Take An Unforgettable Drive To The Top Of New Hampshire’s Highest Mountain
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Ken MacGray
Author
At 6,288 ft., New Hampshire’s iconic Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States. It’s known for it’s erratic and dangerous weather, spectacular views, and is crossed by the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Many people take on the difficult task of climbing the mountain on foot, but if you’re not up for steep boulder hopping, there’s an easier way to reach the summit.
The Mt. Washington Auto Road was born from a boon in trail and bridle path building in the 19th-century. These paths served the first Summit House built on the summit of Mt. Washington in 1852. Construction of the auto road was begun in 1854 and completed in 1861.
Over its 7.6-mile ascent, the Mt. Washington Auto Road rises higher and higher toward the clouds, and sometimes even over them, providing expansive views along the way.
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Higher up, the road passes beautiful views of Mt. Washington's northern neighbors, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams (the second highest peak in the northeast behind Mt. Washington), and Mt. Madison.
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After the drive up, the reward is standing at the roof of New England in the same spot where many early explorers to the region also ventured.
You can't really claim a successful drive up and down the Mt. Washington Auto Road until you've affixed the famous bumper sticker to your car. Now you'll have bragging rights that you drove your car up not just any hill!
While the auto road is closed to public vehicle traffic during winter, the Snow Coach transports visitors to treeline at an elevation of approximately 4,200 ft., depending on weather conditions.
For non-hikers, the Mt. Washington Auto Road provides a route to one of the most unique mountain summits in the world. For more information, visit the Mt. Washington Auto Road’s website or follow them on Facebook.
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Featured Addresses
Mt. Washington Auto Road, 1 Mt Washington Auto Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA