Climb to the Top of Mt Washington by Auto, Train, or Foot
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Known for its extreme weather, Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States. Our guide includes information on visiting Mt. Washington’s summit by auto, train, or foot. On a clear day, visitors can see 5 states, 2 countries, and the Atlantic Ocean from its summit.
For more information on travel to New Hampshire's north country read our articles on:
MT. WASHINGTON – INTERESTING FACTS
Located in the 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, Mt Washington is 6,266' high and famous for its extreme weather conditions. It’s steep slopes, high elevation, and rugged New England geography (cold artic air slamming into warm Atlantic) result in thrilling and dangerous weather changes.
The New Hampshire mountain is home to three climate zones ranging from dense forest, to artic tundra, to the rocky alpine summit. Mt. Washington has the 2nd highest wind speed ever recorded (231 miles per hour). When visibility is good, summit views can extend over 130 miles in all directions.
The summit is almost always cooler than the temperatures at its base. It is also prone to frequent wind and precipitation changes. Even in the summer a waterproof jacket, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves are minimum essentials for any type of ascent (hikers: visit Hike Safe for additional info).
MT. WASHINGTON STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER, OBSERVATORY, & WEATHER STATION
Within the National Forest, the Mount Washington State Park is a 60-acre parcel of land at the mountain’s summit. At its center, the Sherman Adams Building houses a cafeteria, museum, rest rooms, gift shop, and large observation deck. Next to the main building is the historic Tip Top House.
Standing on the Mt. Washington observation deck is awe-inspiring. On a clear day, visibility can include views of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Quebec, Vermont, and the Atlantic Ocean. A short distance from the deck, the Mt. Washington summit sign always has a line of folks waiting to take photos.
The Mt. Washington Observatory and weather station are also housed at the summit. The nonprofit institute performs research, provides educational lectures, and year-round summit adventures. Read more about the work of the institute.
To read about the summit’s current weather click here.
The State Park facilities are generally open to the public mid-May through Mid-October (when the auto road is open). Visit the Mt. Washington State Park Sherman Adams Visitor Center link for information on operating hours, fees, maps, and activities.
MOUNT WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD
The privately owned Mt. Washington Auto Road ascends 7.6 miles up the east side of the mountain from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch. For a fee, cars and motorcycles can climb the auto road in their personal cars, or take a guided tour. There is also a hiker shuttle offered. No bicycles are allowed and size restrictions apply. Check the company’s website for special events throughout the season (ATV days, bicycle climbs, and road races). Plan for approximately 30 minutes to ascend, and 30-45 minutes to descend the mountain.
MT. WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY
Read our article on the Cog Railway here.
The privately owned Cog Railway is located on Route 302 near the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. For more detailed information on the Cog read our article the Mt. Washington Cog Railway.
The railway offers roundtrips up and down the mountain using two types of locomotives, biodiesel and steam. The biodiesel engine makes each leg of the journey in about 45 minutes (the steam is a little longer). The rest of the 3-hour journey is spent exploring the Mt. Washington State Park Visitor Center. Read more about scheduling and ticket information.
HIKING MT. WASHINGTON
There are many trails that ascend to the highest peak in the northeast. To narrow your choices and plan for the trip we suggest researching the following resources:
· USDA Forest Service: White Mountain National Forest page
· NH Fish & Games Hike Safe
· Hiking & Fishing: Visit the Mt. Washington - NH White Mountains page
Happy trails, Laura and Randy
For more information on travel to New Hampshire's north country read our articles on:
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