The Appalachian Mountain Club runs a chain of eight mountain huts across the White Mountains, in the tradition of the huts in the Alps. Three of them sit in the Presidential Range.
The huts are spaced roughly six to eight miles apart, about a day's hike, and hold between 36 and 96 guests each. The first was built in 1888 and the newest in 1964. The AMC operates them under a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, and besides lodging they provide drinking water, trail information, and help in emergencies to anyone passing by.
From June through late October, the huts offer full service, with dinner and breakfast included. Each one is staffed by a small crew, known as the "croo," who work eleven days on and three off. Fuel and bulk supplies arrive by helicopter at the start of each season, but most fresh food comes up on the croo's backs, in heavy loads carried several times a week.
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
The highest and largest hut in the system, at 5,030 feet, with bunks for about 90 guests. It sits in the col between Mount Monroe and Mount Washington, beside the two small tarns that give it its name, about a mile and a half from the summit of Washington.
It began as a simple stone shelter in 1901, built after two hikers died in a storm nearby. It was rebuilt as a hut in 1915 and has been renovated many times since. Its popularity has earned it the nickname "Lakes of the Crowds."
In winter, when the hut is closed, a small emergency refuge in its basement, known as "the Dungeon," remains open for emergencies only.
Book a bunk at Lakes of the Clouds Hut details and seasons at AMC
Madison Spring Hut
The oldest hut site in the system, and the oldest in the United States. The first Madison hut was built in 1888 in the col between Mount Madison and Mount Adams, at about 4,800 feet. It sleeps 52.
In 1940, gasoline for the hut's generator caught fire and destroyed much of the building. It was rebuilt and reopened the following year, and was extensively renovated again in 2010 and 2011. Reservations here often need to be made well in advance.
Book a bunk at Madison Spring Hut details and seasons at AMC
Mizpah Spring Hut
The newest hut in the system, completed in 1964 on the slopes of Mount Pierce at about 3,800 feet. Its building materials were flown in by helicopter, and it was designed to withstand winds of 200 mph. It sleeps 60, in bunkrooms for four to eight people.
Mizpah sits in the forest on the Appalachian Trail, a short walk from the Crawford Path, which makes it a natural first stop on a south-to-north traverse of the range.
The rest of the hut chain
The other five AMC huts are outside the Presidential Range, spread across the White Mountains to the west and east.
| Hut | Location | Elevation | Bunks | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter Notch | Carter Notch | 3,288 ft | 40 | Book |
| Zealand Falls | Zealand Notch | 2,637 ft | 36 | Book |
| Galehead | Edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness | 3,800 ft | 38 | Book |
| Greenleaf | Mount Lafayette | 4,200 ft | 48 | Book |
| Lonesome Lake | Below Cannon Mountain | 2,760 ft | 48 | Book |
The Randolph Mountain Club cabins
On the north side of Mount Adams, the Randolph Mountain Club maintains four simpler shelters: Gray Knob, Crag Camp, The Perch, and The Log Cabin. They don't serve meals, so you bring your own food and gear, but they offer a quieter, more rustic way to stay high on the northern peaks.
Planning a stay? Seasons, prices, and availability change from year to year, and bunks at the Presidential huts often book up months ahead. Book online through the Appalachian Mountain Club's huts page, or call AMC reservations at 603-466-2727. For the cabins on Mount Adams, see the Randolph Mountain Club.