Hut to hut: Expert advice on exploring the AMC’s historic White Mountains retreats

The Appalachian Mountain Club, known for its backcountry huts, lodges, and campsites, extensive trail work, and conservation efforts, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The club was founded in Boston in 1876 by MIT professor Edward Charles. Today, AMC operates eight mountain huts, three full-service lodges in New Hampshire, three wilderness lodges in Maine, and several cabins, campsites, and outdoor centers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. And it’s a leader in protecting natural resources, spearheading conservation efforts and promoting outdoor recreation throughout the Northeast.

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We’ve been to all of the eight high-elevation AMC huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (and to several lodges and campsites) and will tell you that after a day of hiking up, up, and up (sometimes up and down, up and down, and then up and up), the sight of the hut, with its promise of food, water, beds, and companionship, is an oasis in the desert. Add to that: the infamous hut “croo,” the jolly staff that hauls supplies, cooks the meals, and entertains their overnight guests with merry-making skits. We agree with Nicole Zussman, president and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club, who said, “Spending time in AMC’s huts and with the hut croo is truly magical. There’s something incredibly special about arriving after a hike and being welcomed into a shared experience — warm food, hilarious skits, and a deep connection to the mountains around you. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a community in the heart of the White Mountains that creates memories people carry with them for a lifetime.”

We have a cache of fond memories and some favorite hut-to-hut hikes. But we went to AMC experts for their recommendations.

Zealand Falls Hut is the top pick for a hike for families with young children. Under 3 miles, the trail follows an old logging railroad bed, making it flatter than expected for the White Mountains, allowing it to be easier for families bringing smaller children. During the summer, kids can splash in the pools of the Zealand River right outside of the hut door. Open for full service June 4-Oct. 17, self-service Oct. 21-Dec. 31.

Madison Spring Hut is the perfect balance of challenging and rewarding for teenagers. Located in the famed Presidential Range, the hut sits above treeline at 4,825 feet between Mount Adams and Mount Madison, making it “tough” enough to feel like an accomplishment without overwhelming teens. With a 360-degree alpine view, rocky terrain, and a brief walk to Star Lake, the payoff of the trail is immediate. Open for full service June 4-Sept. 26.

There are two options for newer hikers. Either Zealand Falls or Lonesome Lake are perfect. Zealand’s flat trail is great whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. At 2.8 miles and a 600-foot elevation gain, this is the perfect option for those who are looking for a bit of a longer hike. For those looking for a bit of a shorter hike, Lonesome Lake, with views of Franconia Ridge across a glacial lake, offers the big mountain scenery within 1.6 miles and a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Open for full service June 4-Oct. 17, self-service Oct. 21-Dec. 31.

For folks seeking an adventure-packed thrill, there’s nowhere quite like the Presidential Range in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, covering 19 to 23 miles with around 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikers spend a significant amount of time above treeline and can summit five peaks from the New Hampshire 4,000-footers list. A highlight of the route is the AMC’s High Mountain Huts, strategically spaced along the trail, offering beds and home-cooked meals prepared by the hut “croo” staff. This setup lets hikers experience true wilderness without carrying full overnight gear.

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The Franconia Ridge Loop! Hike up Falling Waters, across the Franconia Ridge, and down the Old Bridle Path. It remains one of the most popular hikes in New England, with very good reason! Views, views, views…

Greenleaf Hut sits just a mile below the summit of Mount Lafayette, at the junction of the Old Bridle Path and the Greenleaf Trail — both about 2.8 miles from Route 93. The view from the dining room of Lafayette and the ridgeline is wonderful. Open for full service June 4-Oct. 17.

When hiking, it’s always nice to take a moment to enjoy the view, and what better way to do that than by enjoying a waterfall, river, or lake. While AMC has tons of options to catch a glimpse of these sights, there’s no better view than Carter Notch. Known for its towering cliffs and mountain lakes, Carter Notch is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet trail with the perfect lake view. It’s a moderate 3.8-mile hike along the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail to the hut, which sits at 3,288 feet. Open for full service June 4-Sept. 19, self-service Sept. 23-Dec. 31.

There are two lodges that work as base camps for day hiking, no backpacking required. The Highland Center in Crawford Notch puts you within walking distance of everything from a relaxed 30-minute lakeside stroll on the Ammonoosuc Lake and Red Bench Train to the popular Mt. Willard hike, a moderate two-to-three-hour climb with big views. For guests who are feeling adventurous, they can also tackle one, two, or all three of the 4,000-footers within Willey Range.

Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch also offers a similar experience, with a variety of hiking options, from easy to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the summit of Mount Washington, one of the most iconic routes in the Northeast.

Both lodges also offer gear libraries, with boots, backpacks, outerwear, and more to borrow at no cost. Both are open for full service year-round.

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