Lakes of the Clouds Hut

- Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846

For anyone in New Hampshire who truly loves the state’s rugged wilderness, a stay at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut is not merely an accommodation—it’s a bucket-list achievement and a quintessential White Mountain experience. This destination is profoundly different from a traditional campground; it is a full-service, backcountry lodge operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), perched high above the tree line in the fragile and magnificent alpine zone. It provides an essential oasis of warmth, camaraderie, and hearty sustenance for hikers traversing the Presidential Range.

Situated at a breathtaking elevation of 5,012 feet, Lakes of the Clouds Hut holds the distinction of being the highest and most popular hut in the AMC system. It is strategically placed in the col between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe, offering a perfect staging point for summit attempts and multi-day traverses. Its history is tied directly to the safety of mountain recreationists; it was first established in the early 1900s as a shelter after hikers perished in a storm, underscoring its vital role in the high-altitude environment.

The experience here is defined by simplicity, community, and the sheer awe of the landscape. Guests sleep in co-ed bunkrooms, share family-style meals, and disconnect entirely, as the facility is off-grid with no Wi-Fi or electricity available for charging personal devices. The enthusiastic staff, known as the "hut croo," are renowned for their hard work, friendly nature, and entertaining skits, all while hauling supplies up the mountains on their backs. The simple review, "Life is great in the mountain air," perfectly captures the feeling of accomplishment and relaxed happiness that radiates from this special place.

For New Hampshire locals, this hut is an authentic test and reward—a chance to push physical boundaries on the trail, then retreat to a warm bed and a hot, home-cooked meal in an otherwise unforgiving environment. It is the gold standard for high-country lodging in the Granite State and a necessary stop for anyone serious about exploring the Presidential Range.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut is a truly unique destination, accessible only by strenuous hiking trails. This is not a drive-up location, which adds to its remote and rewarding character.

• Extreme High-Alpine Elevation: The hut is located at 5,012 feet, nestled between Mount Washington (6,288 feet) and Mount Monroe (5,384 feet), sitting just above its namesake alpine lakes.
• Accessibility by Foot Only: The hut is situated on the venerable Crawford Path—the oldest continuously used mountain trail in the United States—and is reached only via several demanding hiking routes.
• Common Hiking Routes: The shortest and most direct ascent is via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail (approximately 3.1 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain), known for its steep, rocky sections and beautiful waterfalls. Other routes include the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and the long, classic approach via the Crawford Path from the south.
• Proximity to Summit: From the hut, the exposed but spectacular hike to the summit of Mount Washington is only about 1.5 miles, making it an ideal starting point for a morning summit bid.
• Geographic Address: While the physical location is backcountry, the closest approximate address for navigational purposes to the region is Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA. Visitors should plan their trip based on the trailhead parking for their chosen route.

The AMC’s full-service season typically runs from early June through mid-September. During this time, the hut provides a number of highly valued services to guests:

• Lodging and Bunks: The hut offers overnight lodging in large, co-ed bunkrooms (with a capacity of approximately 90 guests), providing individual bunks with mattresses, a pillow, and wool blankets.
• Hearty Meals Included: Overnight stays include a famous, hot, family-style dinner served promptly at 6:00 p.m. and a substantial hot breakfast served at 7:00 a.m., essential for fueling a full day of hiking.
• Potable Water: Treated, running potable water is available for guests and for hikers passing through to refill their bottles, which is a critical service in the high-alpine environment.
• Restroom Facilities: Composting toilets and sinks with cold running water are available in the shared central restrooms (showers are not available).
• Educational Programs: The resident “hut croo” provides daily programs, historical talks, and weather updates, often accompanied by entertaining skits after dinner.
• Day-Use Access and Snacks: Day hikers passing by are welcome to stop inside the main common area to use the restrooms, refill water, and purchase small items like coffee, soup, fresh-baked bread, and snacks.

The unique features of Lakes of the Clouds Hut elevate it from a simple shelter to an iconic destination:

• The Ultimate Presidential Traverse Stop: The hut is perfectly positioned for those completing the challenging Presidential Traverse, allowing hikers to break up the arduous journey with a comfortable night and hot meals.
• Unparalleled Views: Due to its extreme elevation, the hut offers spectacular, unobstructed views across the Great Gulf Wilderness and the entire Presidential Range, known for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
• The Lakes of the Clouds: The hut is located near two small, pristine alpine ponds—the hut's namesake—which are rare features in the rocky terrain and provide stunning photography opportunities.
• Off-Grid Experience: The lack of electricity and internet connectivity encourages guests to unplug completely, fostering an environment of camaraderie, conversation, and appreciation for the natural world.
• Staff Camaraderie: The legendary AMC hut croo provides a unique element of entertainment and personalized service, often waking guests with a song and sharing their deep knowledge of the area.
• Emergency Refuge: A separate, unheated "refuge room" is maintained in the basement (sometimes referred to as “The Dungeon”) for emergency use outside of the full-service season, and can offer a small number of bunks to thru-hikers for a minimal fee, reinforcing the AMC’s commitment to safety.

For reservations and inquiries about Lakes of the Clouds Hut and the AMC Hut System, please use the following contact details:

Address: Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA (Note: This is a wilderness location. All access is by foot.)

Reservations Phone: (603) 466-2727 (AMC Contact Service Center for bookings)

The hut is open for full-service only seasonally, typically from early June to mid-September. Reservations are highly recommended and often required, as the hut books solid well in advance.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut is not just suitable for New Hampshire locals—it is an essential pilgrimage for anyone who identifies with the state's deep connection to the mountains. For residents, it represents the highest form of accessible, yet challenging, adventure available right in their backyard. The hut system allows local hikers to tackle the most rugged terrain in the Northeast, such as the Presidential Traverse, without the massive burden of packing a full overnight kit, enabling a faster, safer, and more enjoyable multi-day experience.

The all-inclusive nature of the stay—hot dinner, a warm bunk, and breakfast—is a genuine luxury after a taxing day above the tree line where the weather can turn life-threateningly cold at any moment. By supporting the AMC through a stay, New Hampshire residents also contribute directly to the maintenance of the trails and the preservation of the delicate alpine ecosystem they love. Lakes of the Clouds Hut offers locals the ultimate mountain escape: a place to challenge the body, feed the spirit, and truly live that "great life in the mountain air," all while forging connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for the Granite State’s iconic peaks.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut

Dry River Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA