The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Four Thousand Footer Club was formed in 1957 to introduce hikers to some of the lesser-known sections of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At that time, peaks such as Hancock, Owl's Head, and West Bond were trail-less and rarely climbed. The problems of overuse were unknown, except along the heavily visited Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge.
The creation of "the list" provided a reason for hikers to explore new areas, and in turn lessen the concentrated use of the aforementioned areas.
Today, the Club is composed of active hikers whose travels in the mountains keep us informed with the changing conditions of the White Mountain backcountry. Each year, individuals, friends, and families, take up the pastime of hiking. Somewhere along the way they get hooked on the pursuit of hiking the four thousand footers. For some it is done as a physical challenge. For others it's an opportunity to pursue a shared goal. For families, it's a way to build bonds that will last a lifetime. It is the hope of the Club that these experiences will keep our members working for the preservation and wise use of wild country.
1/4/21: Happy New Year!
2021 Four Thousand Footer Slide Show
Every year, we have a special media presentation at the awards ceremony, and we need your contributions to make it happen. Even if we are not able to meet in person, we will still put together the slide show, and make it available to contributors.
If you would like to be part of the show, send us up to 6 digital pictures (jpeg format, no captions, etc.) and 2 horizontal videos as soon as possible.
(You should receive confirmation of the receipt of your pictures; if not, please ask.)
6/1/20: COVID-19 Update IV
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
The AMC Four Thousand Footer Committee will resume counting ascents of peaks after June 5, 2020. We ask that all hikers follow this guidance:
- Do not go hiking if you or someone you have been exposed to within 14 days has symptoms of, or has tested positive for, COVID-19.
- Only hike where trails are open and where travel is permitted to those trails.
- Abide by the restrictions on movement as defined by the state(s) where your activity will take place and the state you travel from. Learn about and do not travel between restricted and unrestricted areas.
- Prepare for and follow any expectations defined by the manager of the recreational resource where your activity will take place including restricted hours for access, limited parking, closures for restrooms, group size limits, safety, and Leave No Trace requirements.
4/30/20: COVID-19 Update III
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
As the various New England states move slowly and cautiously toward re-opening, we will follow the situation closely, and will open all lists once we feel it is the appropriate time to do so. We ask for "peakbagging patience" as we deal with this unprecedented situation in such unusual times.
4/12/20: New COVID-19 Temporary Rule
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and after further consultation with AMC leadership, effective Monday, April 13 and continuing until the authorities in each state have lifted stay-at-home orders, we will not be accepting peaks ascended during this time period for the lists that we oversee: the White Mountain 4000-footer list (including the four-season award), the New England 4000-footer list, and the New England Hundred Highest list. In other words, any ascent made from now through the time that the stay-at-home orders are lifted will not “count” towards the completion of any of these lists. The current stay-at-home orders are in effect through May 4 in New Hampshire and Massacuhsetts; May 15 in Vermont; and May 1 in in Maine. Any or all of these could be extended. While we have been encouraged by the excellent response from the hiking community to the “hike low and local” recommendation, we feel this additional step is necessary to address the large numbers of people who are not heeding the recommendation and continue to risk spreading the virus in communities that may not have the resources to deal with the result. In addition to the risks posed to local mountain communities by hikers traveling from other areas, spring conditions on the trails are especially hazardous. First responders may not be available should an accident occur, and would be potentially exposed to the virus if called out for a rescue.
Wherever you hike locally, please do not go in groups. Avoid busy trailheads. Practice social distancing with a minimum of six feet, and give plenty of room when passing other hikers. Keep dogs leashed. Please do not use any shelters or privies, as these are not sanitized and could facilitate the spread of the virus. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after every hike, and after touching surfaces that others may have handled. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, shortnesss of breath, loss of sense of smell) please stay home and check with your medical provider. We are all in this together, and together we will get through it. Please stay safe and stay local. The mountains aren’t going anywhere. #staylocal
4/6/20: COVID-19 Update II
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
The AMC Four Thousand Footer Committee would like to reiterate the importance of “hiking low and local” as the Covid-19 pandemic intensifies. This is not the time to be driving north (or any other direction) to work on a list. Please read (or reread) our previous statement, which supports similar statements made by the AMC, U.S. Forest Service, search and rescue groups and many others.
PLEASE, and THANK YOU.
3/24/20: COVID-19 Update
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
Dear Fellow Hikers,
In these trying times the mountains may be calling to us more than ever as places where we can find peace and solace. However, we all must do our part to inhibit the spread of Covid-19. At this time, the Four Thousand Footer Committee strongly recommends that you stay close to home and hike locally, and postpone plans for more difficult hikes. Please choose low-risk hikes and do not travel to the Whites from areas outside the Whites.
Hikers traveling from afar to the Whites stop for gas, snacks, pit stops etc. and have more chance of spreading the virus to communities along the way and in the mountains. Medical facilities and EMS/SAR resources in the Whites are limited. If hikers from other areas spread the virus to local communities, or need SAR in the mountains, it stretches those resources even thinner, and potentially exposes SAR and other first responders to the virus. This is one of the trickiest times of year on 4K trails with varying conditions of ice and snow. It is time to “dial it back” and use common sense for the common good.
Wherever you hike locally, please do not go in large groups. Avoid busy trailheads. Practice social distancing with a minimum of six feet, and give plenty of room when passing other hikers. Please do not use any shelters or privies, as these are not sanitized and could facilitate the spread of the virus. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after every hike, and after touching surfaces that others may have handled. If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 (dry cough, fever, shortnesss of breath) please stay home and check with your medical provider.
We are all in this together, and together we will get through it. Please stay safe and stay local. The mountains aren’t going anywhere.
3/22/20: COVID-19
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Four Thousand Footer Committee Statement
The Four Thousand Footer Committee has been monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19, including recommendations of the CDC, and orders, guidelines and recommendations at various levels of government. Although it is not clear how long the restrictions on large events will continue, the Committee has decided we should cancel the upcoming Awards Night, scheduled for May 2. We hope to be able to reschedule the event, but there is too much uncertainty at this time to be able to choose a new date. If and when we are able to choose a new date, we will give as much notice as possible, and hope that you will be able to join us then. Please check our website for updates.
If you have made paid dinner reservations please advise us of your preference for one of the three following options; apply a credit for a future date, issue a refund or use your payment as a donation towards trails maintenance (our preference, of course).
In the meantime, please continue to send us your pictures for the slideshow due by April 4. Whether the event is rescheduled, or has to be permanently cancelled, we will make sure that you get to see your slideshow. We understand the joy and pride you have in reaching your goals, and the slideshow is a way for all of us to celebrate your accomplishments. We hope to post the slideshow on our website by May 2, hopefully bringing us all together in a virtual celebration.
This is an uncertain time for all of us. We know that you have found solace hiking in the woods and on the mountains. Please be sure to follow whatever state guidelines are in place for groups and social distancing.
Be safe,
6/25/19: Thousands of Journeys
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Statistics for Lists We Recognize (1931-2019)
Due to popular demand, please view the following chart to see a breakdown, by year, of the number of finishers of the White Mountain Four Thousand Footers, New England Four Thousand Footers, New England Hundred Highest, and Northeast 111!
5/31/19: Above Treeline, Boots and Plants Don't Mix...….
LNT and Staying on Trail in Alpine Zones
The wildflowers, plants, mosses, and lichens of New England's alpine zones are hardy enough to survive hundreds of miles south of where they're usually found -- but susceptible to hikers' boots. As spring hiking soon sidles into summer hiking, and you find yourself drawn (as we all are!) to areas above treeline, please be mindful of the delicate life forms in your midst. Click here for details.
5/8/19: Thinking of Getting Muddy?….
Suggested Guidelines for Springtime Hiking
At least at lower elevations, the snow is melting and the air is warming up — the itch to get back out into the hills is growing unbearable. However, it's also mud season, a time of year where trails are most susceptible to long-lasting damage. Click here for the AMC Four Thousand Footer Committee's thoughts on hiking at higher elevations during mud season, as well as tips for practicing low impact hiking and how to prepare for other springtime hiking hazards in New England.
5/2/19: At Your Fingertips….
Launch: 'AMC4000' Social Media Accounts to Keep Hikers Connected
Live just in time for the 62nd Annual Gathering, the Club recently debuted its presence on Instagram and Facebook. Followers can look forward to hiker-centric features, including 'mini-celebrations' of list completers and those working on wrapping up lists. Original and user-submitted photos will be the hallmark of these platforms, as well as new information on routes and news & announcements germane to hikers of peaks on Club lists.
4/27/19: 62nd Annual Gathering….
2019 AMC Four Thousand Footer Club Meeting, Dinner & Awards Night
One of the larger awards nights in recent memory, our April 27th event at Exeter High School saw several hundred hikers receive scrolls. Mount Washington State Park Manager Patrick Hummel (below) spoke of the ever-growing importance of trail maintenance and stewardship. Along those lines, the Club announced it was contributing $16,000 in funds toward the maintenance of the Osgood Trail ($12,500) and Old Speck Trail ($2,500), as well as $1,000 to The Waterman Fund.
PHOTOGRAPH: Gary Tompkins
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