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The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail leads from the Base Station Road to the Crawford Path at the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut. While it is one of the shortest ways to hike up Mount Washington or Mount Monroe, the last mile of the trail is steep and difficult, particularly in slippery conditions.
The present trailhead is at a WMNF parking area as summer parking at the Cog Railway base station is restricted to patrons and visitors only, but if you decide to hike up and take the train down (or vice versa) the old trail from the Cog Railway lot still connects to the present trail.
Distance: To Lakes of the Clouds Hut, about 3.0 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 2500 feet
Maps:
USGS Mount Washington
AMC Presidential Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2004-2005 map G-8
DeLorme NHA&G 44-A5 to 44-B6 - Chandlers Purchase/Sargents Purchase
The trail is located E of I-93 exit 35
Trailhead:
Parking area on South side of Base Station Road about 1.1 miles above Jefferson Notch Road and before reaching Cog Railway complex, elevation about 2500 feet
44.267°N, 71.361°W (WGS84)
WMNF fee site
From I-93 exit 35, follow US Route 3 N about 10.4 miles to Twin Mountain. Turn R on US Route 302 and follow it 4.4 miles, then turn L on Base Station Road. Follow this about 5.6 miles to USFS parking area on R.
Far End: Crawford Path at AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut, elevation about 5000 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: White Mountain National Forest
Special regulations: No fires or camping near highway or hut, or within 200 feet of trail
The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail leaves the uphill end of the parking lot and runs roughly parallel to the road but out of sight, crossing a brook and some water pipes. At 1.0 miles, the new trail enters the original route of the trail (the old trail can be followed L .3 miles back to the Base Station) and continues along the brook at a reasonable grade to a pool at 2.0 miles, where the brook is crossed and the rougher part of the trail begins.
The trail begins a rough and steep climb parallel to the brook, then crosses back over several brooks. The trees become scrubby, and the trail climbs up a series of rock slabs that are slippery when wet. The trail finally breaks out above treeline a couple hundred yards before ending at the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 3.0 miles. This is a major trail junction with several choices including the Crawford Path/Appalachian Trail to Mount Washington (L) and toward Mount Monroe (R).
The hut is open during the summer season only, although limited emergency shelter is available in the "Dungeon" in the basement
The Cog Railway is operating ski trains during winter 2004-2005, and Base Station Road (but not Mount Clinton Road) is plowed. Although the USFS parking lot was not plowed in early 2005, the Cog Railway has allowed day hikers to park in the first (lowest) lot on the L at the Base Station. Overnight hikers should pay a $5 fee.
Using Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail as a bailout route for a Presidential Traverse is not recommended unless you are familiar with it, as it can be hard to locate in the downhill direction and the drifted snow can be very deep.
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show the new parking area and new route of the trail at the bottom.
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