There are many "lists" that avid hikers in the White Mountains as well as New England attempt to accomplish. These lists include the 4,000 footers, New England Hundred Highest, Terrifying 25 and many more. I finished the New Hampshire 4,000 footers almost exactly a year ago and when I finished I felt as though I was in a rut. I didn't want to do The Grid which consists of hiking each 4,000 footer in every calender season of the year, and I was tired of feeling like I HAD to bag peaks. After some nice long valley hikes and good conversations with friends I decided to do the ultimate list: Redlining.
Redlining - verb; To hike every trail in a given area.
For me that is my home area of the White Mountains. 1440.4 miles, 608 trails, endless views and too many PB&J double stack sandwiches to count.
Some wonderful folks from New England Trail Conditions have put up a link to the spreadsheet that one will be giggling and scratching their head while doing the initial filling out. I know that I've done a lot of hiking in my life but apparently it was a lot on the same few trails. Needless to say I was a little surprised to see I was only 25% completed. However I am now excited to see all of the trails that I've only ever dreamed of doing as well as the trails I never knew existed. Some folks are able to finish in just a year or two while others will do it over the course of their lives. The great thing about Redlining is that there isn't a patch, t-shirt or even a certificate of completion received in the end. You get the best prize of them all, the spirit of adventure and pursuit of exploring the unknown. That is why I am Redlining.
So go take that spur trail that leads to a minor lookout. Find some beautiful valleys and notches to hike through. You'll be amazed at what you find and the people you'll meet. To each their own adventure no matter how little or how small that may be.
As always, be prepared and have fun.
For
any general questions, conditions information, or trail advice, please
feel free to contact us here at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center front
desk. We are available by phone at (603) 466-2721 every day from 6:30 AM
to 10:00 PM or by email at amcpinkhaminfo@outdoors.org. To make reservations at AMC Lodges and Huts, please call (603)466-2727 available Monday through Saturday 9am-5pm. Be sure to check weather conditions before you come and call us here with any questions! We'll see you up here!
Stay hiking my friends,
Lauren
Backcountry Information Specialist
Labels: 4000 foot peaks, AMC Huts, Appalachian Trail, Hiking, White Mountains