Monroe Washington trail map

8/12/2019 Monroe Washington trail map

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/monroe-washington-trail-map 1/8

AMC November 20, 2012

Monroe/Washington

0 2313 ft

© 2007, Appalachian Mountain Club. All rights reserved.

Created by AMC White Mountain Guide Online – wmgonline.org

Notes

1



Distance Time ElevChange

Trail / Waypoint Latitude Longitude

starting at Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead 44° 16' 01" 71° 21' 39"

The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail ascends to Lakes of the CloudsHut from a parking lot on the Base Rd., 1.1 mi. east of its junctionwith the Mt. Clinton Rd. and the Jefferson Notch Rd. The parkingarea is a stop for the AMC’s Hiker Shuttle. The trail can also bereached on foot from the Jefferson Notch Rd. via the BoundaryLine Trail.

1.00 mi 43 min +370 ft on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

1.00 mi 43 min +370 ft The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail ascends to Lakes of the Clouds

Hut from a parking lot on the Base Rd., east of its junction with theMt. Clinton Rd. and the Jefferson Notch Rd. The parking area is astop for the AMC’s Hiker Shuttle. The trail can also be reached onfoot from the Jefferson Notch Rd. via the Boundary Line Trail.Together with the upper section of the Crawford Path, this trailprovides the shortest route to Mt. Washington from the west. Thetrail followsthe headwaters of Ammonoosuc River with many fine falls,cascades, andpools, and affords excellent views from its upper section. It is themost direct route to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and the best route toor from the hut in bad weather, because it lies in woods or scrubexcept for the last 200 yd. to the hut. The section above GemPool is extremely steep and rough, and is likely to prove quitearduous to many hikers, particularly those with limited trail-walkingexperience. Many hikers also find it somewhat unpleasant todescend this section because of the steep, often slippery rocks

and ledges. The trail must be followed with care on the ledges,where it isnot always marked well. Some short sections of the trail belowGem Poolwere washed out by the 2011 storm, but are passable with care.

Leaving the parking lot, this trail follows a path through the woods,crossing Franklin Brook, then passing over a double pipeline as itskirts the Base Station area. It joins the old route of the trail at theedge of the Ammonoosuc River after a slight ascent. (The lowersection of the old route, marked by a sign, is now a spur trailthat leads left from here 0.3 mi. to the Base Station, where hikerparkinghas been available for a fee in the lower Cog Railway lots. At itslower end,the spur trail starts at a sign by some cabins behind the mainBase Stationbuilding.)

entering alpine zone

2.10 mi 2 hr 9 min +2157 ft on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

2





3.10 mi 2 hr 52 min +2528 ft The main trail bears right along the attractive river, following theold route for the rest of the way. It ascends mostly by easygrades, though with some rough footing, crossing Monroe Brook.Soon the trail skirts an area that was severely damaged by a largeavalanche in 2010; the avalanche track can be seen to the left ofthe trail.It then follows the main branch of the river away from theavalanche track,and the trail crosses the outlet of Gem Pool, a beautiful emeraldpool at the foot of a cascade. Now the very steep, rough ascentbegins, with many rock steps. A side path leads right about 80 yd.

to a spectacular viewpoint at the foot of the gorge. Above thispoint, the main brook falls about 600 ft. down a steep trough in themountainside at an average angle of 45 degrees, while anotherbrook a short distance to the north does the same, and these twospectacular water slides meet in a pool at the foot of the gorge.The main trail continues its steep ascent, crossing a side streamand ascendingsteep, often slippery ledges, one by means of a short ladder. Thetrail passes an outlook over the cascades to the right and crossesthe main brook on flat ledges at the head of the highest fall, astrikingviewpoint. The grade now begins to ease, and the trail makesseveral morebrook crossings; follow the trail with care where it crosses a brookandcontinues up ledges between that brook and another brook on theright.

As the ascent continues, ledges become more frequent and thescrub becomessmaller and more sparse. The trail emerges from the scruband follows a line of cairns directly up some rock slabs (which areslipperywhen wet), passes through one last patch of scrub, and reachesCrawfordPath at the south side of Lakes of the Clouds Hut.

Due to hazardous conditions (heavy trail and bridge damages) DryRiver Trail is closed until further notice.

to AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut 44° 15' 31" 71° 19' 09"

0.10 mi 4 min +45 ft on Crawford Path

3.20 mi 2 hr 56 min +2573 ft Caution: Parts of this trail are dangerous in bad weather. Severallives have been lost on the Crawford Path because of failure toobserve proper precautions. Below Mt. Eisenhower, a number of

ledges are exposed to the weather, but they are scattered, andshelter is usually available in nearby scrub. From the Eisenhower-Franklin col, the trail runs completely above treeline, exposed tothe full force of all storms. The most dangerous part of the path isthe section on the cone of Mt. Washington, beyond Lakes of theClouds Hut. Always carry a compass and study the map beforestarting. If trouble arises on or above Mt. Monroe, take refuge atLakes of the Clouds Hut or go down the Ammonoosuc RavineTrail. The Crawford Path is well marked above treeline with largecairns; in poor visibility, great care should be exercised to stay onit because many of the other paths in the vicinity are much lessclearly marked. If the path is lost in bad weather and cannot befound again after diligent effort, one should travel west,descending into the woods and following streams downhill to theroads. On the southeast, toward the Dry River valley, nearly allthe slopes are more precipitous, the river crossings are potentiallydangerous, and the distance to a highway is much greater.

The Crawford Path now climbs up to the base of Mt. Monroe,where the north end of the Mt. Monroe Loop diverges right tocross both summits of Monroe, affording excellent views.

to the junction of Mt Monroe Loop 44° 15' 27" 71° 19' 08"

0.30 mi 18 min +291 ft on Mt Monroe Loop

3.50 mi 3 hr 14 min +2864 ft This short trail runs parallel to the Crawford Path and passes overthe summits of Mt. Monroe and Little Monroe. The views are fine,but the summits are very exposed to the weather.

From the Crawford Path the Mt. Monroe Loop rises sharply, thenfollows the northeast shoulder to the summit of Mt. Monroe.

to Mt Monroe 44° 15' 18" 71° 19' 17"

0.30 mi 9 min -291 ft on Mt Monroe Loop

3





3.80 mi 3 hr 23 min +2573 ft The trail follows the northeast ridge to the end of the shoulder anddrops sharply to the Crawford Path.

to the junction of Crawford Path 44° 15' 27" 71° 19' 08"

0.10 mi 3 min -45 ft on Crawford Path

3.90 mi 3 hr 26 min +2528 ft The Mt. Monroe Loop rejoins on the left, and the Crawford Pathcontinues along the edge of the precipice that forms the northwestwall of Oakes Gulf, then follows a relocated section. It thendescends easily to Lakes of the Clouds Hut.


0.02 mi 1 min +1 ft on Crawford Path3.92 mi 3 hr 27 min +2529 ft The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail enters on the left at the corner of

the hut, and in another 30 yd., the Dry River Trail enters on theright.

to the junction of Dry River Trail 44° 15' 32" 71° 19' 07"


4.07 mi 3 hr 34 min +2619 ft The Crawford Path crosses the outlet of the larger lake andpasses between it and the second lake, and in a short distancethe Camel Trail to Boott Spur and the Tuckerman Crossover toTuckerman Ravine diverge right at the same point.

to the junction of Tuckerman Crossover, Camel Trail 44° 15' 33" 71° 18' 58"


4.78 mi 4 hr 10 min +3108 ft The Crawford Path then ascends moderately on the northwestside of the ridge, always some distance below the crest.

to the junction of Davis Path 44° 15' 58" 71° 18' 30"0.02 mi 1 min +21 ft on Crawford Path

4.80 mi 4 hr 11 min +3129 ft The Davis Path, which has been following the original, lesssheltered location of the Crawford Path, enters on the right, at thefoot of the cone of Mt. Washington.

to the junction of Westside Trail 44° 15' 59" 71° 18' 30"


5.20 mi 4 hr 39 min +3653 ft In another 50 yd., the Westside Trail, a shortcut to the NorthernPeaks, diverges left. The Crawford Path runs generally north,switching back and forth as it climbs the steep cone through atrench in the rocks.

to the junction of Gulfside Trail 44° 16' 15" 71° 18' 20"


5.40 mi 4 hr 48 min +3762 ft The trail turns right, passes through the old corral in which saddle

horses from the Glen House used to be kept, and from thereascends past buildings to the summit.

to the junction of Gulfside Trail, Crawford Path to Mt Washingtonsummit

44° 16' 12" 71° 18' 14"

0.07 mi 3 min +22 ft on Crawford Path to Mt Washington summit

5.47 mi 4 hr 51 min +3784 ft At the summit of Mount Washington, the Crawford Path traversesa gravel area amongst the several buildings, providing access tothe summit cairn between the Sherman Adams Summit Buildingand the historic Tip Top House.

The Crawford Path (AT northbound) passes to the left of acommunications tower into an open gravel area surrounded bybuildings. Just past the stone Tip Top House on the left, a shortscramble up the rocks leads to the summit cairn.

to Mt Washington 44° 16' 14" 71° 18' 12"

0.07 mi 2 min -22 ft on Crawford Path to Mt Washington summit

5.54 mi 4 hr 53 min +3762 ft From the summit cairn, to follow the AT southbound, drop downthe rocky scramble to the flat, open gravel area. Bear to the rightand head towards a large communications tower. To the right ofthe tower is the trailhead for the Crawford Path.

to the junction of Crawford Path, Gulfside Trail 44° 16' 12" 71° 18' 14"


5.74 mi 4 hr 59 min +3653 ft The trail descends from the summit, and passes through the oldcorral (in which horses from the Glen House were kept).

to the junction of Gulfside Trail 44° 16' 15" 71° 18' 20"


4





6.14 mi 5 hr 11 min +3129 ft After passing the old corral, the path reaches a junction where theGulfside Trail turns sharp right. Here the Crawford Path turnssharp left and zigzags downward through a trench in the rocks.

to the junction of Westside Trail 44° 15' 59" 71° 18' 30"


6.16 mi 5 hr 12 min +3108 ft The Westside Trail enters on the right, and in another 50 yd., theDavis Path diverges left, following the original, less shelteredroute of the Crawford Path.

to the junction of Davis Path 44° 15' 58" 71° 18' 30"

0.71 mi 21 min -489 ft on Crawford Path6.87 mi 5 hr 33 min +2619 ft The Crawford Path now descends moderately on the northwest

side of the ridge well below the crest.

to the junction of Tuckerman Crossover, Camel Trail 44° 15' 33" 71° 18' 58"


7.02 mi 5 hr 38 min +2529 ft The Tuckerman Crossover and the Camel Trail enter on the left atthe same point just before the trail reaches the Lakes of theClouds.

to the junction of Dry River Trail 44° 15' 32" 71° 19' 07"


7.04 mi 5 hr 39 min +2528 ft It then passes between the lakes and reaches Lakes of theClouds Hut, where the Dry River Trail enters on the left and theAmmonoosuc Ravine Trail enters on the right.


2.10 mi 1 hr 4 min -2157 ft on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail9.14 mi 6 hr 43 min +370 ft From the Crawford Path at the south side of Lakes of the Clouds

Hut, the trail passes through a patch of scrub. The trail emergesfrom the scrub and follows a line of cairns directly down somerock slabs (which are slippery when wet). Ledges become lessfrequent and the scrub becomes more dense. The grade nowbecomes steeper, and the trail crosses several more brooks;follow it with care where it descends on ledges between twobrooks, then crosses the brook on the right. The trail crosses themain brook on flat ledges at the head of the highest fall, a strikingviewpoint, and passes an outlook over the cascades to the left ofthe trail. It descends steep, often slippery ledges, one by meansof a short ladder, and crosses a side stream. Then a side pathleads left about 80 yd. to a spectacular viewpoint at the foot of thegorge. Above this point, the main brook falls about 600 ft. down asteep trough in the mountainside at an average angle of 45

degrees, while another brook a short distance to the north doesthe same, and these two spectacular water slides meet in a poolat the foot of the gorge. The steep, rough descent continues, withmany rock steps, then at the bottom the trail crosses the outlet ofGem Pool and the grade eases. Soon the trail skirts an area thatwas severely damaged by a largeavalanche in 2010; the avalanche track can be seen to the right ofthe trail. It continues down across Monroe Brook. It descendsmostly by easy grades, though with some rough footing. The maintrail follows along the attractive river, then diverges left from theold route at a junction. (The lower section of the old route, markedby a sign, is now a spur trailthat leads right from here 0.3 mi. to the Base Station, where hikerparkinghas been available for a fee in the lower Cog Railway lots. At itslower end,the spur trail starts at a sign by some cabins behind the main

Base Stationbuilding.)

leaving alpine zone

1.00 mi 31 min -370 ft on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

10.14 mi 7 hr 14 min 0 ft From this junction, the main trail skirts the Base Station area. Itpasses over a double pipeline, crosses Franklin Brook, thenfollows a path through the woods to the parking lot.

to Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead 44° 16' 01" 71° 21' 39"

5





The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail ascends to Lakes of the CloudsHut from a parking lot on the Base Rd., 1.1 mi. east of its junctionwith the Mt. Clinton Rd. and the Jefferson Notch Rd. The parkingarea is a stop for the AMC’s Hiker Shuttle. The trail can also bereached on foot from the Jefferson Notch Rd. via the BoundaryLine Trail.

10.14 mi 7 hr 14 min 0 ft Totals

6



!"#$%&"'()

The use of this content is at your own risk. You acknowledge that (i) hiking, climbing and camping and related outdooractivities entail inherent risks and hazards, (ii) that conditions are variable and the content does not purport to be error-free

or up to date, (iii) the presence of some warnings does not mean that all dangerous situations or changes in conditions will

result in warnings on the AMC Site (and, thus, in this report), and (iv) ratings are very general, assume good weather and

trail conditions and good physical fitness and constitute only one factor of many in a decision to hike a trail.

+',-).&/. 01-/( 23'4()#

Emergency 911

Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center 603-466-2721

U.S. Forest Service 603-528-8721

National Weather Service 603-225-5191

566"."-/&% 7829 +/:-)'&."-/

Camping is allowed anywhere in the WMNF, but is prohibited or restricted in Forest Protection Areas (FPAs). Generally,

in Forest Protection Areas no camping is permitted above treeline (where trees are less than 8 feet tall), within ¼ mile of a

trailhead or road, within 200 feet of a trail.

7"%6()/(## 5)(&#

In accordance with USFS Wilderness policy, trails in designated Wilderness areas are generally maintained to a lowerstandard than trails outside Wilderness. They may be rough, overgrown or essentially unmarked with minimal signage,

and considerable care may be required to follow them. Hiking and camping group size must be no larger than 10 people.

Camping and fires are also prohibited above treeline (where trees are less than 8 feet tall) except in winter, when camping

is permitted above treeline in places where snow cover is at least 2 feet, but not on any frozen body of water.

5%,"/( ;-/(

Hikers are encouraged to be particularly careful in their activities above treeline because the plants that grow there already

have to cope with the severity of the environment. No plants should ever be picked or otherwise damaged. Hikers are

urged to stay on trails or walk very carefully on rocks so as not to kill fragile alpine vegetation. AMC urges hikers to

become citizen-scientists and help AMC in alpine plant monitoring – see www.outdoors.org/mountainwatch for details.

<&:(.= >",# :)-' .1( 5,,&%&$1"&/ 8-3/.&"/ ?%34

Here's the essential clothing and gear you need — even for a day hike — in the Northeast's

mountains in the spring, summer, or fall. 5%@&=# $1($A .1( @(&.1() &/6 ,)(,&)( :-) .1( @-)#.

$-/6"."-/#B '&A( ,%&/# @".1 =-3) C)-3,D# &4"%"."(# "/ '"/6B &/6 ,%&/ &/ &%.()/&.( )-3.( "/

$&#( -: 4&6 @(&.1()E "/F3)=E "%%/(##E -) #%-@() .1&/ (G,($.(6 .)&H(% ."'(I

5H-"6"/C J=,-.1()'"&: Hypothermia can occur when your core body temperature falls below

normal. This can easily happen when you are exposed to cold winds or wetness.

You can avoid hypothermia if you guard against dehydration, fatigue, cold winds, and wet clothes. Be sure to:

! Dress warmly, in layers.

! Stay dry.

! Protect yourself from wind, rain, and snow. (This can be done most effectively by wearing clothes that block wind

and moisture.)

! Eat high-energy snacks and drink plenty of water.

! Do not over-exert.

! Pack essential gear, even on day hikes.

K##(/."&% L(&)M Be sure to wear or bring the following:

Wool sweater or synthetic pile jacket * Hat * Gloves or mittens

Bandanna or handkerchief * Long pants (avoid cotton)

Wind and rain gear (jacket and pants)

7



Extra socks * Sturdy boots * Polypropylene or wool underwear

First-aid kit * Waterproof matches. * Whistle * Knife.

Guidebook, trail map, and compass. * High-energy snacks.

Two to four quarts of water, per person. * Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries.

Sunscreen. * Insect repellent. * Plastic trash bags

Consider carrying a sleeping bag in case you are forced to sleep out overnight. If you're traveling in a group, carry at least

one sleeping bag. It is an emergency tool that can keep an injured hiker warm until help arrives.

For more advice of preparing for your next hike, see: www.outdoors.org/tripplanner

AMC offers over 8,000 outdoor programs each year, offers a wide range of educational programs, and maintains over

1,700 miles of trails in the Northeast. Most of all, we rely on the support of hikers like you. To join, visit

www.outdoors.org/membership.

AMC recommends hikers follow the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code, and minimize their impact on the backcountry

by following Leave No Trace principles.

1"A(<&:( J"A() N(#,-/#"4"%".= ?-6(

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

7".1 A/-@%(6C( &/6 C(&)I Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local

weather and your equipment before you start.

>- %(&H( =-3) ,%&/#I Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you willreturn and your emergency plans.

>- #.&= .-C(.1(). When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

>- .3)/ 4&$AI Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike.

Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

9-) ('()C(/$"(#I Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life

threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

>- #1&)( .1( 1"A() $-6( @".1 -.1()#I

hikeSafe: It’s Your Responsibility. To learn more, see: www.hikesafe.com

The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New

Hampshire Fish and Game.

O(&H( 2- >)&$( ,)"/$",%(# .- '"/"'"P( 4&$A$-3/.)= "',&$.

0%&/ &1(&6 &/6 ,)(,&)(I Know the terrain and any regulations applicable to the area you're planning

to visit, and be prepared for extreme weather or other emergencies. Small groups have less impact on

resources than large ones.

>)&H(% &/6 $&', -/ 63)&4%( #3):&$(#E @1"$1 "/$%36( (#.&4%"#1(6 .)&"%# &/6 $&',#".(#E )-$AE

C)&H(%E 6)= C)&##(#E -) #/-@I Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and focus activities on

areas where vegetation is absent.

!"#,-#( -: @&#.( ,)-,()%=. Pack it in, pack it out. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from

streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

O(&H( @1&. =-3 :"/6I Cultural or historic artifacts, as well as natural objects such as plants or rocks, should be left as

found.

8"/"'"P( $&',:")( "',&$.#. Cook on a stove. If a campfire is built, keep it small and use dead sticks found on the

ground. Use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

N(#,($. @"%6%":(. View critters from a distance. Feeding wildlife alters their natural behavior.

Q( $-/#"6()&.( -: -.1() H"#".-)#. Be courteous, respect the quality of other visitors' backcountry experience, and let the

natural sounds of the forest prevail.

The AMC partners with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics , to provide Leave No Trace training in the East. For

more on our LNT Master Educator training, see www.outdoors.org/education.

8

Documents

Monroe Washington trail map