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Climb to the Top of Mt Washington by Auto, Train, or Foot

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Cog Railway Ascending Mt Washington | NH, USA
Cog Railway Ascending Mt Washington | NH, USA

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.

Climb to the Top of Mt Washington At-A-Glance
Click on the 'At-A-Glance' for a Carousel of Photos
Mt Washington State Park | New Hampshire, USA
Mt Washington State Park | New Hampshire, USA

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.

Mt Washington Auto Road Parking | Gorham, NH
Mt Washington Auto Road Parking | Gorham, NH

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.

Hiker Ascending the Summit | Mt. Washington
Hiker Ascending the Summit | Mt. Washington

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 | White Mt National Forest | USA
Mt Washington | White Mt National Forest | USA

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.

Sherman Adams Building | White Mt. State Park
Sherman Adams Building | White Mt. State Park

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.

Summit Sign | Mt. Washington | White Mountains
Summit Sign | Mt. Washington | White Mountains

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.

Summit | Mt. Washington State Park
Summit | Mt. Washington State Park

To read about the summit’s current weather click here.

Tip Top House | Summit of Mt. Washington
Tip Top House | Summit of Mt. Washington

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.

Mt. Washington Weather Observatory | NH
Mt. Washington Weather Observatory | NH

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 Auto Road | New England, USA
Mt Washington Auto Road | New England, USA

MT. WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY



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.

Mt Washington Cog Railway | New England, USA
Mt Washington Cog Railway | New England, USA

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 the Appalachian Trail | Mt Washington
Hiking the Appalachian Trail | Mt Washington

Happy trails, Laura and Randy

For more information on travel to New Hampshire's north country read our articles on:

Mt Washington | NH White Mountain State Park
Mt Washington | NH White Mountain State Park



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