Mount Madison

Trail: Airline, Gulfside, Lowe's Path, Osgood Trail, Valley Way

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“I had been watching the weather since the weekend and the message that this was a PRESI day was loud and clear. I had planned on a JAM but couldn't get my act together so I settled for Adams and Madison. Airline is in really good shape. The footing was good since the rocks were dry. I opted to take Gulfside to Lowe's Path because the weather was just too nice and I wanted to really enjoy the views. Both trails were nice and dry with good grip. I descended Airline to Gulfside to be more direct and also had good footing here. At the hut I bumped into Stephanie, who had planned to head to Adams first and then ascend Madison, but pivoted so we could hike together. Osgood trail was nice and grippy and we had the best time catching up and laughing over our interesting conversations. I parted ways with her to descende Valley Way while she continued on to tag Adams. Valley Way was a bit of a slog today. The dry conditions made the rocks covered with dirt or debris, a little slick. There were a few areas of mud that were no big deal. Once I got down off the steep sections, the footing was much better and I was able to cruise back to the parking lot. This was a gift of a day. The trails weren't super crowded and it was so nice to talk to so many happy hikers.”

Trail: Airline, Star Lake Trail, Osgood Trail, Valley Way

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Trails were in great shape. Airline was a nice accent until the summit push. Last half mile is a rock hop up to the top. You could go around and take Gulfside then Lowes Path for a more gradual route and less large rock hopping. Star Lake Trail was a tough decent the first half mile or so, needed to use both hands to help lower myself down in a few spots. This trail would be a better option going up if it was wet. Running water under the many rocks at one point towards the bottom of Star Lake. Couldn't see the water but could hear the trickle. Madison was a quick up and down, not a lot to say, must some more rock hops. Hike down Valley Way was a nice break on my knees. All in all a great day in the Whites. The trails are in great shape. Just dress accordingly.”

Trail: Fallsway, Brookside, Watson Path, Lower Bruin, Valley Way, Gulfside, Airline, Lowes Path, Gray Knob Cutoff, Hincks Trail, Spur Trail, Amphibranch Trail, The Link

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“Epic two days of blue skies and other favorable conditions over the presies. Amazing two days above treeline. Took the opportunity to take the waterfall trails, good enough flows right now for seeing all of them along Fallsway and Brookside, and caught Chandler Falls on the way off Adams. Lovely. Main trails were very busy, we mainly used less used trails when possible for some peace and found it.”