All about New Hampshire’s AMC Huts
Nestled in the scenic New England landscape you’ll find the unique and rustic huts of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Whether your objective is to hike the Presidential Traverse of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, or you just want a hassle free evening getaway in the wilderness, the AMC huts provide a special way to experience the beautiful and rugged high peaks of the Granite State.
What are the AMC Huts and Where?
The Appalachian Mountain Club, or “AMC,” has eight huts spread across 50 miles of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Built and maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club, the historic AMC huts offer unique lodging accommodations in remote wilderness areas. Modeled after European-style mountain lodges, the first hut was originally constructed in 1901, and the last built in 1964.
All huts are accessible only on foot, guaranteeing a true wilderness experience. Several huts are located above tree-line where tent camping is prohibited, to preserve and protect the fragile ecology of the alpine zones. The AMC huts are a great way to bridge the gap from day hiking to traditional backpacking, and cater to all levels of hiking experience. From the expert backpacker to the novice, and even families, the AMC huts provide accessibility to the stunning mountains and wilderness areas of New Hampshire.
AMC Hut Ammenities
Sleeping
While each hut varies in size (holding from 36-96 people), each provides comfortable co-ed bunkhouse quarters. Guests sleep in cozy individual bunks with mattresses. Multiple wool blankets and one pillow are provided per bunk, but it is also recommended to bring your own sleeping bag. Be sure to pick-up a free pair of ear plugs at the check-in area in the event that one of your bunkmates snores! Most AMC huts also have a small reading light in each bunk. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be gently awoken by the singing or instrumental talents of the hut’s staff calling you to breakfast.
Meals
The AMC huts are renowned for their hearty meals. Home-cooked breakfasts and dinners are a staple included with your stay, and both are served family style in the main common area. Breakfasts are substantial in order to fuel your daily hiking adventures! They are served promptly at 7:00 a.m., and include oatmeal, eggs, some form of breakfast meat, and a breakfast carbohydrate. Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m., and is a lavish, multi-course affair. Each evening features a soup, salad, fresh baked bread, entrée, and dessert. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are also provided after dinner while baked goods are available for sale any time of day, as well as lemonade and coffee.
You certainly won’t go hungry when staying at an AMC hut!
Bathrooms
Each AMC hut has a bathroom equipped with composting toilets, as well as sinks with cold running water. Toilet paper, hand soap, and hand sanitizer are provided on-site. Showers are not available.
Entertainment
With no Wi-Fi, the huts are a great place to embrace the chance to unplug. Each hut has a small library, and an assortment of playing cards and board games. Attend one of the evening talks given by the resident AMC hut naturalist to learn more about your surroundings. Explore the history of the huts by perusing the old pictures on the walls, or by examining old visitor log books. Dip your feet in a neighboring lake, or watch the sunset over the ridgeline.
If it’s a clear night, visitors are welcome to utilize the telescope and do some stargazing. Or perhaos you’d like to go for an evening walk to explore the unique alpine tundra, or get acquainted with the fellow hikers staying at the hut. Be sure to talk to a thru-hiker completing the Appalachian Trail, and hear about their adventures! There are also activities specifically designed for children, namely the junior naturalist program.
The AMC “croo” members who operate the huts put on daily informational skits after meal-times, and are also happy to answer questions regarding weather, hike planning, hut operations, and more.
Miscellaneous
Potable water is available at each hut for overnight guests, as well as hikers who are just passing through. It is also important to note the pack-in pack-out policy. You may not ditch your trash at the AMC huts.
The huts are powered by solar panels with backup battery banks but there is not much electricity to spare. Bring a portable charger as no outlets are available for charging personal items. While the huts are unheated, they generally stay quite toasty due to accumulated body heat in the enclosed space.
Updated weather outlooks are posted in each hut daily – particularly important if your hike includes a summit attempt of Mount Washington or extended time on an exposed ridgeline. Have service? There is also a weather information number posted that you can text for an up-to-date forecast.
Forget to bring that extra protein bar or a headlamp? Want a souvenir? Each AMC hut has snacks, merchandise (tee shirts, stickers), and limited gear for sale. Cash is the preferred method of payment.
How do you reserve the AMC huts?
Reservations for the season can book up extremely quickly due to limited availability and high demand. If planning a personal trip, try to reserve your stay well in advance. You can secure your reservation by visiting the AMC website at http://www.outdoors.org/reservations, or by calling the AMC reservation staff at 603-466-2727.
Of course, one of the best ways to stay at an AMC hut is with Wildland Trekking! Take the hassleout of planning and choose one of the many expert-led group tours Wildland offers. These hiking vacations include all permits, reservations, transportation, and food.
Best AMC Hut-to-Hut Hikes
Presidential Range
One of the most popular, scenic, and challenging treks utilizing the AMC huts is the 18+ mile Presidential Traverse. Start your hike at the Valley Way Trailhead, and make your way over the seven peaks of the Presidential Range. Each of these notable peaks stands over 4,000ft including Mt. Washington, New Hampshire’s tallest and most infamous mountain.
Break-up the mileage of this strenuous endeavor with overnight stops at the Madison Spring Hut, Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and Mizpah Spring Hut.
You also have the option to add-on additional peaks encountered along the way. This route overlaps with the historic Appalachian Trail, and the stunning ridgeline views are second to none! As this is a traverse and not a loop you’ll either need to stash a second car near the AMC Lodge in Crawford Notch, or arrange for transportation back to your vehicle after finishing. Be sure to check the weather beforehand as the majority of this trek is on exposed ridgelines.
Franconia Area
Another option is to enjoy the Franconia area, with overnights at the Lonesome Lake and Greenleaf Huts. Start your hike at the Lafayette Campground, and take the Lonesome Lake Trail 1.6 miles to the hut. Enjoy a quiet evening with picturesque lake vistas, or take a side hike up to the Cannon Balls. Retrace your steps the next day, then take the Old Bridle Trail to the Greenleaf Hut. The mileage is low but you’ll feel the 2,000+ feet of elevation gain!
The following day either retrace your steps back to your car, or for more of a challenge take the Greenleaf Trail to the scenic Franconia Ridge Trail. From there you’ll summit Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack before following the Falling Waters Trail to complete a loop back to your car.
Galehead Mountain
For perhaps the most remote-feeling adventure, take the Galehead Hut to the Zealand Falls Hut route. Start at the Gale River Trailhead and hike the strenuous 4.6 miles to the Galehead Hut. Spend the evening basking in the shadow of Galehead Mountain. If you have the energy, the short hike to summit Galehead Mountain is well worth the effort (especially at sunset!). The following day take the Twinway trail a challenging 7 miles to the Zealand Falls Hut, summiting three 4,000ft peaks along the way.
You’ll be rewarded with scenic waterfalls and streams. It’s a short 2.7 mile hike out the next day where you’ll need to have either stashed a car at the Zealand Falls trailhead, or have arranged for transportation back to your starting point.
New Hampshire Hut to hut hiking TOURs
While these are only a couple of recommendations, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re looking for a unique overnight experience, or desire to trek hut-to-hut, the accessibility of the AMC huts provide unforgettable back-country adventures in the wild New Hampshire mountain landscape.
