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Hiking the White Mountains with the AMC: An Intergenerational Adventure

Program Number: 21124RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013; 7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire
Price starting at: $455.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Outdoor Adventures, Misc.; Walking/Hiking; Natural History
Standard
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 12 years of age.

At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington offers breathtaking views of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest — and it’s a perfect place to share a hiking adventure with your grandchild! Led by experts from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), discover the ecology and natural history of the region as you hike along well-groomed trails, explore rivers for aquatic critters and learn how to spot and track the mammals that inhabit the forest.




Highlights

• Hike up Mount Washington and board the Cog Railroad for a ride down the mountain, then explore the workshop where they custom-build the train cars.
• Meet the staff of the Mount Washington Observatory as you explore this mountaintop weather station and learn about their research.
• Spot wildlife as you join AMC staff for a canoe trip along the Androscoggin River.



Activity Particulars

Hiking 1-2 miles per day; canoeing; elevations of 5,000-6,300 feet.



Coordinated by Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).




Pinkham Notch

Located in the White Mountain National Forest at the base of Mount Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak, this area is a center for research in mountain ecosystems and forest ecology. A portion of the Appalachian Trail runs past this mountain gap, which is the most popular trailhead to the hike up the mountain.
Accommodations
Historic lodge on the eastern slopes of Mount Washington; AMC mountain hut with dorm-style lodging.
Meals and Lodgings
   Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
  Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge 4 nights
   Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut
  Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut 1 night
 Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: Operating since the 1920s, this lodge is steeped in history for providing wonderful mountain hospitality and for its close proximity to some of the best hiking in the eastern US. Located at the base of the eastern slopes of Mount Washington, the lodge is the ideal location to use as a base camp for numerous adventures. The hike up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the famed back-country ski area of Tuckerman Ravine starts at the lodge, and the Appalachian Trail passes directly between the lodge and the visitor center. These are just a few of the hiking choices and are among other North American classic hikes and climbs.
  Contact info: 361 Route 16
Pinkham Notch Visitor Center
Gorham, NH 03581 USA
phone: 603-466-2727
web: http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/pinkham/
  Room amenities: There are no T.V.s and no phones in rooms. There is limited cellular phone service and a pay phone in the lodge. Guest can receive messages through the front desk
  Facility amenities: 2-4 bunk rooms, family rooms with various configurations, and some double rooms. Bathrooms are provided dorm-style and separated by gender. There is a Lowa boots demo center providing hiking boots for guests to try out. These boots are complimentary for the guests to use.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Bathrooms are dorm-style on each hallway for separate genders
  Additional nights prior: see below Bunk accommodations: $58.98/adult & $33.08/child Family rooms: $67.70/adult & $33.08/child
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Type: Field Station
  Description: The highest and most popular hut in the chain, Lakes of the Clouds Hut is located on the southern shoulder of Mount Washington, NH. This hut offers sweeping views, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and proximity to rare alpine flowers. Elevation: 5,050 feet
  Contact info: 361 Route 16
Gorham, NH 03581 USA
phone: 603-466-2727
web: http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/huts/huts-lakes.cfm
  Room amenities: no T.V.s, no electricity, no phones, no heat...but amazing experience staying in the Alpine zone on Mount Washington!
  Facility amenities: AMC Huts are in back-country locations and are “off the grid” – our ability to operate at remote locations depends on the cooperation of guests. This hut is operated by wind and solar power mostly. --Co-ed bunk rooms, within hut, sleeps 90 in coed bunk rooms for 6, 8, 12, or 15 people. --Huts are not heated, so please bring warm clothes, with separate washrooms with toilets and cold running water --There are no electrical outlets – energy reserved for emergency communications, kitchen, and lighting of common areas. --Bunk rooms have no lighting – bring a headlamp or flashlight. --Carry In/Carry Out all trash and recyclables. --Bunk with pillow and three wool blankets provided – bring sheets, sleep sack or lightweight sleeping bag (full-service season). Blankets not provided during self-service season – bring an appropriately rated sleeping bag. Meal Service --Dinner served family style at 6:00PM sharp, includes fresh bread, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert. Entrées include hearty fare such as stuffed shells, chicken, lasagna, baked ham, chicken parmesan, and turkey dinner with trimmings. Child-friendly meal options available at all huts - talk to our staff at check-in. With advance notice, we can accommodate dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets. --Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM and includes either eggs or pancakes, plus hot cereal, fruit, and breakfast meat like bacon or sausage, coffee or tea. --Resident staff available with trail information and weather reports. --Small retail store with safety items, snacks, souvenirs. --Informative displays and daily educational programs.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: dorm-style with cold running water (no showers) separated by gender
  Check out time: 10:30 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 PM You will be staying at Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
1:30 PM You will be staying at Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
parking a short walk from the lodge and visitor center (30 meters +/-)
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
  Nearest city or town:  Gorham, NH
  Nearest highway: 93
  Nearest airport:  Portland, Maine
  From End of Program
  Location: Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Boston

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Concord Coach
phone: 180-063-9331 x7

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$38.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4:35 
 

Distance:

 

152 miles
   

Bus leaves from Logan, stops in South Station and Concord, NH, so both of those are options also.
 
Driving Directions
  Central/Southern NH --Take Interstate 93 North to Route 104 East (Exit 23). --Take Route 104 East to Route 3 North (near Meredith). --Take Route 3 North to Route 25 East (intersection in Meredith). --Take Route 25 East to Route 16 North (near West Ossipee). --Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
  Eastern/Southern NH --Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North. --Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
  Metro Boston --Take Interstate 93 North to central New Hampshire and follow directions above for central New Hampshire. OR --Take Interstate 95 North to Spaulding Turnpike North (at Portsmouth, N.H.). --Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North. --Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
  Montreal --Take Autoroute 10 East to Autoroute 55 South (north of Magog). --Take Autoroute 55 South to Interstate 91 South (at US/Canada line). --Take Interstate 91 South to Route 105 East (by Derby, Vt.). --Take Route 105 East to Route 3 South (in North Stratford, N.H.). --Take Route 3 South to Route 2 East (in Lancaster). --Take Route 2 East to Route 16 South (in Gorham). --Take Route 16 South to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the right side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles south of Gorham.
  NYC/Western MA/Hartford CT area --Take Interstate 95 North (Connecticut Turnpike) to Interstate 91 North (by New Haven, Conn.). --Take Interstate 91 North to Route 302 East (Exit 17 in Vermont). --Take Route 302 East to Route 16 North (in Glen, N.H.). --Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
  Portland Maine --Take Route 302 West to Route 16 North (at North Conway, N.H.). --Take Route 16 North to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center/Joe Dodge Lodge, located on the left side of Route 16 approximately 12 miles north of the Glen intersection.
  Western/Southern Boston --Take Route 128 North to Route 3 North (near Woburn). --Take Route 3 North to Everett Turnpike North (by Nashua, N.H.). --Take Everett Turnpike North to Interstate 93 North (by Manchester) and follow directions above for central New Hampshire.
Elevation Note: Appalachian Mountain Club, Lakes of the Clouds Hut (5,050 ft) Summit of Mount Washington (6,288 ft)

Equipment Requirements: Guests need to supply their own hiking gear (boots, blanket/linens for hut stay, pack, water bottles, etc). There is a Lowa boot demo center where guests can borrow boots if needed.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive and check into Joe Dodge Lodge, welcome reception, dinner and orientation
(Sunday, July 7)

Note: Arrive and check into Joe Dodge Lodge, welcome reception, dinner and orientation



   
 Arrive To: Joe Dodge Lodge--Pinkham Notch Check-in is available from 3:00pm, though rooms may be open earlier. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, updated schedule, and other important information we'll review during orientation.
 Afternoon: WELCOME RECEPTION: 5:00-6:00pm in our private meeting room with fresh fruit platter, mix of cheeses & crackers, ice water and lemonade; BYOB
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, a delicious entrée (vegetarian option available with advance request), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner, we will have an informative overview of the program including a review of the updated daily schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, your gear, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. You are about to embark on a new Road Scholar learning adventure in association with the Appalachian Mountain Club designed for Beginner-to-Intermediate levels of hiking. Led by an AMC staff, you will have daily activities such as hiking, stream exploration, wildlife and plant identification with an AMC naturalist to learn first hand about the forest ecology and natural history of Pinkham Notch. Our last night will be spent at the AMC’s unique back-country hut Lakes of the Clouds.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hike Safe presentation, stream and forest exploration and hiking. Evening presentation on mammals of the White Mountains.
(Monday, July 8)

Note: Hike Safe presentation, stream and forest exploration and hiking. Evening presentation on mammals of the White Mountains.
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. Buffet includes eggs, pancakes and waffles, bacon and sausage, home fries, and home baked items. There will also be yogurt, fruits, and cereals. Coffee, tea, juices, and ice water is also included.
 Morning: 8:30 am HikeSafe Presentation: The AMC staff will provide an interactive program on hike safety, specifically geared toward the children. The children will learn how not to get lost in the woods and what to do if that should happen. A fun, informative presentation. 9:30 am Stream Exploration AMC Staff will lead a hands on aquatic and terrestrial stream critter investigation. We’ll explore a slow moving section of the Cutler River in search of its inhabitants. From 6” Spring Salamanders to tiny stone flies. The river will never be the same once you’ve discovered all the animals that call it home.
 Lunch: Taken in the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Sit down lunch in the dining room. Choose your own sandwiches, soup, and dessert.
 Afternoon: Afternoon hikes: We will embark on easy hikes in Pinkham Notch. AMC Staff will discuss plant and animal identification along the way as well as safe hiking techniques and tips. We will be back by 5 pm for down time before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner, served family style, begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, two delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: Mammals of the White Mountains AMC staff will present an interactive presentation on White Mountain Mammals. Using our mammal skins and skulls collection from Moose to beaver. Learn all about the mammals that call the area home.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning hiking and afternoon free-time
(Tuesday, July 9)

Note: Morning hiking and afternoon free-time
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. Buffet includes eggs, pancakes and waffles, bacon and sausage, home fries, and home baked items. There will also be yogurt, fruits, and cereals. Coffee, tea, juices, and ice water is also included.
 Morning: Meet your AMC guide for morning hikes to scenic vistas. WE will explore the trails in search of animal tracks and sign. We will use our new knowledge from Monday evenings Mammal program
 Lunch: Sit down lunch in our dining room.
 Afternoon: FREE-TIME Take the afternoon off to explore the area with your family. AMC staff will offer recommendations and “must see” places in the area.
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, two delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: A fun, family friendly night hike lead by AMC Naturalists where we will explore the night-life of Pinkham Notch.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Paddling on the Androscoggin River with Great Glen Outdoor Center
(Wednesday, July 10)

Note: Paddling on the Androscoggin River with Great Glen Outdoor Center
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room while you revel in stories and take part in conversation with your fellow participants while you fuel up for the day's activities.
 Morning: After breakfast, pick up your packed lunch for the adventurous day on the river. We will meet our river guides from Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center and spend the day on the river
 Lunch: Have lunch on the river, continuing the conversations and learning with the AMC Naturalists and Great Glen Staff
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP CONTINUES: We will paddle on the Androscoggin exploring the river and observing wildlife along the way. At around 4:00pm, we will drive back to Joe Dodge Lodge for some "down" time before dinner
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, a delicious entrée (vegetarian option available with advance request), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: We will organize our gear and get ready for the hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. There will be Naturalists/guides to help prep participants as the get ready to embark on a fantastic overnight of adventure the following day.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club Joe Dodge Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Summit Exploration, Tour of the Mount Washington Observatory and Hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
(Thursday, July 11)

Note: Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Summit Exploration, Tour of the Mount Washington Observatory and Hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. During breakfast take in the amazing views out the window toward Wildcat Ridge.
 Morning: At the top we will head into the Sherman Adams Building which houses the Mount Washington Observatory. Mount Washington Observatory is a private, non-profit scientific and educational institution. Its mission is to advance understanding of the natural systems that create the Earth's weather and climate, by maintaining its mountaintop weather station, conducting research and educational programs and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. We will get a tour of the weather station by Observatory staff.
 Morning: We will meet at 9 am and get a ride up the famous Mount Washington Auto Road. AMC Guides will share the history of the Road and the natural history out our windows as we drive up the 8 mile historic carriage road.
 Lunch: We will eat our trail lunches at the summit.
 Afternoon: After lunch we will hike down to Lakes of the Clouds Hut from the summit of Mount Washington, a 1.5 miles moderate hike. Lakes of the Clouds Hut, highest of all the AMC Backcountry Huts at 5,012 feet above sea level, is one of the most storied locations in the hut system.
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, a delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert. Served family style in the hut dining room with amazing view right out your window.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut Naturalist will provide an evening program at the Hut. Junior Naturalist program for youth where the Hut "Croo" help to promote interest in the natural environment through educational programs. Most evening programs at the hut will revolve around the delicate Alpine environment and effect of climate change.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Hike out of Lakes of the Clouds hut to the summit, Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railroad down the mountain.
(Friday, July 12)

Note: Hike out of Lakes of the Clouds hut to the summit, Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railroad down the mountain.
   
 Breakfast: 7 am at the Hut
 Morning: After breakfast we will pack up and hike up to the summit of Mount Washington. A 1.5 mile moderate hike. At the summit we will board the Mount Washington Cog Railroad, the the first Mountain Cog Railroad in the US. WE will be touring the workshop where they custom-build the cars that operate on the system. At the bottom we will meet an AMC van and get transported back to the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge where participants can take a shower and get ready for lunch.
 Lunch: Our final lunch together will be a sit down lunch prepared by our chefs. The program concludes with lunch. We hope you have enjoyed this exciting new program and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


White Mountain Guide


Author: Steven D. Smith & Mike Dickerman


Description: The White Mountain Guide has long been an indispensable resource and trail companion for people to explore the White Mountain National Forest.



The White Mountain Cog Railway


Author: Bruce D. Heald




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