Mount Adams is a sharply defined mountain that stands tall when
seen from anywhere. Some of the best places to view the mountain are: The summits
of Mt Madisons, Jefferson or Washington. There's an amazing view of the ridge from
Route 115A heading to Jefferson.
The area is incredibly exposed, know your evac routes.
♦THE TRAILS
Appalachia
Mount Adams is usually climbed by the spectacular ♦Airline Trail
which is located at Appalachia parking lot off RT-2, coming from the West
it's on the right side of the road. A more protected route from Appalachia is
♦Valley Way Trail which takes you to Madison Hut, you can take a left onto a
cut-off trail through scrub trees to get back onto the Airline to the summit.
You
could also take the Upper Bruin trail but from personal experience it's not
recommended. From Madison Springs hut you can also take the ♦Star Lake Trail
which is a rough-steep climb to the summit over large boulders. In bad weather
the Valley Way Trail is the best route down.
Lowes
Another popular route (especially in winter) is ♦Lowes path just west of
Appalachia right across the street from Lowes store. You can park your car
there for about $5 a day. Many stay the night at one of the RMC shelters along the
trail, I've visited the Log Cabin and Grey Knob but not for an overnight. Lowes path
connects directly to the summit after ascending the minor peak called Adams Four.
This is another strenuous route that passes through the ever changing weather of Thunderstorm Junction
Kings Ravine
♦Short Line Trail connects lower down on the Airline. It climbs steeply up the ravine. Some take the
Great Gully Trail from here to the summit. This area is on my summer to-do list.
The Mountain
Mount Adams is named for our second President, John Adams. Any hiking in this
area involves a great deal of elevation gain. Lowes path or
the Airline will make you climb well over 4,000 feet to get to the summit. The peak
is bold and prominent. I love the view of it from the summit of Mt Madison at
sunrise as the shadows dance across it's face. Adams holds a very special place in
the hearts of hikers.
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