The Single-Day Pemi Loop: Secrets for Success
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....
Who We Are: The Notch Hostel Video Short
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...
North Sugarloaf – 2026-10-01
Destination: North Sugarloaf Trails: Sugarloaf Trail Hike Date: 2026-10-01 Conditions:Muddy at times with leaves on the ground making some spots slippery on rocks but incredible foliage! Submitted by: Melanie Muzyka ...
Mt moosilauke – 2026-09-07
Destination: Mt moosilauke Trails: beaver brook (out and back) Hike Date: 2026-09-07 Conditions:Weather was good, not too many clouds, pretty sunny all day through. However, some rocks were still more slippery than on other trails. VERY windy on top, bring enough layers and a hardshell. Submitted by:...
Before Basecamp: The Notch Hostel Origin Story
Before Basecamp is a 30-minute documentary exploring the history and creation of The Notch Hostel. Produced by Philip Carcia, the film features founders Justin Walsh and Serena Ryan, as well as Mike and Wendy Lannon, who owned the property for the 30 years leading up to the hostel’s opening....
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...
The Day I Deleted My Grid
I’d been hiking New England 4,000-footers in all seasons for four years before I ever started a “peak-bagging” list. The notion of “collecting mountains” never resonated with my raison d’etre for hiking. For me, hitting the trail is about having fun, getting exercise, and experiencing gratitude for the views...
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...
Stopping Asian Hate On and Off the Trail
The following piece was written by Kathy Chau Rohn, a Vietnamese-American woman with whom we connected through her participation in the 2020 Summits in Solidarity event. Kathy is an avid hiker who has completed her NH-48 and is working on her Winter NH-48, New England 67, and a Vermont...