Originally Posted by
Driver8
Your experience is very different from mine, Bobby. I've found all but a few of the hundreds of hikers I've come across in the Whites to be very polite and respectful, both of fellow hikers and of the often delicate environment in which they tread. The worst I've seen is a few people veering off trail onto the sedge on the Gulfside Trail near Mt. Clay and one surly young guy out with his dad on Father's Day treating me rudely. I'd put the figure at about 99% good, 1% not so good from what I've seen. Maybe you're running into more bad apples than I am, or maybe they're just making a bigger impression on you.
I've done eight hikes in the Whites this spring and summer and found it quiet on May 5 on Moosilauke, somewhat busy on Ammo Ravine Trail on May 12, very, very busy on OBP up Lafayette 5/26 and Tuckerman up W on July 22 and busy up Jewell on June 17. Not busy from Lincoln Woods to campsite on 6/16 nor on Mt. Pemi or to Glen Ellis Falls on 6/16. Wasn't busy on my descents on 5/12, 6/17 or 7/22, the last when I ill-advisedly took the knee-crushing Lion Head trail down instead of Tuckerman's, to my regret, though I lived to tell the tale.
Tuckerman's and the Bridle Path are busy for good reason - they're extraordinarily beautiful trails and have huts en route for respite, food, water, safety, etc. I've told everyone I've spoken with about Tuck's to do it even if they don't like crowds, as the views are incredible and it's a good, safe, though challenging trail. If you want to avoid crowds going up Washington, try Nelson Crag, Boott Spur, Great Gulf or Glen Boulder. Longer and/or harder than the more popular routes, with less water except in the case of Great Gulf. To avoid crowds on Lafayette, go up Skookumchuck or maybe Greenleaf all the way from the Notch, though it will be busy from the hut onward.