The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. Before taking a camping trip to this area of the country, it is important to consider the locations you want to visit to know where to boondock in New Hampshire. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. Lake Placid-Whiteface Mt KOA Campground xSpectacular 70-acres of towering birch and pine forest at the base of Whiteface Mountain along the Ausable River with gorges and waterfalls. Our CFC number: 12230. - The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. If not, its better to stay put instead of illegally camping farther down the Ethan Pond trail, breaking local regulations, andpotentially starting another impacted site in this high use area. The White Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences: from family-friendly developed campgrounds, to popular backcountry sites, to the solitude of a Wilderness setting. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs known as widowmakers or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees. Looking forward to the rest of this series! * If you encounter hot spots, douse the ashes with additional water. Washington) and find a spot. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization. No trace at all. Dispersed camping opportunities are most abundant on the the A.T. in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia on US Forest Service lands. Located on the western portion of the Forest, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. See below for more information. Stealthing the White Mountains AMC Backcountry Camping Rules * No camping or fires within .25 (1/4) mile from any hut, shelter, tent platform, cabin, picnic area or campground except at designated sites any trailhead above tree line (except on 2' of snow) within 200' of trail The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. For me, the LNT aspect is more important than the camp site and camp style. Ive seen such spots near the top of Liberty before. ( 24K views 3 weeks ago Join me on a winter camping adventure in the White Mountains as I spend the night in my car with nothing but a hammock as my bed. Specific areas are identified below and should be referred to if planning a visit: A couple of our campgrounds are open year-round. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . To minimize foot traffic to and from the water sources, we will bring 2 x 3 liter platypus reservoirs with us and fill them before we head into the woods to start looking for sites. Backpacking hammocks can offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping is allowed. When we hike off-trail, we will walk along parallel routes to avoid creating a trail or the mere suggestion of one that others might follow. Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning AT Stealth Camping in the Whites. No camping within 200' of the trail, beyond 200' okay. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. Zealand Summit - After Guyot, and before the descent to Zealand Hut, there is a short side trail for peak baggers to reach the summit of Zealand. Appalachian Trail Forums. From I-93 South: Exit 27, right at end of ramp and take . Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, so bring your binoculars. Join the 30,000 SectionHiker readers who've subscribed to our weekly newsletter and get the latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill articles. Overkill is my humble opinion. The Alternate Site is a hideous, highly impacted stealth site that was overused by many campers who saw that others had camped there previously. If we cant find level, vegetation free sites to sleep on cook on in the pristine areas, well continue hiking on our route. We will cook 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the woods. Washington) and find a spot. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake. 302 .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. Consider this a checklist of annotated questions to run through when planning a trip like this. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could. Ghost Mountain Ranch - RV Camping near Pollock Pines, CA. LockA locked padlock From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Backpackers seeking a Wilderness or backcountry experience should consult one of the many trail guides available, and should be familiar with the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules. And it helps settle the stomach, which I find is sometimes effected w/spicy food. New Hampshire is a state that is often overlooked, but, If you need to escape for a few days and, New Hampshire is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the. Fishin' Jimmy Trail This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. Stay safe, and walk far. The other areas on our route are either too steep or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! Carefully knock the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. This planning process might seem rather detailed, but its not that much different from the planning process youd go through for any backpacking trip. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". United States government. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. There are just too many people hiking down this section of trail to risk it. Showing them what those impacts are and teaching them sustainable camping techniques is far more effective than passing unenforced regulations. If anything, spelling out all of your assumptions is a good communication tool for involving your companions in the planning process and getting everyone on the same page. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. These are usually located at the top of mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. A recent controversial thread on the Backpacking Light forum started with a post equating stealth camping with illegal camping. There are two marked streams before and after the pristine site areas. The restrictions are getting out of hand. My family have trip next month. Just past the FPA are some possibilities. It is primarily above tree line and UNLESS you stay at Lakes of the Clouds hut, (sort of halfway), you have a kind of big push with lots of hiking above tree line, (which is NICE in GOOD weather) and some fairly decent elevation gain. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. Whatever floats your boat. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Seriously, like above treeline or in the krumholz? but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. Dispersed Camping; Group Camping . Water from creek. You will not have water hooked up to your camper, but anything in your tank can be used during your trip. Food Storage: Storing your food properly to keep your food and you safe from bears and other wildlife is a critical component to best camping practices. Looking forward to the rest of this series, as Im still fairly new to the backpacking/hiking community. Dial 711 for TRS. Less than 7 days? Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. Trains run all hours of the night. Learn More I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). The Pemigewasset Loop (pemi loop) is a 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains. 7. on official, secure websites. I chew gum and then swap it with my SO. Do you also breathe into a plastic bag to avoid contaminating the forest with dirty lowly human breath? There are dozens more. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. Im really glad to see you taking my side of the issueincluding, and especially, the LNT aspect! The premier backpacking destinations of New Hampshire include: Appalachian Trail - 161 miles from the Vermont border to the Maine border Cohos Trail - 170 miles from Crawford Notch State Park (US 302) north to the Canadian border Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway - 50 miles from Mt. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Appalachian Trail. Fifteen percent of the land is federal wilderness divided into five wilderness areas: Caribou-Speckled Mountain, Great Gulf, Presidential Range-Dry River, Pemigewasset, and Sandwich Range. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. I think there were two to three separate sites along the way. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. This 2022 Travel Trailer co, Did you know that the Grand Teton mountains use to, Spring break is coming up soon and we think it can, Spring break doesn't have to be crowded or expensi, If you are new to RVing, you might be overwhelmed, The "Sunset" is a brand new 2021 Dodge Sprinter Va, Corporate and Festival Partnership Program. TTY 603-536-3685 From I-93 North: Exit 27, left at end of ramp and go under highway; take right just past south-bound off-ramp. I would still reccomend dispersing your baking soda toothpaste as it is a salt and too much of it can harm plant life but Im sure it would be less harmfull than the tubed toothpaste. There are 24 campsites in this area that you can use for RV or tent camping. Go towards Mt. If an established fire ring is not available, choose areas that are already impacted and dont have heavy vegetation that could potentially catch fire. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. This is not often a large tank, so it may not be much, especially if you are traveling with a few people. The contour lines in these areas suggest a gradual slope which may yield level camping. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. Most toothpastes contain baking soda now-a-days anyway. [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) This means packing pots and pans that can be used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while cooking. Looking forward to the series, i have been looking for some articles on this. That probably applies to the area in questions. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. It would provide you with more camping options and you would lose less elevation gain when trying to find a spot, because you cannot camp above tree line. About half a pound though. At a minimum, we are likely to move sticks and rocks from the areas we want to lay on the ground; we will compress the ground that we sit, lie, or walk on, and we will probably create noticeable paths between out cooking and shelter area. When bushwhacking to a pristine location, taking different routes in and out of the site so that they dont create a visible path. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Originally published on June 2nd, 2021. Its called Stealth because you want some privacy and dont want people to know you are there, but people also do it to be closer to nature, because the shelters or campsites they planned to stay at are full, or because there arent any designated campsites in the wilderness areas they visit. No Code Necessary. Clinton and Mt. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Camping is not permitted in Forest Protection Areas (FPA.) Moriah Summit - historically there was a log shelter at the summit. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com Stealthing the White Mountains AMC Backcountry Camping Rules: * No camping or fires within .25 (1/4) mile from any hut, shelter, tent platform, cabin, picnic area or campground except at designated sites any trailhead above tree line (except on 2' of snow) within 200' of trail Dispersion matters. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Well police the area to make sure we carry out any trash or human artifacts that would suggest someone had ever been there. Heh. By far one of the best days of climbing. Yep too true. The Appalachian Trail Conservancys mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. This is a great White Mountains campground if you want to camp but don't want to be in the woods all day since there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding towns. Share sensitive information only There's also stealth camping in the woods all around the parking lot, just get back a hundred feet or more, and don't use lights or fires. above tree line (except on 2 of snow) Use camp stoves for cooking this minimizes the chances of sparks flying into the environment. any trailhead (Click TWICE for a larger version of the map.) In 1936 the AT used this section of trail and then led past the pond to rejoin the present-day AT just before Eliza Brook shelter. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. I often forget to brush my teeth anyway on these short trips. Mt. New TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Specific areas are identified below and should be referred to if planning a visit: Located on the northern part of the forest in New Hampshire and western Maine, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! website belongs to an official government organization in the Water is available nearby. Wolf - a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. within 200 of trail. Dry camping and lots of wind. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. You can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park. Either choose an area where the ground is already completely bare from use by previous campers (an established site) or choose a site with no sign of previous use. The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) in northern New Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 acres-an area larger than Rhode Island. Hanging a bear bag to prevent bears from becoming used to human food. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. This will provide us with plenty of water for drinking and cooking until the following morning when we get back on the A-Z trail and can resupply again. For as long as there has been camping, there have been campfires not only for warmth, lighting, and cooking, but also for group bonding, storytelling, and other social activities. Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Campton NH 03223, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. Well replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff we slept or stepped on. Moriah Summit historically there was a log shelter at the summit. CA If you need a cabin in the San Bernardino mountains, come stay at a cozy mountain retreat perfect for any season - Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, or just relaxing. Dry camping. We will hang a bear bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. This was the hiker shelter location in 1936. Most campfire-based wildfires develop because the campfire was not completely extinguished. Before Rt. Stealth is the way to go. New Hampshire is a great place to enjoy boondocking, especially if you enjoy hiking in the mountains or around the lakes in the state. Every campsite and situation is a little different and while the Leave No Trace guidelines can help you weigh different alternatives, you need to make your own decisions about the level of impact youll have on the local wildlife, vegetation, and other visitors you encounter. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size. In a few areas, especially in New England on steep terrain or where soil is thin, wooden platforms may be provided. One thing that Ive learned real quick is that I make most of my mess by walking to and fro around the site of my tent. Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Dry camping. If you are concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a little water and baking soda. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. All Rights Reserved. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. Recreational opportunities are endless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! United States. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Ok that makes sense. Privacy Policy All . Region: New England (White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire) Length: 31 miles (2-4 days) See More In The App Click to sign in or create a free account. below treeline) But not in the following areas: Spacious pull-thru sites. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. Steve Whittingham. if campfires are permitted where you are camping. No loud noises - sound travels! The remainder of our route, after the junction of the A-Z Trail and the Ethan Pond Trail, is part of the Appalachian Trail and also heavily used. Low Impact Stealth Camping: Planning and Preparation, Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), (Click TWICE for a larger version of the map. In my experience, people who follow the LNT creed will do so even when spending the night in an AT shelter. Heated pool,. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. Charcoal fires, and limits on party size we expect that 5-10 % of the Trail and there are campsites. More effective than passing unenforced regulations website, you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened spots so! 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