Presidential Traverse Logistics

When I hiked the Presidentials last summer, I stayed at the hiker hostel at White Birches Camping Park (between Gorham and Shelburne, NH). There was a 70-something retired guy -- Bruce Feige -- who, for years, has lived in a trailer at the campground during the season and provided shuttles for AT hikers. The hostel was convenient and inexpensive and since Bruce lived at the CG an early morning departure was not a problem.

The White Birches is currently closed for the season and Bruce goes south for the winter. Also, Bruce is getting up there in years so there is no guarantee he will be providing shuttles next September. But once spring rolls around, it may be worth giving them a call. Bruce's phone number is 504-615-9497. Don't email him; he only responds to calls. The White Birches number is 603-466-2022. Bob and Janet are the owners and very nice folks. They know Bruce well since he is a seasonal regular. If Bruce isn't available, they may be able to refer you to someone else.

Or you can call people on the ATC Shuttle List. That's how I initially lucked out with Bruce. There are other options but the few I checked out were comparatively expensive. I heard mixed reports from hikers who tried hitching -- some said it was easy to get a ride, others said it was extremely difficult. I only hitched once -- I finally got a ride but it took long enough that I went the shuttle route.

When I did the 1-day Presidential Traverse I drove up to the north trailhead early morning from my motel in Bretton Woods (don't remember the name). After completing the traverse I was lucky enough to hitch a ride back to my motel, about 4.5mi away. If I hadn't got the ride, I was planning to walk that. The next morning, I walked over to the AMC Highland Center where I caught the shuttle to Appalachia and my car. That very day I drove all the way back to Pittsburgh!

I think that's by far the better way to do this, if you aren't into that "1-day challenge" business. The scenery is spectacular! I would have loved to have spent longer. Maybe next time.

Any suggestions for funky places to camp or stay overnight that I might surprise my Wife with?  How about any less touristy places to eat-brewpubs perhaps?  We have about 4 days in the area so I'd like to also do a dayhike or two as well.  Thanks for the info!

Lake of the Clouds is a good idea.  Are you only staying on night on the traverse?  There are 2 other AMC huts along the Presidential Traverse. The Randolph Mountain Club keeps a couple cabins, but they are more out of the way - even if much cheaper. There isn't much legal camping along the route of the Traverse. Nauman Tent Sites near the southern end, Valley Way near the northern end and the RMC tent platforms in the north.



For a major splurge, the Mount Washington Hotel is a classic.

For dining it depends on what you like. Conway is full of places to eat. Moat Mountain Brewery is a nice brew pub with good BBQ.    Woodstock in is a classic spot also, in Lincoln on I-93.  It's popular, lively and has a great variety.  I used to adore the Sunny Day diner in Woodstock, but haven't been there in years so I don't know how it is.


www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?32542-Best-restaurant-for-post-hike-dinner-in-Whites

www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?54359-worth-a-new-quot-Best-restaurant-for-post-hike-dinner-in-Whites-quot-thread

Good to hear Bruce is still going strong. Have a great hike!