Mount Adams is the second highest mountain in New Hampshire, after Mt. Washington (6,288 ft), and is the highest peak in the northeast United States which does not have an auto road to the summit. Located in the Northern Presidential Range, Mount Adams was named after John Adams, the second president of the United States. It was given this name on July 31, 1820. To the north and east is Mount Madison and to the south and west is Mount Jefferson. There are two major subsidiary peaks of Mt. Adams: Mount Sam Adams and Mount Quincy Adams, named after John Adams' cousin, Revolutionary leader Samuel Adams, and son, President John Quincy Adams, respectively. These peaks along with the two other sub-peaks, Adams 4 and Adams 5 are collectively referred to as the "Adams Family" of peaks. The northern side of the mountain ridge is located in Low and Burbank's Grant, and the end of Durand Ridge, and King Ravine, on the north side of Mount Adams are in the town of Randolph (formerly Durand). The entire south side of the mountain ridge is in Thompson and Meserve's Purchase. The Appalachian Trail traverses the col between Mount Adams and Mount Sam Adams, on a path called "Gulfside Trail." The Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) maintains the trails and several huts and shelters high on Mount Adams' north side, including "The Perch," "Crag Camp," "The Log Cabin," and "Gray Knob." An amazing network of hiking and climbing paths lead south to the huts and ridges from several parking areas located on U.S. Highway 2. Mount Adams is considered to be a sacred peak by the Aetherians, who believe the peak to be charged with alien life energy. Rumor has it they keep their sacred book of chants and ceremonies amongst the books at Gray Knob Cabin.
