Backpacking New Hampshire #7: Mt. Washington and the Presidentials

If you follow my Instagram account @Backpacker_Comics and watch the stories there, you might already know about my plan to spend a few weeks hiking across New Hampshire on the Appalachian Trail.
In this episode, I hike through the Presidential Range in the White Mountains and go over Mt. Washington and Mt. Madison. It’s a 2-day journey from Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch. Liz Kidder accompanies me for the morning of the first day.
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[@theONLYsunwolf]

Yes Evan, some of us rememner the great night hike through the presidentials of 2018. The best part was the next morning when.you caught up to Liz and Luke. Still really enjoy watching you hike. :) Keep on truckin'.

[@sammyhudson7274]

Love Liz and i watched her AT vids as well as your AT journey. Must be wonderful to go on a huge adventure and meet someone that becomes a life long friend.

[@LizKidder]

Omg I loved the clouds you saw on Madison!!!😍 The first time I hiked it, it looked like that! Remind me to show you a picture when I see you!! Great hike yesterday, so glad we made it happen! Awesome video as always!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Liz!

[@LizKidder]

Evan's Backpacking Videos PS I like your video title🤣🤣🤣

[@MHS_ART]

Liz Kidder hi Liz how long would to take to hike down this? Thank you

[@thriftyendurance]

I love backpacker_comics! 🤗 It sort of reminds me of Dilbert but for hikers! 👍🏻 Well, Quicksand and his tramily will be in the Whites soon and hopefully Broadway can trek with his "posse." The White Mountain range and Southern Maine seem to be the end-all for some thru-hikes, unfortunately. I just think it gets more interesting in these sections...but I'm just a "weird" hiker who loves mountains, bouldering and rock scrambles. I think road walking would bore me to tears! The Thursday before our latest Mt. Washington trek, a woman in her 60s died of hypothermia. The very next day, a male in his 70s was found in a fetal position near the summit. The mountains are awesome but they make their own weather. We hike in all 4 seasons. There were snowboarders on Tuckerman Ravine in June. You have to watch for the avalanche, so I always avoid the ravines in Winter. I think the sound person was asleep for "cue up the beautiful music" on the summit of Jackson! 😂 Yay for Liz, a new "NO POLES" convert! Happy trails! 🌺

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great comment, thanks.

[@mikecaughron6289]

Enjoyed as usual Evan , great to see LIZ out and about again too !!!!!!!!

[@rickyluna2589]

Hey its Airbud!! I finished the thru hike. Just wanted to say thank you for everything and love the videos. Can’t wait to watch then all!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Awesome! When I met you on the trail, I didn’t realize you were “Ricky Luna” from KZbin. I was already a subscriber. People on the AT look very different by the time they get to New Hampshire!

[@steveacevedo820]

As Liz said, the locals here in NH have a lot of reverence and respect for Mt. Washington. The weather up top can turn on a dime and unleash all its fury on those who are least prepared to handle it.

[@tammystringer4044]

Great to see you hiking with Liz. hard to comprehend that you were able to do that section in the dark last year. Beautiful scenery for sure. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the hike. Love the comics too,

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

As usual, I enjoyed tagging along. Hiking with Liz sure is a workout! I'm positive there is no way I could keep up with her, especially on steep, rocky terrain... wearing sandals!!! You are an inspiration to guys like me Evan. Since your trip last year, I've started back walking/hiking, and even jogging. Four miles a day is my goal for total distance. I've dropped 20 pounds and even completed a full mile of jogging without stopping Wednesday. Just wanted to share that bit of news with you. Oh yeah, even though I'm not a real hiker, or backpacker, I enjoy @backpacker_comics!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

That’s great! Keep it up and thanks for the comment as always!

[@terrypaschal348]

Thanks once again for sharing. You are still one of the most informative as well as great to follow on all of the journeys. I too have done the Sipsey and parts of the A.T. Looking at doing the GA. portion of the Benton MacKaye this fall. Hope you can get down here around Weogufka, Al. to the new beginning of the Pinhoti and spend some time conversing with a legend and resident caretaker at Flagg Mt. cabins. M.J. (Nimblewill Nomad) Eberhart. I am sure you two would have a lot to talk about. He has been instrumental in acquiring and extending the trail, which is in fact the true beginning of the Appalachian Chain. Hopefully one day it will be part of the A.T. Wonderful to see you back.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks! Good suggestions.

[@markhess329]

Great to see the top of Washington on a clear day. Glad Liz was along for this one. Appears that honesty beget's discomfort in the Whites.

[@kdavis4910]

The road up mount Washington is very scary. I wasn't even in a large vehicle and the ride up actually made me sweat. The ride down isn't as nerve wracking though. The scenic beauty is unparalleled and the ride is still totally worth it if you ever have the opportunity to go 💚👣✌

[@rebeccanichols5651]

What an awesome vid. Very nice views

[@robinbrown7953]

Great video! ....A truly honest person is honest all the time...not just when it’s convenient....thanks for being that person 😊

[@cheri7828]

Great video showing the true terrain and difficulty of the Whites. You have an interesting voice and inflection that keeps me watching.

[@WrightLisgar]

Small world, my daughter and I just drove up Mount Washington for the first time on Monday. Next time there, I'll be hiking. Glad you are still making videos as well as cartoons Evan.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Good to see you & Liz together again! How fun. Mt. Washington brought back memories (actually the inside part where we hunkered done and spent some time warming up!). Great video Evan. - Chica 💁‍♀️

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

Last summer at work me and my coworker enjoyed watching your videos every weekend. It was so much fun and we looked forward to seeing that guy with the sandals, umbrella, the bad music, trek along the AT. Please do another hike. Recommendation: Long Trail, Piedmont Trail. I feel incomplete without watching you hike.

[@bestillonthetrail234]

We remember the mission you were on by Mitzpah hut last year when you decided to hike all night and caught your Tramily at Lakes of the Clouds. Great memories and much better views this time.

[@ThomasGapinski]

Thanks for sharing all the views. I’m glad you had nice weather.

[@inarichards7554]

Evan, Feel same way about the whites!! ❤️ Beautiful day, lots of good miles ! So cool Liz got to Trail! Wish much success to SOBO “Broadway”, Cool trail story! Look forward to your trail videos in Maine. 👊

[@rachescakes]

I’m really enjoying seeing more of the Whites, I only spent a few days there last summer but can’t wait for a chance to return.

[@TheWeekendHiker]

Hey Evan, I was overjoyed to see you starting a new series. So I had to binge watch to catch up. I hope you are doing well and that your knees don't hurt. Take care and God bless. -ATB Adam

[@robertfmccarthy2360]

Another great vid, yeah I know you were ok Or video wouldn’t of been up! But was kinda nervous when you were night I can do the presidents. Great job going back and taking all in.

[@charliejg]

I remember watching your "night hike" because you wanted to catch up. Don't know how you hiked that terrain in the dark with just your headlamp!

[@KrizAkoni]

That's some hard core tarping...most excellent!

[@kristeecrawford5615]

What a crazy little camp spot you found there! I love the areas in the whites where the moss covers everything its almost like its floating. Props to you for telling the truth to the hut personnel. I would have as well. Im sure Airbud appreciated that little piece of fate too. Who knows if there would have been a spot for him. Great video as always! You might not like showing face on youtube but you make some of the best videos.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Airbud actually thanked me the next days-they told him they only had two spots. Maybe they would have made more room though.

[@SalineScott]

You had some really good views at the summit. That’s awesome that Liz came out to hike with you again.

[@JeffMeadowsOutdoors]

Those clouds in the valley were beautiful. I gotta get there sometime.

[@frankynodots]

This has been a good mini-series. Good referral on Quicksand. I have been catching up on him.

[@hikehunter9572]

Nice weather for you. I really like your backpacker comics. Have Fun & Hike Safe

[@williamwirick886]

I always enjoyed finding spots to camp like that. That's what I consider Lnt hiking. Great video!

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

4:10 I remember you doing the night walk to catch up with Liz and the rest and pushing to get to the lake in the clouds building. Glad you got to see this part in the day . Yes I am seeing this a year later or so but I'm playing catch up with some of the older to newer one .

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Wow, a year later -- doesn't seem that long ago to me!

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos if you ever do the trail again and when you hit Bennington I'm only 25 min over the line in n.y so if you need something or a ride into Bennington I can help you out or pownel vt . In fact I can help you up to Rutland on 103# .I'm sure you know Manchester is a torest town and know to stay away from the high prices on things . Anyway you get the gist . U need something you have help up here in the north .👍🏼👍🏼

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

@@heithdotysadventures7824 Thanks, really appreciate that!

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

No problem.

[@debsmith7050]

I love your sketches / comics. Thanks for sharing all you do. Fun video :)

[@adamd8587]

Its interesting to see the whites a year removed from my thru hike, from another thru hiker. I can understand how the perspective is different. Enjoying backpacker comics as well, thanks Evan!

[@frolege1]

Wow, Liz can really move without hiking poles.

[@hokulele4059]

Thanks Evan. I always learn something from your videos. Looking forward to more :)

[@QuicksandontheTrail]

Sorry I missed you. The weather sure did get bad fast. I'm not looking forward to the Presedentials at all but got to do it. Great video as usual man👊

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Oh too bad! I was just about to detour into Imp Campsite to see if you were there.

[@samducharme4863]

Hi Evan! Listen, I don't have a great deal of sagacity but I love gaining it through your videos. I watch with great anticipation and I am benumbed by the details that you so naturally hearken to. In contrast, I merely searched the comfort of the next blaze. It is a wonder I made it thru. Also, while I hang on every word, your visual content is extraordinary! The story of the lonely SOBO and the lucky NOBO is a testament to your character. Well done, your karma is sky high right now. @Backpacker_Comics is awesome as well. While it keeps your face out of the social media, remember, viewers enjoy seeing you from time to time. signing off(hand waive)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Sam! Thanks for the signature hand wave too!

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Awesome beautiful fantastik vlogging, hiking, scenery, the song memories from Barbara Striesand comes to my mind, its been to long not on the trail, all the best. You too had awesome beautiful weather, very lucky, extrodinarily exceptionaly awesome beautiful vlogging and scenery.

[@oldunion]

Evan, the Whites, I am hooked on them too, but I couldnt keep up with you.

[@janefm9220]

Evan, have you been to the Joyce Kilmer Forest in NC? You need to check it out if you haven’t. Lots of BIG trees! As always, love seeing your notification pop up. Great vid and thanks for sharing.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The Benton MacKaye Trail went through there -- so yes, I've seen it! I should return though.

[@janefm9220]

I want to hike the Whites now!!! Great video!

[@patstreet6690]

Been enjoying this series of videos. Still hoping to do the Benton MacKaye trail in the near future after watching your videos on this and talking to you at Trail Days. Take care.

[@drewlucero3916]

AWESOME thanks for sharing 📸👍👍👍👍📸🙏

[@summittaedae2323]

No offence mate but I’m still watching because of this Liz 🥰. Good video looks like Scotland without rain lol

[@DrewBoswell]

Killer intro, Evan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

So to speak ...

[@kathysmall3616]

Love the whites never get tired of seeing them thanks for the views!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

Checking the weather radar at the time of this comment: You are probably happy you are staying inside tonight! Good luck on the next part of your hike!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, thunderstorms all over around here!

[@karenhikesalot]

The true stories from the book Not Without Peril will put the fear of Mt Washington in anyone. I will hike it though!

[@briangreen1971]

Great to see you and liz reunited!, great footage of the presidentals!, will check out your ''gram!

[@drewskihikes5981]

Great video bro🤘

[@justinpeikin7155]

I hiked the same route as you did in 2+ days, and I can definitely say that this video in no way does justice to the difficulty, (and length) of this section of the AT. You, sir, are a madman. Extremely impressive! Also, how long in total was this section? (must be more than 20 miles)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks for the comment. Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch, the section in this video, is 26 miles. After this section, I went from Pinkham Notch to Grafton Notch (the next video in the series) and really picked up the pace. I sped up both for the challenge and because I was meeting Liz and Luke again on a particular date and didn’t want to miss it. Others do these sections faster though. It’s also true, though, that you can’t really appreciate videos from the Whites unless you’ve been there and know first-hand the insanely challenging trail conditions. So thanks!

[@TheChuckoluck]

Ever read Bill Bryson's book A Walk in the Woods? He had a harrowing experience on Washington. Near the top out of nowhere a cloud bank of fog settled on them and visibility was almost zero. He literally feared for his life in trying to make it to the summit..

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes I’ve read it a few times, thanks!

[@TheChuckoluck]

Bryson was another hiker who had overblown expectations of what the AT would do for him. I went into it knowing it would suck, and I wasn't disappointed.

[@NickSerritella]

@@TheChuckoluck I have a feeling it's not the trail that sucks

[@TheChuckoluck]

@@NickSerritella All trails suck if you stay on them long enough.

[@e4t662]

I heard there was still some patches of snow on Mt Washington that were finally expected to melt soon... Cool vid man.

[@msm624]

Yes, i saw a patch at the bottom of the Tucks headwall on aug.6th

[@brianphillips3541]

Dude you are tempting the hiking gods with the death on mt Washington book 😜 hope you had good weather

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hah, true!

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

I very honest And you should have many more views

[@philslates1495]

Love the video and wonder if you could give info on hiking a loop in the presidential range area or shuttle service

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

So much depends on the weather, how many miles you hike a day, whether you’re doing a loop, etc. Lots of people break themselves in with hut reservations (hard to get) and day hikes. I’ve seen great books about hiking the Whites in the bookstores.

[@NickSerritella]

I hiked down Madison at night. Real jerks at the Madison hut

[@jennifersimpson6385]

The first time I hiked the Whites, I felt enamored and it hasn't changed despite how much they make me ache after backpacking there. Have you seen much wildlife?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No wildlife except for some grouse/pheasant type ground-dwelling bird that should appear in Liz’s video. I saw a bear from the car in the Whites a few weeks ago.

[@outdoorswithmagnum]

So, question that I’ve always wondered...when on a thru hike going thru the whites and the huts...can you pay them to just sleep on the floors? As opposed to work for stay? I haven’t ever been really clear on the rules. Good vid! Yo Liz! 👍

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No. You can pay to sleep in the bunks ($100-$150 I think), but there are almost never any open reservations. I should have pointed that out.

[@brianduval656]

Looks like you had a great hike. How did you like that pack?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great. I’ll probably do a video about it. Still headed to Maine!

[@cubanavic]

Love your videos. What do you do about the bugs?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

In this particular video, there weren’t any bothersome bugs, I guess because of the altitude. On this trip, I applied bug spray but only the first few days. The mosquitoes didn’t bite unless I was stopped. At night when bugs are a problem, I use a bug bivy.

[@MHS_ART]

How long is the hike?

[@Putitonpaper]

Are you concerned about snake encounters since you often are off trail for set up? And disturbing leaf-beds? I was bitten by a copperhead in my own front yard. I enjoyed watching your successful AT hike.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Here in the Whites it’s not a concern to me. Back in TN I’m careful about it.

[@madratter]

Didn't you pull a 33 or 38 mile day through here ?? That's crazy

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yeah that WAS crazy . . .

[@madratter]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos respect to that. Hard area for high mileage. Loved when you found Liz in the morning 👣 my best so far was CT this year. 40.7 final day. 18 1/2 hours

[@lukasmakarios4998]

What were these mountains called by the Native Americans before we gave them the names of our Presidents? Which "tribes" were local to this area? As important as the first Presidents were to us, doesn't it seem a bit arrogant and presumptuous to rename the places that were important to someone else? Beauty aside, these woods were essential to the livelihood of the Indians, but we just use them for hiking and spook the animals from their homes. But at least, Thanks for doing your best to Leave No Trace. I love your videos, Evan. I think I've watched (almost) all of them. Good job! Keep going. 👍😀👌