Mount Madison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Madison |
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East elevation of Mount Madison, seen from New Hampshire Route 16
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,367 ft (1,636 m) |
| Prominence | 466 ft (142 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount John Quincy Adams |
| Listing | White Mountain 4000-Footers |
| Geography | |
 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| District | Coös County |
| Parent range | Presidential Range |
| Subdivisions | Low and Burbank's Grant, Thompson & Meserve's Purchase |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Washington |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mount Madison is a mountain in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire, United States. It stands 5,367-foot (1,636 m) tall. This mountain is named after James Madison, who was the fourth President of the United States.
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Naming the Presidential Peaks
The mountains in the Presidential Range are all named after U.S. presidents. For example, the tallest mountain, Mount Washington, is named for the first president. Mount Adams is named for the second president, and so on.
A Small Surveying Mix-up
There was a small mistake when the mountains were first measured. Mount Monroe, named after the fifth president, James Monroe, is actually 22 feet (6.7 m) taller than Mount Madison. This means the mountains aren't perfectly ordered by height according to the presidents they're named after.
Exploring Mount Madison
Mount Madison is the most northern peak in the Presidential Range. It's a popular spot for hikers. Many trails lead up the mountain.
Hiking Trails and the Appalachian Trail
Part of the famous Appalachian Trail goes right below Mount Madison's summit. This trail is very long, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Hikers can enjoy amazing views from the trails around Mount Madison.
Madison Spring Hut
Between Mount Madison and Mount Adams is the Madison Spring Hut. The Appalachian Mountain Club takes care of this hut. It offers a simple place for hikers to stay overnight during the summer. If you want to stay there, it's a good idea to book your spot early!
Weather and Safety on the Summit
Like most mountains in the Presidential Range, the top of Mount Madison is above the treeline. This means there are no trees growing at the very top.
Staying Safe in Cold Weather
Because it's so high up, Mount Madison can have very strong winds and cold temperatures. Even in the summer, it can get very chilly. Hikers need to be prepared for cold weather to avoid getting hypothermia, which is when your body loses heat too quickly. Always bring warm clothes, even on a sunny day!
Gallery
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Mount Madison seen from Mount Adams' summit
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Mount Madison from Mount Adams
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Madison Spring Hut in the col between Mount Madison and Mount Adams
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Mount Madison from the Androscoggin River, by William Hart, 1862
