking at the visitors center, as well as bathrooms and access to load up on food / water before you being.

The first 2.4 miles of the Tuckerman's Ravine Trail is relatively mild trip, making it a good section of trail for families or those people just looking for a relaxing hike in the woods. Within the first 10 minutes, you'll encounter a beautiful waterfall worthy of a photograph. There is a trail wall built up at the waterfall to keep visitors safe, as a tumble down to the base of the Crystal Cascade could be disastrous. From there, continue on to the Hermit Lake shelter at approximately 3875 ft. Here, you will find camping shelters (the only legal spot to camp on this side of the mountain), a ranger station, first aid, a lake and a nice view of what's to come.

From below, the ravine looks benign. As you get closer, you'll see a narrow, but well worn trail from the base of the ravine to the headwall. The trail isn't vertical in most places, containing several switchbacks to keep it manageable, but it can be slippery. There are multiple waterfalls running down the ravine walls and several sections where streams flow past or across the path.

As a word of caution, the Tuckerman's Ravine trail is both very narrow and very popular in the summer months. Be careful not to dislodge rocks that could crash onto the people below you and treat those slick sections seriously. Like most mountain hikes in New England, straying from the designated path is frowned upon as it can be dangerous and damaging to the delicate local flora.

Furthermore, Mt. Washington is home to the some of the world's worst weather and the trail becomes significantly more difficult when the skies turn foul.

Shortly after reaching the headwall, you will come to Tuckerman's Junction, where five trails come together. From here, you can choose to go to the summit, or go on to the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Both the hut and the summit complex offer bathrooms, running water and some food. You can also reserve a spot to stay in a bunk overnight in the AMC huts; however, they generally fill up quickly. Plan to book months in advance.

Either trail choice will bring you through rock fields with cairn trail markers. As I mentioned before, the weather on Mt. Washington is very fickle, and the summit spends a lot of time being socked in. Be very careful to stay on these cairn marked trails, especially in bad weather. Again, this is a matter of both protecting the ecosystem and keeping yourself safe.

On a clear day, Mt. Washington provides some of the most breath-taking views in New England. When you reach the summit, take a photograph next to the elevation marker at 6288 ft, and then find a place to rest while you take in the stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The hike to the summit can be done in one day, as long as you start your hike early so you can get off the mountain before it gets dark. However, in my experience, hiking out the same day doesn't leave you much of an opportunity to enjoy the mountain. If you can camp or get a space in the hut, the extra time is worth it. It makes the trip much more enjoyable.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Camping
Photography
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Hike Tuckerman's Ravine Trail on Mt. Washington Reviews

Of the trails I’ve used to climb Mt. Washington this one is my favorite. Probably the hardest trail I’ve used although there is no easy way up. The views from the top of the ravine are quite a sight

I am a 39 year old female, active and an experienced climber who has climbed Mt Washington 6 times as well as Mountain ranges across America and in other countries. I’m not sure where someone gets the idea to post that Tuckermans Ravine from Pinkhams notch is a moderate or “easy” trail but I think it’s important to be a voice on here that says “WRONG!!!” I have climbed Mt Washington in beautiful weather and in terrible weather. Tuckermans ravine to the summit and back down the same way is a physically and mentally challenging climb. You aren’t doing anyone any favors to say otherwise. People die on that mountain every year. I climbed yesterday on a beautiful day and today read that someone died on the mountain. Please don’t underestimate this climb. It is a commitment. It is serious, and requires preparation. We climbed this with Marines, other military members, cross fitters, young and fit people and people who are no stranger to Mt Washington...but we all agree this hike, if you’re honest, and going up to the summit and returning via Tuckermans or Lions head is long and arduous. Expect to climb 5 hours up and at least four down...and as I stated previously...that’s during ideal weather.

I've hiked the here in the fall and in the winter and both times i really enjoyed myself. Great spot for a good hike and picture. Also great backcountry skiing in the winter

My favorite hike on the east coast. Highly recommend. Although you'll see a lot of other hikers, the company ends up being reassuring towards the summit, as the fog often becomes so thick you can hardly see ahead of you. The horrendous weather was part of what made it so exciting for me. I've been up on a nasty day and a perfectly clear day, and both were absolutely amazing!

I did it with a couple of friend over the weekend (First of July). We were told that the weather at the top was not nice (20F and 50m/h wind), but we decided to hike 'till the Hermit Lake lodge and than decide if we want to continue or not. The sun was coming out when we arrived at the lodge so we decided to make it to the top. The beggining of the final ascension thru the rocks was fine but the last mile was horrible. We could'nt see more than 20ft ahead and the wind was so strong we needed to hide behind rocks for some time. Still the view before that was breathaking and I'm glad I make it to the top! Would definetly try to come again on a better day!

I'm not a very experienced hiker, but I have aspirations to be. That being said, Tuckerman Ravine was an excellent starting point for a full day hike. With excellent weather, we had views for many miles the more we ascended Mt. Washington. The fresh air, challenging portions of the hike, and outstanding scenic overviews make for one of the best experiences in New Hampshire! This is a total bucket-list item, and so worth taking a nice day to journey up!

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