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.
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions Fall Conditions
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions As of 7:50 a.m. current temperature is 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather: Overcast and very foggy. Trails consist of mostly hard packed snow and ice. Micro Spikes recommended below the hut and snowshoes recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 12.0
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions As of 6:27 a.m. the current temperature is 32.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions: Ice and snow, with well packed trails that melted a bit at lower elevations, and wet, slushy, icy snow above 3,500 ft. Expect slippery winter conditions - traction recommended, and snowshoes may be helpful at higher elevations. With today's snowy forecast, it's a Winter Wonderland around the Ammonoosuc Lake! This 1.2 -mile loop with a spur trail to the Red Bench site could possibly be a good spot to see some wildlife.
Current Snow Depth 2
Status: open
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions As of 7:50 a.m. current temperature is 33.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with light fog and rain. Trails consist of slush and ice. Traction recommended on all trails.
Current Snow Depth 10 inches
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: close
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Current Conditions Fall Conditions
Status: open
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions As of 7:50 a.m. current temperature is 32.4 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy. Trails are packed, with icy spots. Micro Spikes recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 5
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: close
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: close
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 As of 4:45 a.m. current temperature is 33.3 degrees Fahrenheit and very foggy. Current trail conditions are wet and icy, traction recommended. Today's best bet is a hike to Square Ledge. This short (.8-mile round trip), moderately steep hike will reward you with stunning views of Mount Washington. Start at the Visitor Center and cross Route 16, then take the Lost Pond Trail briefly to the Square Ledge Trail. Follow that to the ledge itself. The trail may be fairly wet. Traction strongly recommended.
Current Snow Depth 2
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions As of 7:50 a.m. current temperature is 28.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the clouds, with calm winds. Trails have packed, refrozen snow. Micro Spikes recommended below the cabin. Ice ax and crampons recommended above the cabin.
Current Snow Depth 15.0
Status: open
