This area, especially above treeline, is known for its harsh weather and sudden, violent storms which have claimedmany lives. Storms quickly intensify as you gain elevation. Carry extra foul-weather clothing and extra food. There is emergencyshelter at the Lakes-of-the-Clouds Hut, but if you experience any difficulty, use good judgment and TURN BACK before it's toolate!This demanding loop hike combines portions of Ammonoosuc Ravine, Crawford Path, Gulfside, and Jewell Trails. It can becompleted in a day's time given an early start and good weather. The recommended loop travels the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail tothe Lakes-of-the-Clouds Hut. From the hut, follow the Crawford Path above timberline to the summit of Mt. Washington. (Toavoid the summit, take the Westside Trail instead.) From the summit, the loop descends via the Gulfside Trail to the Jewell Trail,completing the loop. The first 2.0 miles to Gem Pool are easy. The 1.0 mile sharp, vertical ascent to the hut is difficult. The JewellTrail is intermediate, with 0.7 mile of trail above timberline.
Access: From Twin Mountain, 3 miles east on Rte. 302 to Base Station Road, then 5 miles on Base Station Road to trailhead parking lot. Alternately, from Crawford Depot on Rte. 302 take Mt. Clinton Road 3 miles to Base Station road, then turn right.
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
At 2560 feet the trail leaves the parking lot 0.2 mile before the entrance to the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. It is 3.0miles to the trail's end at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Lakes-of-the-Clouds Hut at 5000 feet. The trail ascends gentle slopes through open woods.
• 0.3 mile: It crosses Franklin Brook and shortly crosses a double pipeline.
• 0.6 mile: It intersects the original trail and follows the south bank of the Ammonoosuc River.
• 1.4 miles: There is a memorial to Herbert J. Young, who died of exposure there in 1928.
• 1.7 miles: The trail passes through an area recovering from an avalanche in 1967, then over Monroe Brook.
• 2.1 miles: It crosses Gem Pool and begins its steep and rocky ascent up the ravine wall.
• 2.2 miles: There on the right is a short side trail (200 feet) toa quasi-gorge with pools and falls.
The main trail continues to ascend, crossing two brooks and ending at the AMC Hut.
Jewell Trail
This trail was named for Sergeant Winfield Jewell, an observer for the Army Signal Corps on Mt. Washington.
The trail leaves on the north side of the Base Station Road, directly across from the parking lot. It ends at the intersection with the Gulfside Trail. At 0.1 mile it crosses the Ammonoosuc River, bears east, and passes theintersection of the Boundary Line Trail at 0.3 mile. It crosses Clay Brook, ascending gradually up a ridge where at 2.8 miles it emerges above timberline. It switchbacks up the rock-strewn slopes to join the Gulfside Trail at 3.5 miles.
Note: The upper 0.7 mile of the Jewell Trail lies above timberline. If weather conditions are uncertain, it is wiser to take theAmmonoosuc Ravine Trail, which provides access to shelter at the Lakes-of-the-Clouds Hut.
Untested water is available. Boil or chemically treat it before use.
The alpine vegetation found near and above timberline is very fragile. Stay on the trails to protect the area from damage.
In addition, these regulations are in effect: Camping and fires are prohibited above treeline and within 200 feet of the AmmonoosucRavine Trail. Gas stoves are permitted.
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