Weather & Trail Conditions
Be aware that the conditions below are extremely variable.
Backcountry travelers should be prepared for changes.
The Appalachian Mountain Club is proud to partner with Mount Washington Observatory in communicating the challenges of mountain weather, improving hiker decision-making, and studying weather and climate dynamics. Visit the Observatory to learn about all aspects of weather forecasting and long-term climate data in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Weather & Trail Conditions
Expand the sections below to explore detailed weather forecasts, trail updates, snow depth, and links to in-depth tools for planning your trip.
New Hampshire
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 6:00 am, current temperature is 44° F. Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. Slight chance of a rain shower. The summit feels like 59F with wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Keep an eye for late spring wildflowers, the Yellow Trout Lily and Trillium!
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 7:55 am, the current temperature is 40° F. Sunny and calm. Trails have wet rock with mud and patches of snow and ice. Traction is recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Galehead Hut
Name and Location: Galehead Hut; White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Greenleaf Hut
Name and Location: Greenleaf Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,200'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 7:55 am, the current temperature is 33° F. Cloudy. Trails above and below the hut have icy exposed rock but no traction needed.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: close
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 7:55 am, the current temperature is 41° F. Partly cloudy. Trails below the hut have mud and rock with patches of snow and ice, traction is recommended. Trails above the hut have patches of snow and ice, crampons and ice axe are recommended.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 05/09/26 As of 6:18am The current temperature is 29 degrees F. Trails have a mix of mud and rocks after the rain. Water crossings will be elevated. At higher elevations, conditions are highly variable, with ice, decaying monorail, stable monorail, and solid snowpack all present in recent hiker reports. Traction still recommended if venturing above 3,000'. Today’s best bet hike is Arethusa Falls via the Arethusa Falls and Bemis Brook Trails. A 3.1-mile loop that ascends 938 feet from the Arethusa Falls Trailhead, this is considered an easy hike (3/6 on AMC’s Activity Rating Scale). Featuring the largest waterfall in the White Mountains, as well as several attractive cascades on the Bemis Brook Trail, this hike is a good foul-weather option – and may be especially spectacular in high water. When temps remain below freezing for days at a time, you can expect the falls to be completely frozen! Micro spikes recommended.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 05/09/26 As of 4:26am the current temperature is 46.5 degrees F. trails have a mix of mud and bare rocks on lower levels, At higher elevations there is a mixture of ice, decaying monorail, stable monorail, and solid snowpack. Traction is needed. Lion's head summer is extremely icy, crampons needed. Lion's head summer is extremely icy, crampons needed. Tuckerman Ravine up the headwall is CLOSED due to open crevasses.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Name and Location: Lakes of the Clouds Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 5,050'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 7:55 am, the current temperature is 41°. Dense fog. Trails below the hut have mud and rock. Trails above the hut have mud and patches of ice, traction is recommended.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Madison Spring Hut
Name and Location: Madison Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,825'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Mizpah Spring Hut
Name and Location: Mizpah Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions 05/10/26 As of 7:55 am the current temp is 42° F. Overcast. Trails have wet and icy rock, running water and patches of snow. Traction is recommended above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: close
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions 05/10/2026 As of 7:55 am, the current temperature is 35° F. Zealand Road is now OPEN. Foggy. Trails below the hut have wet mud with no snow. Trails above the hut have extended sections of melting monorail, traction is recommended.
Current Snow Depth 0"
Status: open
Maine
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
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
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 **Brownville access recommended for standard-clearance vehicles**
Status: close
New Jersey
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Status: open
Please Note: AMC does not update daily trail conditions in the summer season. You can refer to MWOB's Weather Updates for information on Mt. Washington and High Summit Conditions or utilize Mountain Weather Forecasts to view weather information for specific ranges or peaks.
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
- To prepare for hiking in the White Mountains, always check Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast
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.