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 3/8/24 as of 8:00am the current temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Skies are clear and sunny. Trail Conditions: Snow is thawing. Snowshoes and traction recommended. All trails open.
Current Snow Depth 4"
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 3/18/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 21.7 degrees Fahrenheit. It is currently cloudy and lightly snowing. Trails are packed with fresh fallen snow on top. Microspikes recommended when travelling up to the hut. Snowshoes recommended when travelling above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 32"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 3/18/2024 As of 6:00 a.m., the current temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. It is currently cloudy and lightly snowing. Due to yesterday's rain freezing over, trails are now icy, making spikes or snowshoes highly recommended. Best Bet: Webster Jackson loop via Webster-Jackson Trail.
Current Snow Depth 12"
Status: open
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 3/18/2024 As of 7:50 a.m. the current temperature is 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloudy, with a light snow falling. Trails consist of fresh snow over packed snow. Traction is recommended when travelling above or below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 19"
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 3/18/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 27 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cloudy, with a light snow falling. Trails are refrozen with the potential of loosening, creating wet and heavy trails. Beware of postholing. Floatation recommended when travelling above or below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 17"
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 3/18/2024 As of 4:38 a.m. the current temperature is 29 degrees Fahrenheit. It is currently cloudy and lightly snowing. Fresh snow over fairly packed snow. Tuckerman Ravine trails is icy and packed down microspikes recommended, due to variable weather other trails will likely have patches where microspikes are more useful and areas with postholing possible so snowshoes may also be helpful. Best Bet: Tuckerman ravine trail to Hermit Lake, this trail is the most consistent and likely all packed down making it easier to navigate; microspikes recommended.
Current Snow Depth 7"
Status: open
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 3/18/2024 as of 7:50 a.m., the current temperature is 19 degrees Fahrenheit. It is lightly snowing, and very windy. Trails are well-packed with fresh fallen snow on top. Traction is recommended when travelling up to the hut. Crampons and ice axe recommended when travelling above the hut.
Current Snow Depth 43"
Status: open