<p>interesteddad - another option is to use the Cog Railway one direction. I would hike up to Lakes on day 1, day 2 - hike to the summit & take Cog down. I prefer this direction, as I’m a scrambler going up and an old woman coming down the mountain. Some people have a preference. </p>
<p>Greenleaf is an easy hut to get to using the Old Bridal Trail. From memory, it’s 3.5 miles from the parking lot/trail head and a fairly gentle trail by White Mountain standards - all below the tree line. Book it for 2 nights and spend the full day you are there hiking up to the ridge and as far along the ridge you want, then back to the hut. </p>
<p>As I mentioned earlier, I believe the Greenlead to Galehead traverse is the hardest. I’ve met seasoned hikers that spend 12 hours making the trip. Some might argue Lakes to Madison is worse. Both are on exposed ridges the entire trip, so weather is a big consideration. A few years ago I was caught in a bad thunderstorm heading from Galehead to Zealand. Luckily we were just below the tree line and were able to crouch under very small trees until it passed. </p>
<p>Happy Hiking. The Huts are great and well worth the money.</p>
<p>PS - do you use hiking poles? once you hit 40, they are a necessity to ease the pressure on the knees.</p>