Those who take on the challenge are thoroughly informed about the difficulties of the trek.
"There's a lot of mental, verbal preparation with people," Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs Julie Clemons explained.
"We've all been doing different things for training, from trail running and sophomore trips to squash and water pong," Conor Frantzen '08 said of his group. "I'm pretty confident about being able to finish it since I'm going with a great group of guys and we'll definitely support each other on the hike."
The hikers must prepare not only for the stresses of the strenuous pace, but also for the rigors of continuing through the night without sleep.
"People get really nervous when it starts to get dark and they haven't stopped to camp," said Clemons, who has completed the hike before.
Participants tend to feel the urge to speed up at night, which can be dangerous for tired hikers working with very little light.
Trekkers are carefully equipped for the ordeal. Carrying light packs of only about six pounds, hikers bring only flashlights or headlamps, water, and small amounts of food. Their other needs are taken care of at the five support stations along the route, where volunteers will provide more food and water, medical attention and much-needed encouragement for the weary. Additionally, each station has two "sweepers" who will follow the last group through to the next stop to ensure their safety and make sure groups haven't gotten lost.
Said to have been the brainchild of Bernie Waugh '74, the 50-mile hike has been a formative Dartmouth experience for those who take part for a number of years. The mental strain, even more than the physical duress, is what most remember. The choice to continue walking after 30 miles is a difficult one, especially with the support stations providing so many chances to stop.
"I know what tired means now," Clemons, recalling her experiences, said.
Hallucinations are often reported during the last stretch, and hikers arriving finally at Moosilauke are not always coherent. Nevertheless, given a large meal and a chance to sleep, most recover quickly and look back fondly on their monumental trek.
