Mount Adams (New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Adams |
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Mount Adams viewed from the summit of Mount Madison
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,793 ft (1,766 m) |
| Prominence | 804 ft (245 m) |
| Listing | White Mountain 4000-Footers |
| Geography | |
 Mount Adams
Location in New Hampshire
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| Parent range | Presidential Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Washington |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
| Mount Sam Adams | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,489 ft (1,673 m) |
| Prominence | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Mount Quincy Adams | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,394 ft (1,644 m) |
| Prominence | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Adams 4 (Mount Abigail Adams) | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,348 ft (1,630 m) |
| Prominence | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Adams 5 | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,266 ft (1,605 m) |
| Prominence | 40 ft (12 m) |
Mount Adams is a tall mountain in New Hampshire. It stands 5,793 feet (1,766 m) above sea level. This makes it the second highest peak in the northeastern United States. Only Mount Washington is taller, and it's very close by!
Mount Adams is part of the Presidential Range of mountains. This range is named after U.S. presidents. Mount Adams was named after John Adams, who was the second President of the United States. This name was given to the mountain on July 31, 1820.
If you look around from the top of Mount Adams, you'll see other famous peaks. Mount Madison is to the northeast. Mount Jefferson is to the southwest. And you can see Mount Washington directly to the south.
Mount Adams has several smaller peaks that are part of it. These are called "subsidiary peaks." The two main ones are Mount Sam Adams and Mount Quincy Adams. Mount Sam Adams is named after Samuel Adams, who was a cousin of John Adams and an important leader during the American Revolution. Mount Quincy Adams is named after John Quincy Adams, who was John Adams' son and also became a U.S. President.
There are also two smaller peaks. One is called Abigail Adams, named after John Adams' wife, Abigail Adams. The other is simply called Adams 5. The northern part of the mountain is in a place called Low and Burbank's Grant. The end of Durand Ridge and King Ravine, on the north side, are in the town of Randolph. The entire southern side of the mountain is in Thompson and Meserve's Purchase.
The famous Appalachian Trail passes through a low area between Mount Adams and Mount Sam Adams. This part of the trail is called the Gulfside Trail. The Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) helps take care of the trails on Mount Adams. They also maintain several small huts and shelters high up on the mountain's north side. These include "The Perch," "Crag Camp," "The Log Cabin," and "Gray Knob." Many hiking and climbing trails lead to these huts and ridges from parking areas along U.S. Highway 2.
Some people believe Mount Adams is a special place. The Aetherius Society considers it one of 19 "holy mountains" around the world.
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Hiking and Exploring Mount Adams
Mount Adams is a very popular spot for hiking and climbing. Both experienced and new mountaineers enjoy visiting this mountain. People climb it in all four seasons, but it's most popular from late spring to early fall.
Weather on Mount Adams
The weather on Mount Adams can change very quickly and become dangerous. This is especially true in winter. There's even a clear sign before the most open part of the mountain. It tells hikers to turn back if the weather starts to get bad.
Winter hiking in the White Mountains is very challenging. It needs special gear and skills. Strong winds and very cold temperatures can make conditions on Mount Adams feel as harsh as the coldest places in Antarctica. Always be prepared for extreme weather.
Popular Climbing Routes
There are many ways to reach the top of Mount Adams. Most routes are about 4 miles (6 km) to 5 miles (8 km) long each way. They also involve climbing about 4,500 feet (1,400 m) higher in elevation.
One popular trail that people use all year is the Valley Way. This trail connects to the Gulfside Trail and Lowe's Path. The Air Line trail is often used in winter. It's one of the most direct ways to the summit. This route climbs about 4,500 feet (1,400 m) over 4.3 miles (6.9 km). The last 1,000 feet of this trail are very open. This means climbers are exposed to strong winds and storms.
Climbing Both Adams and Madison
Because they are so close, many hikers climb both Mount Adams and Mount Madison on the same day. This combined hike is about 10.4 miles (16.7 km) long. It involves climbing more than 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in total.
This adventure usually starts on the Valley Way trail. This trail leads hikers to the Madison Hut. From the Madison Hut, climbers can then reach the tops of both Mount Madison and Mount Adams.
