Appalachian Trail - Presidential Range

The White Mountains' Presidential Range is the most challenging section of the AT - miles of above-treeline hiking where weather can turn deadly fast. Mount Washington holds the record for highest wind speed ever recorded (231 mph). You'll hike exposed ridgelines, scramble over boulder fields, and camp in the infamous AMC huts or designated tent sites. This is eastern alpine at its most serious - you need layers, navigation skills, and respect for mountains that kill unprepared hikers. But the views? Unreal. Standing on Washington's summit, looking across endless mountains, knowing you hiked there on your own power - that's Tier 3. This trip proves you don't need the Rockies for real alpine challenge.