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 05/04/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 34 degrees Fahrenheit. It's overcast and fog. Trails consist of patches of icy refrozen snow. Traction is recommended.
Current Snow Depth 8"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 05/04/2024 As of 7:00 a.m., the current temperature is 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Bare ground with some mud lower elevations. Some snow remains in upper elevations with deep snow pockets still on lesser traveled routes. Microspikes still helpful. With clear skies early today's best bet is Mt. Pierce. This 6.4 mile out & back trail offers great views of the valley.
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 05/04/2024 As of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcast. Trails consist of melting snowpack. Traction is recommended.
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 05/04/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 38.8 Fahrenheit. Overcast. Bare rock and patchy snow. Microspikes recommended.
Current Snow Depth 1"
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 05/04/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Mostly cloudy. Trails are icy with packed snow. Traction is recommended below and above the hut.
Current Snow Depth -
Status: close
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 05/04/2024 as of 4:33 a.m. the current temperature is 39.5° Fahrenheit. Trails are mainly melted and slippery from rain. There may be some patches of ice. It is recommended to carry traction. Today's best bet is Square Ledge. It is ice and snow free and a quick scramble at the top gives a rewarding view (if the day is clear). Those who do not want the scramble can view from Lady's Ledge, which is a turn off at the base of the ledge itself. Stop into the Visitor Center for a map and trail information.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 05/04/2024 as of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Trails are refrozen hardpacked, traction recommended below the cabin. Crampons and axe ice recommended for above the cabin.
Current Snow Depth 19.5
Status: open