By: Philip Carcia @FindingPhilip I’ve hiked 2,158 miles, and summited 444 White Mountain 4,000-footers over the last 260 days to be able to write these three words: SINGLE. YEAR. GRID. In Northeast hiking culture, the “Grid” refers to a peak-bagging project that requires a hiker to climb all 48 4,000-footers in the White Mountains in … Continue reading The Single-Year Grid: 576 mountains in 12 months
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 of the route, from Lee Pass … Continue reading The Zion Traverse: A bucket-list backpacking trip through Zion National Park
Job description: Join the Notch crew this summer! We’re looking for someone with computer, writing, and customer service skills who can assist with everything from checking in guests to assisting with newsletters and our websites/social accounts. This part-time job pays $12/hour and requires attendance from 3:45 to 9 pm, four nights a week, preferably Sunday … Continue reading Job posting: Reception/Office Assistant
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 I joined a group of intrepid cyclists on the brand new 130-mile, hostel-to-hostel cycling tour through the White Mountains, a collaborative project … Continue reading Cycling the Whites: An AMC Maine Chapter Trip Report
Over the last 10 years, the Pemi Loop has grown in popularity with hikers of all ability levels. It logs more mileage and vertical climbing than the Presidential Traverse, and leads you across some of the White Mountain’s most celebrated stretches of trail: Franconia Ridge, Garfield Ridge, and Bondcliff. The Lincoln Woods trailhead is conveniently located only two hours from Boston and fifteen minutes from the Notch Hostel’s front door. Combine these highlights with the fact that you don’t need a car spot — the Pemi Loop starts and ends at the same trailhead — and you have the ultimate, single-day endurance hike in the Northeast.
By Nicholas Arthur, sport climber and friend of the Notch. LAST WEEK I did the White Mountains Bicycle Tour with my close friend Henry. It’s a three-day, 130-mile cycling tour that includes overnight stops at three hostels: Notch, Rattle River, and White Mountains Hostel (see their joint blog post for more info on these havens). See the route on Strava, RideWithGPS, or Google Maps We each … Continue reading The White Mountains Bicycle Tour (experience, proper bike optional)
We’ve all been there — after weeks of looking forward to your planned escape to the White Mountains, the weather app refuses to budge from its 90% chance of rain forecast. It’s too late to cancel reservations and you’ve already lined up the plant sitter. You pack rain gear and tell yourself you will hike … Continue reading Hike Anyway! Plus eight other rainy day things to do in the White Mountains.
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 the RMC cabins nestled in the … Continue reading The Other Mountain Club: RMC is NH’s White Mountains’ Hidden Gem
Fall 2018 Job Annoucement The Notch Hostel is hiring for September and/or October (similar position available this winter)! Position: Housekeeper Want to live and work in the White Mountains? Do you enjoy housekeeping in a home-like setting? Apply today to live in your very own tiny house at the Notch Hostel in exchange for providing housekeeping … Continue reading Want to live in a tiny house in the White Mountains this fall? The Notch Hostel is hiring!
Deciding what to hike when visiting the White Mountains can be a difficult decision. There are so many excellent choices. We, at the Notch Hostel, compiled a list of our favorite nearby hikes to share with you, ranging from easy walking trails to strenuous multi-day hikes. Easy Hikes Lincoln Woods: Length: Flat 2.9-mile long walking … Continue reading 12 Scenic Hikes Within 30 Minutes of the Notch Hostel