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 05/08/2024 as of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 42.1 degrees Fahrenheit. It is overcast, with no wind. Trails have lots of bare rock, with patches of deep, icy snow. Micro spikes recommended below and above the hut.
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 05/08/2024 As of 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 46.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Trails consist of mostly bare ground, with some mud. Water levels may be higher than usual. Upper elevations of trails may still have ice and broken monorail snow on them. Micro spikes recommended to carry. With rain later, today's best bet is a quick hike up Mt. Avalon. This 3.6 mile hike out & back has an elevation gain of 1,573' with that final steep stretch to the top. Grab the peak before it rains!
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 05/08/2024 As of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit. It is overcast, with no wind. Trails consist of packed, melting snow. Traction will be helpful immediately below the hut, and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 0"
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 05/08/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 48 degrees Fahrenheit. It is clear and sunny, with a gentle wind. Trails below the hut consist of mostly bare rock, and no traction is needed until near the hut. Immediately below the hut, and above the hut at higher elevations, there is still snow, and micro spikes are recommended.
Current Snow Depth 0"
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'
Current Conditions 05/08/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 45.3 degrees Fahrenheit. It is overcast, with occasional sun. Trails consist of a melting snowpack, with monorail. Traction is recommended immediately below the hut, and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth -
Status: close
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 05/08/2024 as of 5:30 a.m. the current temperature is 39.7° Fahrenheit. It is overcast. Trails consist of mostly mud and bare rocks, with running water in drainages. There is still snow and melting snow above 3 thousand feet, Best bet is a hike up Old Jackson Road, which offers tree cover, with its mixed deciduous forest canopy. There are a few small water crossings, which are easily handled. Traction is recommended at this elevation and higher.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 05/082024 as of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 42 degrees Fahrenheit. It is overcast, with occasional sun poking through, and calm winds. Trails consist of refrozen, icy snow which is melting. Trails are undermined, and post-holing in places is possible. Traction may be required in some places below the cabin, with ice ax and crampons recommended above the cabin.
Current Snow Depth 14
Status: open