Mizpah Hut

[T.S.Kobzol]

The huts are so overpriced and sometimes snotty that it's best to plan avoiding them altogether. I've staed in each of the huts at least once during the summer but after I have gone through there in summer months I usually plan to avoid them. Winter is a bit different, and these huts are palatable during the 'self service' months. It is beautiful out there and they have to manage the crowds above tree line so the prices are high, way high for my taste.

I'm not a great AMC fan -- though they gave me a lifetime membership 40 years ago, something to do with me calling the public's attention to 400,000 acres of public land that Maine had saved and then forgot it owned.

The AMC huts keep getting too fancy for my taste. And their new lodges in Maine are even more so. However, expecting stay for work after most of the supper chores are finished, or at least assigned, strikes me as a bit far fetched.

I've stayed at the huts occasionally. The crews, I've found are mostly bright, enthusiastic kids enjoying a summer or two in the mountains. The annual turn over is probably 50 percent of more so what happens one year is unlikely to impact what happens in subsequent years anyway.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I did hold various committee jobs with the Maine Chapter for 20 years, including editing the newsletter for a decade or so. I quit when I was criticized for running a piece favorable towards a Maine Woods National Park, which apparently conflicted with AMC plans for the woods.

[Driver8]

Lake of the Clouds is the one place you cant readilly do that as the side trail is a restricted use area (and would be a pretty miserable place to camp. Your option there is hike a couple of hours north to Jewell trail and then drop off the ridge to a site used by thruhikers or turn around and head south to Edmonds path.

I've heard the closest place to tent to Lakes is down in the Dry River Valley. I think I read about the Barefoot Sisters camping there, SOBO, IIRC. Not sure of the details.

[Lone Wolf]

I've heard the closest place to tent to Lakes is down in the Dry River Valley. I think I read about the Barefoot Sisters camping there, SOBO, IIRC. Not sure of the details.

i know of an awesome place within 200 yards where one could cowboy camp

[Driver8]

Your option there is hike a couple of hours north to Jewell trail ...

I saw this spot when there a few weeks ago. It's at about 4000' and is obvious, right next to the trail on a level place. That does mean surrendering 1400' from the A.T. and over a mile, one-way, but it is a nice spot. The Jewell is mostly above tree-line between this spot and the A.T., so it's a pretty hike with great views.

[Driver8]

i know of an awesome place within 200 yards where one could cowboy camp

Closest place, I meant, below tree line. I've heard of people cowboy camping at several spots along the A.T. corridor in the Presidentials. I guess the plan is to roll in after dark and find a somewhat secluded spot, pitch, wake before dawn and roll out. Want to do that sometime before too long.

[Blissful]

Camping above tree line?
Please don't.
The right thing to do is figure out your pace and hit the options to stay out there. Like the RMC places, etc. People bending the rules to camp wherever they want and destroy alpine vegetation just because they want to keep some dollars in their wallet....
Impact is impact.
Do the right thing and hike yourself below tree line.

[jakedatc]

do it in a day and skip all of those problems

[Different Socks]

they aren't required to offer work/stay to anyone. all hikers should pay their way

Ditto, on that! Don't assume you can stay for nothing regardless. They are doing you a favor, it is their option to offer or not.

[Driver8]

Ditto, on that! Don't assume you can stay for nothing regardless. They are doing you a favor, it is their option to offer or not.

What's this "stay for nothing," Kemo Sabe? They make you work. Plus, having thru-hikers stay is part of what those doling out the cash pay for, don't kid yourself.

[pyroman9]

Hey guys, just finished my thru hike. I stayed at 6 of the 8 huts. I was ahead of the crowd so I did not have to fight for a spot though...

few tips: (from croo)
Best show up time : 3:30 - 5:00 (This is before they start dinner prep so they are not packed busy) (If you show up before 3 they will tell you to keep going)

If you show up late do not ask between 6-7:30 - just hang out and wait as they are busy with dinner

Be very kind and respectful to them. They have morning meetings, so if you stay at one hut and are rude, they will tell others ahead to not allow you.

Volunteer to carry "messages" to the next hut.. a note = golden pass (most of the time)

Work hard... you are being given a $140 value - earn it.

I had a great stay at all huts. Mizpah gave me a little trouble as I came late ~8 and it was raining, they had let two sections hikers get WFS. After talking for a minute they let us join, just a small hiccup as they did not think any thru hikers were coming that night. Worked out though.

[redfox1939]

In winter there is no meals service so you carry in and pack out all your food. There is drinking water, boiling water and a gas cooker available. Pots, cutlery, plates etc are also provided. The main hut (used for cooking, eating and hanging out) is heated with a single pot belly stove. The sleeping area consists of two huts - each with four rooms with either 4 or 6 bunks in each. While new and clean there is no heating. That said with a good winter sleeping bag and the right clothes you should not be cold.

[scurley]

I did Pinkham Notch to Crawford Notch 7/1 - 7/3. Ran into a flip flopper from SC trail name escapes me right now. But I ran into him on 7/2 at about 5pm at Madison he was able to get a work for stay. 7/3 I ran into Hop-a-Long at about 1pm about 30 mins south of Lakes he was looking to get a work for stay. Note from Lakes the Dry River Trail is closed so you may have to hike on to one of the RMC shelters most of these are 1000' down and a mile or more of the ridge. Sorry didn't stop off at Mizpah. Heads up coming down from the north peaks into Pinkham there are pretty much no blazes. After going over the suspension bridge go left at the juncture. Saw one through hiker and another section hiker that took a wrong turn here and walked 3 miles into the great gulf before they knew it.

[Slow n' Steady]

I stayed at Mizpah with our student hike leaders through an AMC-sponsored program for schools. AMC gives back to the community through programs and partnerships with schools at no cost or a very low cost. If you pay, know that you are helping to provide opportunities for kids to experience the woods. Just a plug for the good work by AMC. I may be at Mizpah this Friday (July 27) or Nauman tentsite. Anything I can do to help you?