Difficulty comparison of easier vs harder NH48

So I think I got hooked on completing these and want to make sure I don't bite off more than I can chew.

So far I've done a handful of the easier peaks (i.e. Moose, Pierce) in the winter with experienced hikers. Last week I did Lafayette and Lincoln which was my first big solo hike ever. I've also done a couple bigger hikes with buddies out west (15+ milers, significant elevation gain).

Physically, the ups usually don't give me too much difficulty and I think I can go faster than most. The downs I am definitely slower than most (the pros and cons of long legs)--- the main thing is just that the bottom of my feet get very sore around the 8-10 mile mark.

All that said- I'm expecting that many of my remaining hikes will be solo. I have no intention of currently trying anything alone in the winter, but given my experience level, should I be ok to do most/all of the peaks in the summer? Or is there a huge jump in difficulty compared to what I've already done? I have started looking into doing an overnight with a hut stay to break up some of the longer trips. Otherwise, I would probably try to keep to ~10 or less mile day hikes. Owls Head has piqued my curiosity though-- seems like it's mainly flat apart from a short bit at the end so I can get away with comfortable shoes... As long as there's not sustained downhills, Im thinking I'll be ok there..

Any advice or tips appreciated!

in wmnfby applefritter55

80%

16d

BostonParlay

16d

Yeah you’re fine man. You have tougher hikes ahead of you but nothing that you can’t physically overcome.

Where you CAN get into trouble solo (as hundreds of posts on this forum will attest to) are in situations that require prudent outdoorsmanship. A nasty fall on a rock slide can easily put you in a bad situation. Even experienced hikers can end up in need of rescue getting caught in nasty weather above tree line in the Presis. Don’t be afraid to turn around; the mountains will be there tomorrow. Us little humans are fragile.

I wish I had started backpacking earlier in my journey. Shelter, sleep system, water treatment, extra clothing all add weight (and thus time and effort) but grant an additional margin of error to ensure your survival.

SARSAT beacon or sat messenger is a good thing to carry.

You are physically capable. Bring the knowledge, skills, and gear.

IndustryLeft4508

16d

If you can do Lincoln and Lafayette, you can do any hike in the Whites. Don't over think it. Best bet if you don't hike a lot is do smaller mileage hikes in winter and spring and build up to Isolation, Owls Head, Bonds, after you've been hiking a bunch.

I personally thought Owls Head was so easy that I bushwhacked down from the summit (not Brutus, but an actual random bushwhack down the eastern side). Like anything in life, the more you do something, the easier it gets.

Top-Mycologist-1426

NH48 Finisher

16d

I think you can complete all these peaks. If you want to break it down to a science, Lafayette/Lincoln is in the 3000-4000 vertical elevation gain range, and unless you think you were close to your body's limit that day, you could probably get past the 4000+ feet gain required for most ascents of Madison and Adams. Again, just a guess, I don't know your physical or medical limitations. Also you were hiking in the winter, so my hunch is that you could do more elevation in summer conditions and without the extra gear/pack weight.

If you want to pick a hut, I would recommend Galehead for the day of the Bonds (Bondcliff, Bond, and West Bond) since they're the most remote peaks from a trailhead and it will remove the stress of trying to complete the entire out and back in one day. I've done all 48 and have quite a bit of winter experience as well, let me know if you have questions

applefritter55

15d

What route are you saying with Galehead and Bonds? Looking at a map, I'm trying to visualize what overall route to take that would knock off mileage on a day (Galehead Hut to Bonds and back still seems like a very long day).

That's in comparison to the other ones that seemed to make sense to me on a map- 1) Carter Notch-- do wildcats to start, stay at the hut, continue to Carter's or maybe Moriah 2) Galehead, Garfield, Twins, with Galehead hut about half way

I heard the Bonds are very tough, so I think a hut sounds good for that trip, just having trouble visualizing what that would save me (besides having a potentially heavier pack-- it sounds like even in "full service" most people still bring extra blankets to huts?)

Top-Mycologist-1426

NH48 Finisher

15d

I was thinking Lincoln Woods Trailhead across the Bonds and staying at Galehead for the night, which would be about a 13.4 mile day according to my map, and then the same trail plus West Bond the next day (close to 14.2). This is compared to 20+ mile days from Lincoln Woods and all other trailhead options. The first ~4/4.5 miles from the Lincoln Woods is basically a flat dirt road, which can be accomplished much faster than the rest. It's not going to stop potentially hurt feet and sore legs, but it'll be closer to 10 miles of actual hiking trail.

Carter Notch isn't a bad idea for a second hut stay. If you find the Wildcats don't take all day, it's a beautiful area to spend the afternoon too.

applefritter55

14d

For the bonds, just for curiosity, is there a reason why you wouldn't recommend an approach from the North (Gale River)? Seems that would be just under 20 miles if you did it in one day. Also, could make day one 15 miles if you stop at Galehead for the night, then day two would be a short 5 mile day and you can add a brief detour to Galehead peak.

I assume there's a reason to do it the way you say, but when I was trying to map efficient routes for the longer hikes I had just envisioned a north approach for the bonds since it seems shorter

Top-Mycologist-1426

NH48 Finisher

14d

No, that actually sounds like a better/shorter option! I just vouched for the way that I had gone.

derp374

13d

This is all a matter of personal taste and preference in my opinion. I personally had a fantastic hike of Lincoln woods -> bonds -> south twin -> galehead and the a long but flat hike out along the Twin Brook + Franconia Brook Trail. There are statically shorter routes for sure but for 25 miles/ 5200ft you get a great loop and the emotional damage of having to go over south twin twice is gone! I also think this loop has slightly less elevation gain at the expense of an outrageous amount of flatland walking. The loop does have quite a few water crossings though so maybe best to wait for the warmer months.

applefritter55

13d

What do people typically do for such a long route-- I assume technically doable in a day, but most would split.. I am not really a seasoned camper which is why I prefer to at least start with a hut, but would most just scout the trail and see if there's any camp spots along it? Would Galehead hut be doable for your route?

derp374

13d

Yeah, this route passes by the hut, you literally have to walk by it! The hut sits at the base of south twin, you can add Galehead on no problem, just account for the short out and back.

The route I suggested is a bit lopsided in favor of a massive first day or single day. which can be difficult depending on your level of fitness and experience but very doable. I personally offtrail camped down in the pemi wilderness on the return trip. This official map outlines how/where you can legally camp in that area. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3847526.pdf Basically if you are 200ft off the trail in the pemi its allowed, ofcourse be mindful of the terrain but in terms of legality you are covered. Keep in mind that this map only shows legality of where to camp not really the suitability, like bondcliff is not good camping.

applefritter55

12d

Ah interesting.. I see certain trails have no highlighting (i.e. Mt Osceola trail)-- does this imply you can literally camp on the trail since they don't fall in the restricted area? If you do intend to camp in one of the legal areas, it seems there's no reservations or anything- you just find a spot and set up.. presumably you don't really have to worry about there being no spots because someone took them all. I know there are shelters which sound like they are a step between true camping and the huts-- my assumption is one would choose to stay here rather than in the wilderness because it's easier to set your tent up and you have nearby access to water and such? Let me know if any of my understanding is off :)

As for the front loading of a ton of miles in one day, I'd prefer not which is why I'm curious about camping at roughly the midway point! Couldnt find the exact route on all trails so wasn't sure the exact breakdown / route

derp374

12d

Yeah 'typically' the tent sites have a water source kinda close and has some nicer flat spots. The shelters are a lean-to and can get crowded depending on where and when it is. AT based shelters in peak AT season can be very crowded.

I'm gonna be honest, I have no clue why it looks like you can sleep near trails on that map. I always thought the baseline was 200ft+ no matter what and then extra special conditions if you were in a special area like the alpine zone.

Jaymac603

15d

Galehead Hut and the Bonds are only in the same sentence when talking about a Pemi Loop. No way I’d go all the way to Galehead from the Bonds and back. Descent/ascent of South Twin in the same day? No thanks.

wfustang

16d

I did all but my first solo. I agree that you should work your way up,build fitness and experience. You will see people on every hike in the summer, but still need to be prepared. Know your routes and bring essentials. Don't take risks with weather. Follow that and you'll be fine.

Owls Head is not difficult, but it's looong. Doing that solo is a mental exercise.

Feel free to pm me with questions

saumann7

16d

There is some significantly more difficult peaks than Pierce and moosilauke, like the bonds and northern presidentials. I think the key is to work your way into it, people get into trouble going straight for the deep end, especially solo. You’ve got a great baseline of hiking under your belt but going with experienced folks can take away some of the risk management and decision making associated with the outing. I’d say start doing some of the “easier” ones you’ve got left solo, like tecumseh, waumbek, or Jackson and work your way up. Then you’ll have more general mountain experience in varied conditions and terrain and be confident in tackling some of the harder ones.

bad-at-this

16d

I’ve found this site very helpful for comparing difficulty and getting a sense of how the peaks relate to each other, common combinations, popular routes, etc.

Based on your description of yourself I’d say you should be able to work your way up to any of the 48. There are definitely more challenging ones, but all of them can be done in a single day by a reasonably fit, experienced hiker. My advice would be to start with conservative choices as you get your bearings, keep an eye on the weather, and slowly push your limits.

natethegreek

15d

I hiked most of the 48 4000 footers over 275lbs, I think as others have said the key is to slowly ramp up. This isn't just walking up stairs and it isn't just your cardiovascular system, it is the ligaments and tendons in your legs and ankles knees those take time to build just go slowly let your body recover before heading out again.

Do some cardio training when not hiking, you will do great. Lots of people's feet feet get pretty sore after 10 miles of the white mountains, this will get easier as your feet get stronger.

Southern-Hearing8904

13d

https://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/listsnh4k.php

This is a good resource for scouting out trail conditions before considering any hike.

OwMyCandle

16d

Another poor soul underestimating the Owl’s Head Slide hahaha!

Mental-Pitch5995

-1

15d

Long hike in and out, yes little gradual grade except for the actual mountain. Why in such a rush? No view from top of Owl’s Head. Don’t hike like your in the high speed lane of the interstate, you’ll miss the true beauty of the forest. And find a partner to share it with.