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 3/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 39.9 degrees Fahrenheit. It is foggy, with a light rain. Trails have wet, packed snow. Snowshoes are needed on all trails to avoid post-holing.
Current Snow Depth 43
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 3/27/2024 As of 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 33.3 degrees Fahrenheit. There is heavy cloud cover with drizzle. Trails will have deep, wet, soft snow, so snowshoes are recommended to avoid post-holing. Today's best bet is a hike to Mt. Willard. This is a 3.2- mile hike round trip. The trailhead starts behind the Train Depot.
Current Snow Depth 22
Status: open
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 3/27/2024 As of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 34.9 degrees Fahrenheit. It is foggy. Snowpack is mushy. Snowshoes recommended below and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 41
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 3/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 36.3 degrees Fahrenheit. It is overcast and drizzling. Trails have packed, wet snow. Snowshoes or skis needed to avoid post-holing on all trails.
Current Snow Depth 29
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 3/27/2024 As of 5:45 a.m. the current temperature is 33.5 degrees Fahrenheit. It is very foggy. Trails will have soft snow, puddles, ice, and possibly some mud. Snowshoes recommended to avoid post-holing. Today's best bet is Imp Trail, This is a popular 6-mile horseshoe-shaped trail North of Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Route 16. Traction and snowshoes required. One water crossing can be avoided by taking the southerly trailhead and turning around at the water crossing. Parking available at pullouts. Trail signed at northern entrance.
Current Snow Depth 24
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 3/27/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cloudy and windy. Below the cabin, the trails have wet, packed snow. Above the cabin snow is packed, with rotten snow and drifts. Snowshoes and micro spikes recommended below the hut. Snowshoes, crampons and ice ax recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 56.5
Status: open