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For the past 140 years, AMC has provided access to the trails of the northeast through a system of lodges and high huts that serve families with wilderness education programs.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a remarkable, pioneering environmental organization run by volunteers. It serves a role like none other by enabling people of all ages and athletic abilities to enjoy the great outdoors with its well maintained trails and housing. We spent a weekend exploring the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains at AMC's newest lodge, the Highland Center.

Joining the AMC family of six lodges, the Highland Center at Crawford Notch is not the first rustic resort to occupy this unspoiled, 26-acre parcel of wildflower fields among lakes, forest, and peaks. The contemporary wooden chalet was built on the site of the turn-of-the-century Crawford House, an enormous summer resort in the style of the still functioning and quite beautiful Mt. Washington Hotel, just 5 miles down the road. Like many of its 19th century grand wooden resorts, the Crawford House burned to the ground.

Back in the day, Crawford House patrons took advantage of the nearby rail lines (the classic Victorian-era station is now an AMC information center) to get away from the brutal air and summer heat of cities choking on the industrial revolution. The Crawford brothers wined, dined and provided healthful walks for their affluent patrons, who used the surrounding forest for hiking, fishing and camping out. Guests from the resort and nearby B&Bs would ascend the Crawford Trail across the road, many en route to the summit of Mt. Washington, more than 8 miles away.

Making the World Better One Tree Hugger at a Time

Today's AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch meets the same needs for travelers, albeit as a non-profit venture dedicated to educational adventures and environmental stewardship. Many years ago, we had stayed at the AMC's Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, and fondly recalled a long weekend of stunning scenery, hearty meals, friendly guests, evening talks and nature films, so we eagerly booked a weekend at this one.

The Highland Center's imposing but cozy living room area overlooks White Mountains National Forest, and offers several soft couches, and a large stone fireplace that becomes the centerpiece of guest socials and board games.

Lodge accommodations are simple, clean and comfortable, with eco-friendly low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, down comforters, comfy leather chairs, and carpeting made from recycled plastics. Rooms range in size from double with a queen bed and private bath to family rooms with a queen and two bunk beds down to dorm style rooms with a shared bath. It's rewarding to know that the lodge furnishings were donated by the New England outdoors legend L.L. Bean.

The original Crawford House Garage, survivor of the big fire, is used as staff housing. Also on property is the newly constructed Thayer Conference Center, a meeting facility where evening programs are held.

Rates include breakfast and dinner daily, as well as a full program of guided hikes, lectures and access to the AMC's well kept trails. Talk about hearty meals: the big breakfast buffet consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, fresh muffins, pancakes with local syrup, and an extensive cereal bar with granola, muesli, hot oatmeal, assorted nuts, berries, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Delicious Green Mountain Coffee (of neighboring Vermont) has survived the Starbucks juggernaut to rule as New England's coffee purveyor of choice. At supper, large platters of meat, locally raised vegetables, salad, fresh baked bread and homemade cakes are either shared family style or offered in a buffet. Either way, the food is hearty and delicious. The young cook staff proved talented beyond their years. Trail lunches can be purchased in the morning, although some huts also provide a simple repast if you are able to target your hike to land at the lunch hour.

AMC staff are exceedingly helpful and knowledgeable, with an especially sincere love of the outdoors that is infectious. The entire crew, many of whom are college kids with summer jobs or internships in environmental programs, are very engaged with younger guests. They come around to each table and advise guests about the next day's weather, offer tips on potential hikes, and promote the evening programs.

Nightly offerings range from talks by a visiting naturalist or a movie about an outdoors topic, but some will opt for the nightly moose spotting missions that take guests out to look (from safely inside a van) for the majestic beasts, who are quite common in the area. Every weekend throughout the year (some themed to family harvest, senior fitness or the holidays) offers special day activities in cross country skiing, digital photography, orienteering, family outdoor adventures, alpine wildflowers, bird watching, “leave no trace” environmental programs and others, all free of charge. Kids ages 5-12 can complete a workbook with staff help and become certified Junior Naturalists any time.