From AMC’s website. 

• We used AllTrails and Gaia for GPS tracking during hikes. GPS tracking is not perfect, but we really like using Gaia to create our routes and to track our stats. 
• In order to be officially recognized by the AMC for hiking the NH48, you need to complete and submit an application that includes a sheet where you track when you hike each peak, a brief essay, and a small processing fee. We suggest tracking your hikes as you go! 
• Along the way, we also kept our own google spreadsheet to document our hiking dates, stats, and notes. 

• Find a community that has similar goals so you can share experiences, trail conditions, recommendations, and advice!
• We joined a hiking Facebook group – Hike the 4000 Footers of NH, followed fellow hikers on Instagram who used hashtags, started chatting with people at summits, and read other blogs. Seeing pictures of the trails and people’s experiences kept us motivated when the drive from Boston felt long.

• Check the weather and trip reports before your hikes. The White Mountains are notorious for unpredictable weather and tough trail conditions. Check our NH48 Trip Reports and Weather Links page for links to the National Weather Service for all 48 4,000 footers. You could also look at the Higher Summits Forecast from Mt. Washington Observatory. Conditions can change drastically from peak to peak and throughout the day.
• Check trip reports so you can get the latest intel on trail conditions. We use New England Trail Conditions. Checking trail conditions is especially useful in late fall and winter so you know what kind of traction to bring. For spring hiking, check the streamflow conditions for New Hampshire, published by the USGS. The Northeast Snow Depth Page should be useful for winter hikers.
• If you join a hiking Facebook group, many people informally ask each other for trip reports which can also be helpful 

• Get the right gear. You don’t have to spend tons of money on gear to be safe and comfortable. We updated gear slowly throughout our journey. 
• Work your way up. Be strategic about which peaks you hike first. Start with more moderate hikes with less elevation and mileage as you build your mental and physical strength and endurance. 
• Think about what peak you want to finish on. All of the 48 are remarkable, so there is no wrong choice, but make it meaningful. 
• Tell a friend. Make sure somebody knows where you are hiking and when you plan to return so they can contact search and rescue if you run into an emergency.
• Expand your hiking season.  If you are willing to get the gear, consider winter hiking. The trails offer more solitude and arguably, more beauty with the landscape covered in ice and snow.
• String together multiple peaks. If you like to do bigger hiking days, start looking into combining multiple peaks into a hike. We loved doing the Pemi Loop, the Presidential Traverse, and the Wildcats and Carters Traverse (minus Moriah). 

• Know yourself. Only you know what you are capable of. Listen to your body and plan hikes that make sense for you and where you are. There are so many ways to hike the 48, somebody else’s approach is not always going to match up with yours. 
• Be kind to yourself. Getting out to the trail isn’t always easy or convenient. Some days, you might just not want to hike. There were a couple of times that we started a hike and realized that we were just not ready. That’s okay! Turning around and saving something for another day is not a bad thing. The mountains will always be there. 
• Be with nature. The beauty of the White Mountains are unparalleled. Take the time to soak in your surroundings. 
• Celebrate along the way. Make sure to recognize your growth and accomplishments! 
• Have fun! There is nothing like hiking in the White Mountains. Enjoy the journey.