New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Planning Guide – Mount Madison

Note: For complete trail descriptions, times, elevation, trailhead directions, and major features, see the AMC White Mountain Guide.

Profile
Mt.Madison (5,366 feet) is the farthest northeast of the high peaks of the Presidential Range, remarkable for the great drop of more than 4000 feet to the river valleys east and northeast from the summit.

Suggested Routes
Strenuous: The easiest route to Madison is probably via Madison Spring Hut, using the Valley Way and Osgood Trail. The Daniel Webster Scout Trail and the Osgood Trail offer routes of somewhat greater difficulty, rougher and much more exposed to weather. The Howker Ridge Trail is a beautiful, wild route, but is much rougher and requires some care to follow, particularly above treeline.

Trip Planning
The AMC’s Madison Spring Hut is located near the Valley Way and Gulfside Trails, and is open from mid-June to early September, offering meals and overnight accommodations.

The AMC’s Hiker Shuttle stops at the Appalachia/Valley Way Trailhead, connecting with overnight accommodations at The Highland Center and Joe Dodge Lodge.

Safety
The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike.

Note: The peaks of the Northern Presidentials are nearly as exposed to the elements as Mt. Washington, and should be treated with the same degree of respect and caution. Severe winterlike storms can occur at any time of the year.

Fun Fact
The Osgood Trail is the oldest trail still in use to the summit of Mt. Madison, and was built by Benjamin J. Osgood in 1878.