What are the main hiking routes to Mount Madison?

The main routes to Mount Madison include Valley Way & Osgood Trail - via Madison Hut., Airline Trail - direct ridge ascent..

How difficult is hiking Mount Madison?

Mount Madison is rated Very Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Madison?

Typically, hiking Mount Madison takes 7–9 hours - round-trip via Valley Way..

Back to NH48 Peak Catalog

Mount Madison

Steep, rocky trail; extensive boulders near summit

Prominence: 466 ft Range: Presidential Range - Northern.

Units

Elevation: 5,367 ft

Mount Madison - This landscape photograph showcases Mount Madison during a serene summer evening in the White Mountain National Forest. The late-day sun casts long shadows across the rocky ridge line, highlighting the mountain's textured terrain. Beyond the peak, layers of forested hills stretch into the distance beneath a partly cloudy sky, evoking the peaceful mountain weather typical of New Hampshire's White Mountains. The scene invites hikers and landscape photographers to explore the natural beauty of this iconic summit view. - NH48 — This landscape photograph showcases Mount Madison during a serene summer evening in the White Mountain National Forest. The late-day sun casts long shadows across the rocky ridge line, highlighting the mountain's textured terrain. Beyond the peak, layers of forested hills stretch into the distance beneath a partly cloudy sky, evoking the peaceful mountain weather typical of New Hampshire's White Mountains. The scene invites hikers and landscape photographers to explore the natural beauty of this iconic summit view.

Overview

Steep, rocky trail; extensive boulders near summit

Standard Routes

Valley Way & Osgood Trail - via Madison Hut. — 8.3 mi • 4,100 ft gain • Out & back - same route. • Very difficult
Airline Trail - direct ridge ascent. — 8.4 mi • 4,100 ft gain • Out & back • Very difficult

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Mountain conditions advisory

Mount Madison: high exposure today. Estimated wind 50 mph. Check summit forecast before departure.

Expires: 2026-02-14T23:59:59-05:00

Check higher summits forecast

Related Trails & Routes

No related trails listed yet.

Parking & Access

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Difficulty Metrics

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Risk & Preparation

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Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

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Conditions & Access

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Photo gallery

Mount Madison - This landscape photograph showcases Mount Madison during a summer afternoon in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The image highlights the interplay of sunlight and cloud shadows over the mountain's rugged ridge line and thick forest cover, illustrating typical mountain weather conditions in the White Mountain National Forest. The scene invites hiking enthusiasts and landscape photographers to appreciate the natural beauty and dynamic atmosphere of this iconic peak. - NH48 — Afternoon Shadows on Mount Madison
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/5.6 | 1/500 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Madison - This landscape photograph showcases the tranquil and frost-covered summit of Mount Madison in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Taken in late November during sunset, the scene highlights the rugged winter conditions typical of the White Mountain National Forest. The soft twilight light casts a muted glow on the icy mountain ridge, while the distant forest trails and rolling hills fade into the gathering dusk, emphasizing the peaceful solitude and natural beauty of this iconic peak. - NH48 — Twilight Frost on Mount Madison Summit
`Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art 013 | f/1.8 | 1/200 sec | ISO 1600`

Mount Madison - Captured on August 31, 2025, this landscape photograph showcases Mount Madison in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a calm summer evening. The mountain's rugged outline is sharply defined against a fading orange sky, highlighting the peaceful end of a summer day in the White Mountain National Forest. The absence of clouds emphasizes the smooth gradient of twilight light, offering a serene view of this iconic peak's silhouette. - NH48 — Silhouetted Contours of Mount Madison at Dusk
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/5.6 | 1/160 sec | ISO 500`

Mount Madison - Captured on a chilly January afternoon, this landscape photography showcases Mount Madison's steep, snow-covered slopes and textured granite boulders. The muted light and swirling snowflakes reflect typical mountain weather in the White Mountains, inviting hikers to experience the serene yet challenging winter terrain of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. - NH48 — Winter Windswept Slopes of Mount Madison
`Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art 013 | f/13.0 | 1/100 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Madison - This landscape photograph showcases Mount Madison in the White Mountain National Forest during mid-afternoon in winter. The mountain's summit is lightly covered with snow, highlighting its granite texture, while the surrounding alpine zone features hardy fir trees dusted with fresh snow. The clear sky and soft light emphasize the quiet beauty of this New Hampshire wilderness, inviting hikers to explore the forest trail beneath the peak. - NH48 — Snow-Dusted Summit of Mount Madison
`Canon EOS Rebel T7 | 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art 013 | f/5.0 | 1/640 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Madison - Captured just before sunrise, this landscape photography highlights the rugged terrain of Mount Madison in the White Mountains. The cool, quiet mountain weather and soft dawn light create a serene mood, emphasizing the solitude and expansive views experienced by hikers in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest during summer. - NH48 — Early Morning Solitude on Mount Madison
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/6.3 | 1/400 sec | ISO 2000`

Mount Madison - This landscape photography captures Mount Madison in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a late summer afternoon. The image showcases the mountain's expansive forested slopes and rugged ridge line, with dynamic cloud formations creating shifting shadows across the terrain. The scene reflects typical mountain weather in the White Mountain National Forest, inviting hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore the rich, natural beauty of this iconic peak. - NH48 — Afternoon Light on Mount Madison's Forested Slopes
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/5.6 | 1/500 sec | ISO 100`

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Mount Madison in Presidential Range - Northern.. Mount Madison is a 5,367-foot mountain at the northern end of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire.

Conditions from experience

Summer and fall - winter for experienced only. High - very exposed to wind/cold above treeline.

Planning tip

Valley Way & Osgood Trail - via Madison Hut. - 8.3 - 4,100 - Very difficult - Out & back - same route. Yes - Madison Spring Hut near treeline offers water when open. Roadside parking, can be crowded on weekends

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14