Author: Notch

Philip Carcia’s New Notch Video Says it All

On this day in 2020, I had just made the heart-wrenching decision to close the hostel early, cancelling dozens of reservations and a long-anticipated Fireside Chat. I shut the heat off, fired up the wood stove in Crawford Room, and met with my staff to research health protocols and...

12 Scenic Hikes Within 30 Minutes of the Notch Hostel

Deciding what to hike when visiting the White Mountains can be a difficult decision. There are so many excellent choices. Here are some of our favorite hikes near the Notch Hostel, ranging from easy walking trails to strenuous multi-day hikes. Easy Hikes Lincoln Woods: Length: Flat 2.9-mile long walking...

AQUAMAN: WORTH EVERY MILE

Guest author Dave Chandler, aka Music Man, shares his piece published in the February 2023 ALDHA Blaze. Calm skies and six inches of fresh powder covered the lawn of The Notch Hostel in North Woodstock, New Hampshire on the Lunar New Year.  It was a mere dusting compared to...

White Mountains Circuit

The White Mountains Circuit classic route encompasses 130 miles of cycling over three days. It is suitable for road bikes; gravel enthusiasts can also enjoy additional back roads and The Presidential Rail Trail that parallels Route 2. Not ready to tackle the entire circuit in one go? Start by...

The Zion Traverse: A bucket-list backpacking trip through Zion National Park

This trip report summarizes my experience completing the Zion Traverse, an increasingly-popular 50-mile backpacking route through one of Utah’s most famous national parks. I hiked from April 18-19, 2019, and was blessed with plentiful springwater due to the high snow fall this past winter. Disclaimer: I hiked 37 miles...

Moosilauke – 2019-03-03

Destination: Moosilauke Trails: Glencliff Trail (AT) Hike Date: 2019-03-03   Conditions: Trail was well-packed, some loose powdery snow on top of the pack above treeline. Equipment: Barebooted the whole way. Comments: No winds and sunny skies made for a fun 45 minute summit hang and photoshoot. Thanks @groundbird_gear for...

Cycling the Whites: An AMC Maine Chapter Trip Report

By Sarah Hunter. Originally printed in the AMC Maine Chapter Winter 2018 Newsletter; reprinted here with permission. Challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and stunning scenery framed our White Mountains cycling adventure this fall, while comfortable lodging, good company and camaraderie made this trip truly great. It was late October when...

The Other Mountain Club: RMC is NH’s White Mountains’ Hidden Gem

While you’d be hard pressed to find an east coast hiker who is unfamiliar with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the majority have barely scratched the surface of the vast network of Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) trails in the White Mountains. Many have never visited or even heard of...