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15252 Hits
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72.08% Score
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2 Votes
Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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44.32830°N / 71.2783°W |
Route Type:
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Hike (Class 1-2) |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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Approach
Follow the directions in the "Getting There" section of the main page.
Route Description
This route follows the Osgood Ridge up Mount Madison to the summit and then down the west ridge to Madison Springs Hut. The trail starts 1.8 miles in on the Great Gulf Trail. From here the trail heads moderately up the Osgood Ridge. The steepest part of this trail is between the start and treeline which is reached at 2.1 miles. The entire time spent on the ridge the impressive Great Gulf will be on your left as this is the largest glacial cirque in the White Mountains.
The trail above treeline is marked by cairns for the rest of the way to the summit. You will cross over a couple different sub-summits on your way to the top. This section of the trail is mostly composed of talus and rock slabs for the rest of the way up the sharp ridge. The Howker Ridge Trail joins in just below the summit which is reached at 3.3 miles. To continue to Madison Hut head down the west ridge to the wind-swept col between Madison and Adams. This is a farther 0.5 miles. The total round-trip distance will be 7.6 miles with a total elevation gain of approximately 3,550 feet.
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Essential Gear
Comfortable hiking boots, water/food, trekking poles, and a camera.