HIGHLIGHTS:  At Crawford Notch, the Appalachian Trail enters the Presidential Range, a twenty-five mile section between Crawford and Pinkham Notch. Like Franconia Ridge, it is mostly above tree line and includes the peaks of Mt. Webster (3,910'), Mt. Jackson (4,052'), Mt. Pierce (4,310'), Mt. Eisenhower (4,761'), Mt. Franklin (5,004'), Mt. Washington (6,288') and Mt. Madison (5,363'). If weather permits, the views from both Franconia Ridge and the Presidential Range are some of the most spectacular on the Trail. Mt. Washington, the highest peak in New England, was once the proposed northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Now it has the distinction, however, of having recorded the highest wind speed on Earth. In 1934, winds hit 231 mph. Today there is a weather station that still operates on the mountain, and nearby is a Summit House with post office, museum, cafeteria, and gift shop. The Cog Railway also is a common site on the summit as it transports visitors from the valley to the summit of Mt. Washington.

MORE DETAILS