Mount Washington Travel Guide

On a clear day the mountains just stand out
sharply. This is Mount Adams and Jefferson
from Route 2 near Gorham. This is in August.
Leaves turn earlier up here, in late September.

The trail goes south from Mount Washington
to Lake of the Clouds and
up Mount Monroe.
This is a view of the lake and hut and
Mount Monroe behind ( to the south )

The Great Glen Trails Outdoor Centre is a parent company of the Auto Road, and is to be found in the new Lodge, on the opposite side of the road (Route 16). The Center organises mountain biking at the base of Mt Washington on the beautiful rolling carriage roads and trails. You can either rent a bike, or bring your own. They also organise canoeing or kayaking on the lakes and rivers of northern New Hampshire, and provide an experienced guide. In the winter months you can partake in Snow Coach tours, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing.

Travellers began finding their way up to the summit of Mount Washington in 1861, and nowadays most people will drive all the way up in their cars. There are various restrictions, and before you start your ascent, you have to read the safety instructions provided, and selecting first gear, you may proceed up the mountain.

The average grade of 12% slopes ever upward on the mostly paved road, reaching up more than a mile in the sky. If you suffer from vertigo, or have any similar fears of heights, you should reconsider your decision to drive here. There are few, if any, barriers, except for the naturally-growing pine trees!

Driving down from Gorham, you will find the Mount Washington Auto Road signposted on the right side of the road. There is a large car parking area , to the left, before you actually join the Auro Road proper. It's an idea to pull in here, and get your bearings first.