Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness

The Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness encompasses nearly 28,000 acres of federally protected backcountry in New Hampshire, managed by the Forest Service. This is true wilderness—no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted. Visitors come here to hike and backpack through remote terrain, seeking the solitude and self-reliance that a primitive landscape demands.

Access requires foot travel only, and the reality of wilderness rules means you'll need to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in, camp only in designated spots (or where regulations allow dispersed camping), and respect the land's fragile state. Water sources exist but should be treated. Trails can be steep and exposed; weather changes rapidly in the high country. Winter access is possible but demands serious skills and gear—snow, ice, and cold create genuine hazards.

The best time to visit is summer and early fall, when snow melts and weather is most stable. Spring and late autumn are possible but bring unpredictable conditions. This is a place for experienced backcountry travelers who understand map-and-compass navigation, self-rescue, and Leave No Trace ethics. It rewards those willing to go the distance with genuine wilderness solitude.