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592 State Route 2, Shelburne, New Hampshire 03581, United States
SLACKPACKS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SLACKPACKS
1. WILDCAT SLACKPACK NOBO (Pinkham Notch to Hostel) (free with (2) or more night stay)
Depart Hostel at 7:30 AM. Arrive at Pinkham Notch by 7:50 AM.
*The Wildcat Slackpack is a 21-mile (34 km) section of the Appalachian Trail between Pinkham Notch and Rattle River Trailhead. It includes Carter Dome and Mount Moriah.
*This is one of the most challenging slackpacks on the Appalachian Trail and hikers should expect a traverse of 7-12 hours.
*If you need to get off trail, use the 19 Mile Brook, Stoney Brook, or Imp trails. These trails lead to NH 16 and are relatively easy outs.
*For safety, if you think this slackpack presents too much of a challenge, then we suggest its attempt over a period of 2 or 3 days:
- Option 1 (2 days): Hike 13 miles to Imp campsite, stay the night. Hike back to Hostel on the 2nd day.
- Option 2 (3 days): Hike to Carter Hut, stay the night. Hike to Imp campsite, stay the night. Hike back to Hostel on the 3rd day.
*Cost: free with (2) or more night stay; $20 otherwise.
2. GENTIAN POND SLACKPACK NOBO (Austin Brook Trailhead at Millbrook Road terminus to Hostel)
Depart Hostel at 8:00 AM. Arrive at Austin Brook Trailhead at Millbrook Road terminus by 8:20 AM.
*The Gentian Pond Slackpack is a 14-mile (23 km) section of the Austin Brook Trail / Appalachian Trail between the Austin Brook Trailhead at Millbrook Road terminus and the Hostel. It includes Gentian Pond Shelter, Cascade Mountain, and Mount Hayes.
*This is a relatively difficult section of trail and hikers should expect a traverse of 6-10 hours. This is also the only practical slackpack between Grafton Notch and US 2.
*This slackpack includes a return shuttle to Austin Brook Trailhead at Millbrook Road terminus the next morning.
*Cost: with stay, $30 + $15 EAP; maximum of (4) persons.
3. MAHOOSUC TRAVERSE SOBO (Grafton Notch to Hostel)
Depart Hostel at 4:00 AM. Arrive at Grafton Notch by 5:00 AM.
*The Mahoosuc Traverse is a 31-mile (50 km), 10,000 ft of elevation gain section of the Appalachian Trail between ME 26 at Grafton Notch and US 2 near to Rattle River Trailhead. It includes Old Speck Mountain, a 4,000+ ft peak, and Mahoosuc Notch, a one-mile boulder scramble.
*This is a rough and difficult section of trail and we suggest its slackpack is for serious and well-conditioned runners and hikers. Hikers should plan for a 20- to 24-hour traverse.
*While we can offer recommendations for a successful hike, the hiker is ultimately responsible for their planning and attempt of the Mahoosuc Traverse. (Any pickup between Grafton Notch and US 2 would result in an additional shuttle fee.)
*Any request for the Mahoosuc Traverse requires at least 48 hours notice and a confirmation from the Hostel (click HERE to fill out a shuttle request form).
*Cost: with stay, $150 + $15 EAP (call to ask about any special or group rates)
4. PRESIDENTIAL TRAVERSE NOBO (Hostel to Webster-Jackson Trailhead, et al. at Crawford Notch; then Valley Way Trailhead to Hostel)
Depart Hostel at 7:30 AM on Pinkham Notch shuttle. Arrive at Webster-Jackson Trailhead by 8:30 AM.
*The Presidential Traverse is a 23 mile (37 km), 9,000 ft of elevation gain section of the Appalachian Trail between Webster-Jackson Trailhead at SR 302 and Rattle River Trailhead at US 2. It traverses (7) of the presidential mountains (Pierce, Eisenhower, Monroe, Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison).
*A typical length of hike is 1-2 days.
*Call the Hostel when you arrive at the Appalachia Trailhead so to arrange a shuttle pickup return to the Hostel.
*Any request for the Presidential Traverse NOBO requires at least 48 hours notice and a confirmation from the Hostel (click HERE to fill out a shuttle request form).
*Cost: with stay, $90 + $15 EAP (call to ask about any special or group rates)
GENERAL INFORMATION
*There is a limit of (4) passengers on distance and difficult slackpacks.
*We will hold any gear you don't want to carry on a slackpack.
*There may be an additional cost for shuttles outside of hours.
*If a night's stay at an AMC hut or campsite does not fit into your plans, please be aware of the AMC backcountry camping rules.
Don't see your slackpack option? That's okay! Between our experienced staff, we can find a way to help you accomplish your goals!
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