Climb to the Top of Mt Washington by Auto, Train, or Foot
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
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Known for its extreme weather, Mt. Washington in the White Mountain National Forestt is the highest peak in the northeastern United States. Our guide includes information on reaching the top of Mt. Washington by auto, train, or foot. On a clear day, visitors can see 5 states, 2 countries, and the Atlantic Ocean from its New Hampshire summit.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
MT WASHINGTON IN THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
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 TOP OF MOUNT 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 STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER
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.
HOTELS NEAR MT WASHINGTON
OMNI Mount Wahsington Hotel - historic resort and spa at base of Mt Washington
The Glen House Hotel - Luxury lodging at base of Mt Washington
North Conway Grand Hotel - located on Settlers Green Outlets, North Conway
Fox Ridge Resort - mountain views, heated pool and hot tub
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 website for information on operating hours, fees, maps, and activities.
NEW ENGLAND TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
MT 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
The Mount Washington 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.
HIKING MT WASHINGTON
Hiking the 6,288 ft Mount Washington is a demanding physical challenge. The shortest route to climb the mountain requires ascending some 4,200 feet over an approximately 9 mile round trip. A hike will typically take at least 6-9 hours to complete. The mountain is well known for its unpredictable and severe weather fluctualtion.
There are many trails that ascend to the highest peak in the northeast. To plan for the trip we suggest accessing the USAF Forest Service and State of NH Hiking and Fishing websites.
Happy trails, Laura and Randy
For more information on travel to New Hampshire's north country read our articles on:
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