Mount Madison: Part 2

Starting at the Appalachia Trailhead, we began our hike to the summit of Mount Madison, one of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks. The weather was ideal for hiking on this fall day. Temperatures were unseasonably warm, and I stripped off my puffer jacket before we began. Our group of four had already chosen a route to the top of the mountain in our initial planning stage. Now it was time to execute.

The Valley Way Trail begins to climb through the forest with a gradual but constant grade. Dry weather in New England and some wind storms in the White Mountains had begun to cause the trees to shed their leaves. The trail was carpeted with yellow and red leaves that rustled under our boots.

We had begun our hike just after dawn. The sun quickly began to rise above the ridge line, casting shadows through the birch trees.

After a mile, the trail begins to rise more abruptly, and larger stones deposited by the glaciers of the ice age become more plentiful. I had peeled off my fleece pullover, and was down to just a base layer. I could hear Kate drawing breaths with the increased elevation. Nick was ahead, and Bobbi well out in front.

The trail includes several junctions, and it’s important to stay on Valley Way. I had made the error of going off course in a previous hike and did not want to make that mistake again.

We continued on our path. The trail becomes steeper, and poles are a good idea when navigating the boulders that litter the trail the higher you go.

Visible through the trees to our left was the forested Howker Ridge. The forested ridge line obscures the view of the summit of Madison. The sight of the ridge can sometimes lead to the assumption that you are viewing the mountain’s summit, but in a moment it becomes clear it’s not Madison. Mount Madison’s summit is bare, a rock pile of rough, black boulders.

In the col between Madison and Adams sits Carter Hut. The Appalachian Mountain Club’s hut is a way point for peak baggers in the Whites and thru hikers making their way north on the Appalachian Trail to it’s terminus in Maine. Just before the hut is a warning sign for hikers that are near to reaching the col, and the dangers of hiking in the Whites above the safety of treeline cover.

Climbing past the signage we soon arrives at Carter Hut. It was bright and sunny. The four of us took a short rest break at the boarded up hut. It was closed and secured for winter weather.

I knew we were still not even halfway through our hike, and the final push to the top included some strenuous hiking. I soon began a slow but steady climb away from the hut. My companions were behind me as we made our way up from the col, the hut now a tiny dollhouse below.

Climbing away from the col, the summit of my nemesis, Mount Adams came into view. Hikers visiting Carter Hut often think the mountain is a short distance away, but it’s a full mile to the barren summit.

Rock cairns mark the rugged ascent to Madison. At the top I slipped on a wind shirt. Even with the warm temperatures, the wind on the mountain top can chill you though convection cooling.

Lunch took place at the top of Madison, elevation 5,367 feet (1,636 meters). We were not alone, and took turns taking photos for some hikers who wanted to record their accomplishment. It was a pleasure to relax here at the summit and look down into the valleys. The foliage was past prime, and the colors muted due to the dry August weather. Nick told me this would likely be his last 4000 footer for the season. Winter would soon be returning to the mountains, and I expected Mount Washington would see snow before the end of October. I would go home and sharpen my spikes and break out the rest of my winter gear. Winter hike season was just around the corner.