Weather & Trail Conditions
Be aware that the conditions below are extremely variable.
Backcountry travelers should be prepared for changes.
The Appalachian Mountain Club is proud to partner with Mount Washington Observatory in communicating the challenges of mountain weather, improving hiker decision-making, and studying weather and climate dynamics. Visit the Observatory to learn about all aspects of weather forecasting and long-term climate data in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Weather & Trail Conditions
Expand the sections below to explore detailed weather forecasts, trail updates, snow depth, and links to in-depth tools for planning your trip.
New Hampshire
Cardigan Lodge
Name and Location: Cardigan Lodge; 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria, NH 03222
Elevation: 1,450'
Current Conditions 3/18/26 As of 7:30 am, current temperature is 23 degrees F. Wet and muddy in some spots and a little snow, summit is still a little icy but not completely covered.
Current Snow Depth 2"
Status: open
Carter Notch Hut
Name and Location: Carter Notch Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, NH
Elevation: 3,450'
Current Conditions 3/23/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 22 degrees F. Cloudy with light wind. Fresh powder on top of frozen trail. Traction and flotation recommended above and below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 40"
Status: open
Galehead Hut
Name and Location: Galehead Hut; White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Greenleaf Hut
Name and Location: Greenleaf Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,200'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Name and Location: Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine)
Elevation: 3,900'
Current Conditions 3/23/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 21 degrees F. Cloudy and calm. Below the cabin, new snow on hardpack. Traction/flotation recommended. Above the cabin, new snow with deep drifts. Exposed rock and ice. Flotation, crampons, ice axe, and helmet. needed for safe winter travel
Current Snow Depth 40"
Status: open
Highland Center
Name and Location: Highland Center; Bretton Woods NH 03575
Elevation: 1,883
Current Conditions 3/21/26 As of 8:00am The current temperature is 29.8 degrees F. Well-packed snow and ice, traction recommended. Snowshoes encouraged for less popular trails at higher elevations. Today’s best bet hike is Mt. Willard via the Willard Trail. A 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that ascends 937 feet from AMC’s Crawford Depot, Mt. Willard is considered an easy hike for the White Mountains (3/6 on AMC’s Activity Rating Scale). Ending in stunning views looking south into Crawford Notch, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck trails in the region. Micro spikes strongly recommended.
Current Snow Depth 7"
Status: open
Joe Dodge Lodge
Name and Location: Joe Dodge Lodge
Elevation: 2032'
Current Conditions 3/21/26 As of 4:40am the current temperature is 29.9 degrees F. There's a little fresh snow covering trails that were alternating bare patches and sheets of ice yesterday. Traction is recommended on all trails, flotation may be helpful higher up where more of the old snowpack remains. Today's Best Bet is Old Jackson Road, a rambling trail that leads to the Auto Road. On the other side is Lowe's Bald Spot for great views of Mt. Washington.
Current Snow Depth 12"
Status: open
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Name and Location: Lakes of the Clouds Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 5,050'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Lonesome Lake Hut
Name and Location: Lonesome Lake Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,760'
Current Conditions 3/23/26 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 26 degrees F. Foggy. Trails have fresh powder on packed frozen and icy snow. Traction and flotation recommended above and below the hut.
Current Snow Depth 26"
Status: open
Madison Spring Hut
Name and Location: Madison Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 4,825'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Mizpah Spring Hut
Name and Location: Mizpah Spring Hut; White Mountains, New Hampshire
Elevation: 3,800'
Current Conditions Fall/Winter Conditions
Status: close
Zealand Falls Hut
Name and Location: Zealand Falls Hut; Coos County, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Elevation: 2,700'
Current Conditions 3/23/2026 As of 7:55am the current temperature is 24 degrees F. *Zealand Road Closed* Blowing snow. Cloudy and calm. 2" of new snow on frozen trails. Flotation, traction, and poles recommended above and below the hut. Water crossings are significant and potentially impassable on the Twinway. Use caution crossing streams, some have iced over with snow covering them.
Current Snow Depth 25"
Status: open
Maine
Medawisla Lodges & Cabin
Name and Location: Medawisla Lodges & Cabin; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1208’
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,120'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins
Name and Location: Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins; Piscataquis County, The Maine Highlands, Maine
Elevation: 1,220'
Current Conditions View today’s trail conditions
Status: open
New Jersey
Mohican Outdoor Center
Name and Location: Mohican Outdoor Center; Blairstown, NJ 07825
Elevation: 1,180'
Status: open
Please Note: AMC does not update daily trail conditions in the summer season. You can refer to MWOB's Weather Updates for information on Mt. Washington and High Summit Conditions or utilize Mountain Weather Forecasts to view weather information for specific ranges or peaks.
Remember—It’s important to prepare for anything when out in the backcountry.
Even if it feels like summer in the valleys, it can be cold and winter-like on the high peaks. The right clothing and gear are essential where the unpredictable weather of the Northeast meets the increasingly severe weather events from climate change:
- Be prepared for severe conditions, regardless of the season
- Have an alternate route planned if your original route becomes impassable
- Pack the 10 essentials
- Bring extra layers (including synthetic or wool base and insulating layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell)
- Eat high energy foods
- Stay hydrated on your trip
- To prepare for hiking in the White Mountains, always check Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast
Careful planning with adequate supplies will help keep you and your party prepared on the trail and assure a fun and adventurous time in the outdoors.
If you are ever in doubt, turn around – the mountain will always be there for your return adventure.