Howker Ridge Trail Map & Guide

Plan a steep ridge climb with interactive mapping, curated downloads, and real-time conditions for Mount Madison’s Howker Ridge Trail.

Interactive Trail Map

Trail line and waypoint markers are loaded from the NH48 GeoJSON dataset. Tap markers for details and use the layer controls to explore ridge features.

Jump to sections

Quick links to each panel on this page.

Points of Interest

Photo

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm with official maps before travel.

Trail Overview & Conditions

Trail Metadata

Length ≈ 4.5 mi = 4.2 mi + .3 mi (Osgood Ridge) one-way
Elevation Gain ≈ 4,750 ft = 4,450 ft (ascent) + 300 ft (descent)
Typical Time 6–10 hours round-trip
DifficultyStrenuous / hard
TerrainSteep ridgeline, rocky scrambles, alpine exposure above treeline
WaterBumpus Brook early on; spring near Pine Link junction (seasonal)
TrailheadRandolph East (Dolly Copp / Pinkham B), winter access via US-2
Land ManagerWhite Mountain National Forest / Randolph Mountain Club
Bailout Routes Watson Path (Diretessima)
Airline (Easiest Grade)
Valley Way (Exposure Safety)
Pine Link (Dolly Copp Rd. Alternative)

Mount Madison Snapshot

Elevation5,367 ft (1,636 m)
Prominence466 ft (142 m)
LocationThompson & Meserve’s Purchase, Coös County, NH
RangePresidential Range (White Mountains)
Coordinates44°19′44″ N, 71°16′36″ W
Named afterJames Madison (4th U.S. President)
Nearby peaksMt. Adams 1.4 mi SW; Mt. Jefferson 3.3 mi S
Features
  • Alpine zone & rock-covered summit cone with cairns
  • 360° views of the White Mountains
  • Rock scrambles and boulder fields
  • Mossy Falls & Ice Caves on the Short Line Trail
  • Star Lake and Madison Spring Hut (0.4 mi below summit)
  • Appalachian Trail crosses near summit (Osgood Trail)
  • Northernmost peak of the Presidentials; high winds & hypothermia risk even in summer
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Flora along the trail

Howker Ridge hosts a variety of alpine and subalpine species. Explore a rotating selection of non-tree flora below.

For a comprehensive list of species and ecological notes, visit the Howker Ridge plant catalog.

Current conditions & safety guidance

Important trail warning

Expect to break trail for long stretches from October through May. Howker Ridge is rarely traveled in winter and conditions can change quickly.

Review exposure signage and trailhead notices before entering alpine zones, and treat weather as a primary decision factor.

Current conditions

Brushing coverage updates are being refreshed for the new nh48.info page. Check the Randolph Mountain Club and trail adopter updates for the latest maintenance status.

Info

  • Plan for rapid weather changes and alpine exposure above treeline.
  • Carry layers, food, water, and the 10 essentials.
  • Check recent trail conditions and be prepared to turn around.
  • Practice Leave No Trace and respect trail closures or reroutes.

Helpful Links