The best running trails in White Mountain National Forest

Lake of the Clouds Hut is the highest and one of the most iconic of the AMC’s backcountry huts. Perched at 5,012 feet between Mount Monroe and Mount Washington, it offers stunning alpine views, dramatic sunsets, and a front-row seat to the Presidential Range’s famously unpredictable weather. It's a great place to stop and refill water bottles or shelter from the weather on a day hike or an iconic (and popular!) place to spend the night. The hut is full-service during the summer and early fall, with bunk accommodations, family-style dinner and breakfast, potable water, and composting toilets. It sleeps over 90 hikers and is a popular overnight stop for those tackling the Presidential Traverse. Reservations are essential and fill quickly.

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

Nice stop at mountain lakes

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple of days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. A gravel bike can be handy since some of the road grades get so steep that you need that bigger cassette. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!

Crystal Cascade is a beautiful, two-tiered waterfall right off the Tuckerman's Ravine Trail and less than a mile from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. You can see it from a bridge on the trail but better viewing opportunities are just off the trail up a short series of stone stairs that take you to a wide, clear platform.

Lions Head is a distinctive sheer, rock peak on the eastern flank of Mount Washington between Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine; from the base of Tuckerman's in particular, Lions Head dominates the skyline. There is a popular trail that takes you up and over this feature between these two iconic bowls to the Alpine Garden and summit of Mount Washington.