Presidential Range, Appalachian Trail

The Presidential Range is a striking mountain range named after the first six U.S. presidents, along with Franklin Pierce (14^th) and Dwight Eisenhower (34^th).  Several peaks are also named after prominent figures like Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin, both key members of the Founding Fathers.

Mount Washington, the highest peak in the range, is known for its notoriously unpredictable weather, with extreme winds and sudden whiteouts at the summit.  Due to these challenging conditions, it often serves as a training ground for climbers preparing to tackle formidable peaks, such as K2 or Everest.

The highest elevations of the Presidential Range lie in the alpine zone, where conditions are too harsh for trees to grow.  This tundra-like environment features low-growing vegetation, including mosses, lichen, sedges, and hardy shrubs, which can withstand the extreme winds, cold temperatures, and thin soil.  The terrain is rugged and windswept, with large expanses of exposed rock, jagged boulders and loose scree.