Lakes of the Clouds Hut

lakes of the clouds new hampshire, lake in the clouds new hampshire

For those of us in New Hampshire who truly embrace the grandeur and challenge of our White Mountains, a stay at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut is not just a place to sleep; it’s an essential part of the high-elevation experience. Perched at an astonishing 5,012 feet, it holds the distinction of being the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) highest and most visited hut. This iconic structure is more than a shelter; it’s a living testament to the history of hiking in the Presidential Range, providing a crucial refuge and a warm welcome to countless adventurers since its establishment.

Managed by the venerable Appalachian Mountain Club, Lakes of the Clouds Hut offers a unique "hut-to-hut" experience that allows hikers to traverse challenging terrain without the burden of a full backpacking load. Guests enjoy home-cooked meals, comfortable bunks, and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, all while immersed in a truly breathtaking alpine environment. For Mainers and other New Englanders who seek unparalleled views, a supportive community on the trails, and a deep connection with the majestic, often unforgiving, White Mountain wilderness, Lakes of the Clouds Hut represents an unforgettable and quintessential New Hampshire adventure. It's a place where memories are made, and the spirit of the mountains is deeply felt.

Location and Accessibility

Lakes of the Clouds Hut is dramatically situated at 5,012 feet (or 5,030 feet depending on the source) in the White Mountains, specifically near the Dry River Trail in Jackson, NH 03846, USA. Its precise location is just below the summit of Mount Monroe, nestled between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe. This strategic position makes it an indispensable waypoint for hikers tackling the challenging Northern Presidential Range and those traversing sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT).

Accessibility to Lakes of the Clouds Hut is strictly by foot. This is a true backcountry facility, meaning there are no roads leading directly to the hut. Hikers must undertake a significant ascent to reach it, making the journey an integral part of the experience. The most direct and popular route is often the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, a strenuous 3-mile climb from its trailhead. Other common approaches include the Crawford Path (part of the AT), which is a longer but generally less steep ascent. Depending on the chosen trail, parking is available at various trailheads along Route 302 or in the vicinity of Pinkham Notch or Crawford Notch.

Its high elevation and alpine environment mean that weather conditions can be extreme and change rapidly, even in summer. The hut is typically open full-service from early June to late September. During the full-service season, the AMC "Croo" (the hut staff) assists with weather updates and trail advice. Outside of this season, a small refuge room in the cellar is left open for emergency use only. Hikers must be prepared for variable conditions, bring appropriate gear for a backcountry hike, and possess solid navigation skills. The journey to Lakes of the Clouds Hut is a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience, offering unparalleled views and a deep immersion into the rugged beauty of the White Mountains.

Services Offered

Lakes of the Clouds Hut, part of the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) renowned hut system, offers a unique set of services tailored for backcountry hikers in the high mountains. These services are designed to provide essential comforts and support within a remote, off-grid environment, particularly during its full-service season (typically early June to late September).

• Overnight Bunkrooms: Guests stay in co-ed bunkrooms with individual bunks. During the full-service season, each bunk is provided with a mattress, three wool blankets, and a pillow with a pillowcase. Guests are recommended to bring their own sleeping bag/liner and an extra pillowcase. There are no lights in the bunkrooms, so headlamps/flashlights are essential, though individual reading lights are often provided at each bunk. Quiet hours begin at 9:30 PM.
• Home-Cooked Meals: A major highlight of the full-service season is the provision of hearty, home-cooked meals.
  • Dinner (served at 6 PM sharp): Typically a multi-course affair including homemade soup, fresh-baked bread, salad, an entrée, vegetables, and dessert, with a choice of beverages. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated if notice is given at the time of reservation.
  • Breakfast (served at 7 AM sharp): A substantial meal to fuel the day's hike, often including oatmeal, eggs, a breakfast meat (e.g., bacon or sausage), a baked good (e.g., pancakes), and coffee/cocoa/tea.
  • Lunch: Not included for overnight guests, but soup and baked goods are usually available for purchase during lunch hours (typically 10 AM to 5 PM).
• Cold Running Water & Composting Toilets: Each hut has separate bathrooms with sinks providing cold running water and composting toilets (often praised as odor-free). Showers are not available. Toilet paper, hand soap, and hand sanitizer are provided. Potable water refills are available for all guests and day visitors.
• Hut "Croo" Staff: A dedicated team of live-in staff (known as the "Croo") manages the hut. They prepare meals, provide valuable trip-planning assistance, offer weather updates, engage in educational naturalist programs (often with a telescope for stargazing), and assist in search and rescue missions. They also lead entertainment, often waking guests with a song or instrument.
• General Store/Snack Bar: A small selection of snacks, merchandise (like t-shirts and stickers), and limited essential gear (like protein bars or headlamps) are available for purchase. Cash is encouraged for purchases.
• Common Spaces: Huts include common areas for rest, recreation, and socializing. These often feature games, informal libraries with relevant books and identification guides, and hut logbooks for guests to sign.
• No Electricity/Wi-Fi/Cell Service: Guests should note that there are no electrical outlets for personal device charging, no Wi-Fi, and often limited to no cell reception. This encourages a true unplugged experience.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out Policy: All trash and recyclables, including food waste (especially meat, citrus, and dairy), must be packed out by guests. The huts minimize food waste by composting and having the croo consume leftovers.
• Emergency Shelter (Off-Season): During the off-season (when full services are unavailable), a small, unheated refuge room in the cellar of the hut is left unlocked for emergency use only.

Features / Highlights

Lakes of the Clouds Hut offers an array of unique features and highlights that make it one of New Hampshire's most sought-after backcountry destinations, particularly for those looking for an immersive mountain experience without the full weight of a backpacking pack.

• Highest and Most Visited AMC Hut: Its elevation at over 5,000 feet makes it the highest hut in the AMC system and places it in a uniquely dramatic, above-treeline environment. Its popularity speaks to the exceptional experience it provides.
• Unparalleled Alpine Views: Being above treeline, the hut offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, and the namesake Lakes of the Clouds. Sunrises and sunsets from this vantage point are truly legendary and often cited as a major highlight by visitors.
• Full-Service Backcountry Experience: During its operating season, Lakes of the Clouds provides the rare luxury of hot, home-cooked meals (dinner and breakfast) in a remote mountain setting. This greatly reduces the weight hikers need to carry and enhances the comfort of an otherwise strenuous trip.
• Strategic Location for Presidential Traverses: The hut's proximity to iconic peaks like Mount Washington and Mount Monroe, and its position directly on or near major trails like the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Crawford Path, makes it an ideal base for multi-day traverses of the Presidential Range.
• Rich History: Built in 1915 on the site of an earlier 1901 shelter, its history is deeply tied to the early days of White Mountain recreation and serves as a testament to the AMC's long-standing commitment to hiker safety and access. Some even consider it to have a "haunted history" due to past tragedies, adding a layer of intrigue.
• Expert "Croo" Interaction: The live-in hut staff, or "Croo," are a significant part of the experience. They are known for their friendly, helpful nature, providing valuable trail advice, weather updates, and leading engaging naturalist programs (including stargazing with a telescope), fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among guests.
• Community and Camaraderie: The shared bunkrooms and family-style meals create a unique social environment where hikers from all walks of life connect, share stories, and build a sense of community amidst their shared love for the mountains.
• Opportunity to Unplug: With no Wi-Fi, limited cell reception, and no guest charging outlets, the hut provides a genuine opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and fully immerse oneself in the natural surroundings and social interactions.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its remote location, the hut is renowned for its "ultra clean" modern composting toilets and cold running water, which are significant comforts in the backcountry.

Promotions or Special Offers

Lakes of the Clouds Hut, managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), operates as a non-profit backcountry lodging facility, and as such, it doesn't typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense (like seasonal sales or coupon codes). Its pricing structure and any "benefits" are generally tied to AMC membership or the specific service level provided.

However, there are inherent values and "offers" that might appeal to potential guests:

• AMC Member Discounts: This is the primary "discount." By becoming a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, individuals receive a reduced rate on overnight stays at all AMC huts, including Lakes of the Clouds. This discount can quickly offset the cost of membership, especially for those planning multi-night stays or frequent visits to AMC properties. While exact savings vary, a review mentioned member rates could be around $150 compared to higher non-member rates (potentially up to $175 per night, though prices are subject to change and vary by date).
• Half-Board Included: The "full-service" nature of the hut, which includes a hearty, home-cooked dinner and breakfast, is a significant value proposition. This is not a "promotion" but a core part of the offering that saves hikers the effort and weight of carrying and cooking their own meals.
• Guided Adventures: The AMC offers "Guided Adventures" which bundle hut stays with guided hiking experiences. While these are paid programs, they offer a unique "package" for those who prefer to explore the White Mountains with expert guidance, often including all hut stays, meals, and professional leadership.
• Educational Programming: During the full-service season, guests have access to free evening naturalist programs led by the hut croo. These educational talks on the local ecology, geology, and history add significant value to the stay without additional cost.
• Emergency Refuge: While not a promotional offer, the availability of a small, unheated refuge room during the off-season for emergency use highlights the AMC's commitment to hiker safety, acting as a crucial, no-cost safety net.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, membership benefits, and details on any specific programs or packages, it is essential to consult the official Appalachian Mountain Club website or contact their reservations department directly. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for peak summer dates, as Lakes of the Clouds Hut is extremely popular.

Contact Information

Given its remote backcountry location, Lakes of the Clouds Hut does not have a direct phone line or physical mailing address at the hut itself. All bookings, inquiries, and general information are handled centrally by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), which manages the entire hut system.

To plan your stay or get comprehensive information:

Managing Organization:Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

Reservations Phone Number:(603) 466-2727

For Reservations and Booking (available Monday – Saturday, typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST). Payment must be made at the time of reservation.

Trails Information Desk (for trail advice and conditions):(603) 466-2721

Group Sales Department (for larger group trips):amcgroups@outdoors.org

Official Website:https://www.outdoors.org/(Navigate to their "Huts" or "Destinations" section, then select Lakes of the Clouds Hut for specific details.)

While the physical address provided (Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA) indicates its general location within the White Mountains, it's crucial to remember that this is a hike-in facility. All planning, booking, and information gathering should be done through the AMC's centralized contact points to ensure a safe and well-prepared visit to this iconic high-mountain hut.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For those of us who call New Hampshire home, Lakes of the Clouds Hut is more than just a place to stay; it's a quintessential experience that deeply connects us to the heart and soul of our White Mountains. Its suitability for locals stems from several unique aspects that resonate with our adventurous spirit and appreciation for the Granite State's natural wonders.

Firstly, it offers a challenging yet rewarding way to experience the high peaks. Many New Hampshirites are avid hikers, and the journey to Lakes of the Clouds, often via the strenuous Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, is a badge of honor. Reaching this hut above treeline provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and immediate access to the breathtaking, raw beauty of the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington. These are the views and the rugged terrain that define our state's wild character, and experiencing them from such an elevated, immersive base is truly special.

Secondly, the "hut-to-hut" system, pioneered by the AMC, is a unique local treasure. It allows us to undertake multi-day traverses without the heavy burden of full backpacking gear, making demanding trips more accessible. The hot, home-cooked meals and comfortable bunks at Lakes of the Clouds provide a welcome respite after a long day on the trails, a luxury rarely found in backcountry settings. This blend of challenge and unexpected comfort perfectly caters to the seasoned local hiker who appreciates both the rigor and the rewards of our mountains.

Finally, the camaraderie found within the hut walls fosters a strong sense of community among fellow adventurers. Sharing stories with the friendly AMC "Croo" and other hikers, many of whom are also locals or seasoned White Mountain enthusiasts, creates a unique social experience that enhances the trip. It’s a place where we not only test our physical limits but also deepen our connection to the landscape and the like-minded community that cherishes it. For the New Hampshire resident seeking an authentic, memorable, and deeply satisfying mountain adventure, Lakes of the Clouds Hut is an indispensable and highly recommended destination.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut

Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA