Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

From the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead on Base Station Road, a rocky but well-built path follows the Ammonoosuc River through dense forest to Gem Pool, with frequent short, rough pitches and wet rock underfoot. Expect a mix of dirt, roots, and boulders, with several spots where the tread hugs the stream and can feel slick after rain or in shoulder seasons.

Above Gem Pool the character changes fast: the trail climbs the ravine headwall beside tall waterfalls on steep, slabby rock and short scrambly steps. Brook crossings are on ledgy rock that can be awkward when wet or icy, and the slabs near treeline are exposed and very slippery in poor conditions. This upper section is sustained and demanding, and not a good place to discover someone in the group is uncomfortable with hands-on scrambling.

The trail breaks out at treeline directly behind AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds Hut, giving quick access to the alpine zone and onward routes toward Mount Monroe and Mount Washington via cairned ridgeline trails. Weather shifts here are abrupt; winds, cold rain, and low visibility are common even on otherwise fair days, so treat the hut as a turnaround option if the forecast or clouds look marginal.

Parking is at the signed USFS Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead on the west side of the Presidential Range; once parked, follow the obvious signed path from the lot into the woods. The lot is a fee site managed by the White Mountain National Forest, with toilets but no potable water—arrive with what you need or plan to treat stream water. For current regulations, fees, and any seasonal notices, check the Forest Service page before heading out: USFS Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead.