Weather & Trail Conditions
Remember—It’s important to prepare for anything when out in the backcountry.
Even if it feels like summer in the valleys, it can be cold and winter-like on the high peaks. The right clothing and gear are essential where the unpredictable weather of the Northeast meets the increasingly severe weather events from climate change:
- Be prepared for severe conditions, regardless of the season
- Have an alternate route planned if your original route becomes impassable
- Pack the 10 essentials
- Bring extra layers (including synthetic or wool base and insulating layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell)
- Eat high energy foods
- Stay hydrated on your trip
Careful planning with adequate supplies will help keep you and your party prepared on the trail and assure a fun and adventurous time in the outdoors.
If you are ever in doubt, turn around – the mountain will always be there for your return adventure.
View weather and trail conditions to plan ahead for your trip.
Be aware that the conditions below are extremely variable. Backcountry travelers should be prepared for changes.
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions Information is not currently available
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 04/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 23.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Clear skies and very sunny. Trails are packed and refrozen. As the day warms up, expect softening snow. Snowshoes are recommended when travelling above the hut. Microspikes recommended when travelling at higher points of 19 Mile Brook Trail.
Current Snow Depth 21"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 4/27/2024 As of 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 30.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Bare ground with some mud in the valley lower elevations. Microspikes will be handy above 2500 feet. Best Bet: With the clear skies & minimal winds, today's best bet is to hike on Crawford Path to Mt. Pierce. This 6.4 mile hike out and back offers great views of the Mt. Washington Valley & Crawford Notch..
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 4/27/2024 As of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 30.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Skies are clear and sunny. Trails are packed and refrozen. Microspikes are recommended when travelling above or below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 5"
Status: open
Medawisla Lodges & Cabin
Name and Location: Medawisla Lodges & Cabin; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1208’
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Current Conditions On 12/19/23 the current temperature is 33 degrees Fahrenheit and partly sunny. *There is a flood warning in effect until 1 p.m. on Tuesday. * Trails are very wet, with major flooding. Use caution at any water crossings.
Status: open
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions 04/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Skies are clear with calm winds. Trails are hard-packed and refrozen. There is bare rock and loosening snow on parts of the trails. Traction recommended when travelling above or below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 13"
Status: open
Galehead Hut
Name and Location: Galehead Hut; White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Status: close
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,120'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Greenleaf Hut
Name and Location: Greenleaf Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,200'
Status: close
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Name and Location: Lakes of the Clouds Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 5,050'
Status: close
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,220'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Madison Spring Hut
Name and Location: Madison Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,825'
Status: close
Mizpah Spring Hut
Name and Location: Mizpah Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Status: close
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 4/27/2024 as of 4:30 a.m. the current temperature is 26.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower elevations are bare rock with occasional patches of ice. The higher one goes the more ice there is, ice coverage complete covers about a mile and half from visitor center. Best Bet: Lost Pond trail, this one mile out and back trails has a beautiful view of the river.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 04/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 23.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Clear skies and zero winds. Trails are hard-packed and refrozen. Microspikes recommended when travelling below the hut. Crampons and ice axe recommended when travelling above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 35"
Status: open