Madison Spring Hut
Madison Spring Hut is one of eight backcountry huts managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) within the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. This hut is situated in a col between the summits of Mt. Adams and Mt. Madison.
There are many different approach trails to this Hut. The most common routes begin from the Appalachia parking area off US-2 in Randolph. The Valley Way Trail is the easiest route to the Hut and the safest in poor weather. Other trails are more exposed but also more scenic.
The Hut is one of the hardest AMC huts to reach, with roughly 3,500-4,000 of elevation gain required on the majority of trails. Its location is spectacular, with spectacular 360-degree views offered very close to the Hut.
Don't miss the short and easy walk to Star Lake, which offers a classic reflecting view of Mt. Madison.
Accomodations
According to the AMC's website (www.outdoors.org), the 2012 operating season is as follows:
2012: "Full Service" June 1 - September 15
"Full-Service" includes a full dinner and breakfast, and you are provided with a mattress, blankets and a pillow. Bring your own sleeping liner (recommended) or a very lightweight sleeping bag.
Madison Spring Hut sleeps 52 in two coed bunkrooms. Reservations are mandatory (except for A.T. thru-hikers). The Hut typically sells out well in advance for many summer & holiday weekends.
Check Availability (Reservations):
AMC ReservationsAccess
Madison Spring Hut is the seventh AMC hut along the Appalachian Trail corridor in New Hampshire:
Note: Huts are listed in order from south to north as they lie on the A.T.
1st -
Lonesome Lake Hut
2nd -
Greenleaf Hut
3rd -
Galehead Hut
4th -
Zealand Falls Hut
5th -
Mizpah Spring Hut
6th -
Lakes of the Clouds Hut
7th -
Madison Spring Hut
8th -
Carter Notch Hut
The most common route to the Hut is proably via Valley Way from the Appalachia parking area on US-2 in Randolph (3.8 miles with 3,550ft of elevation gain).
Distances from the Hut to:
Star Lake - 0.25 mile (via Star Lake Trail)
Mt. Madison - 0.5 mile (via Osgood Trail)
Mt. Adams - 0.9 mile (via Gulfside Trail & Air Line)
Mt. Jefferson - 2.8 miles (via Gulfside Trail & Mt. Jefferson Loop)
Osgood Tentsite - 3.1 miles (via Osgood Trail)
Mt. Washington - 6.0 miles (via Gulfside Trail)
Lakes of the Clouds Hut - 6.8 miles (via Gulfside Trail, Westside Trail & Crawford Path)
AMC Pinkham Notch Lodge - 7.7 miles (via Appalachian Trail)
Carter Notch Hut - 9.4 miles (via Osgood Trail, Great Gulf Trail, a road-walk down NH 16 south & Nineteen Mile Brook Trail)
External Links
Appalachian Mountain Club's Madison Spring Hut page
Mohammed Ellozy's Madison Spring Hut page
Higher Summits Forecast