Mount Washington State Park
NileGuide Expert Says:
No matter how they get there -- by car, on foot, or by train -- visitors will be impressed with the Mt. Washington summit experience.Address:
Phone:
603-466-3347NileGuide Expert tip:
If deciding to travel to the summit of Mt. Washington, try to do so earlier in the day. Bookings for the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway fill up fast. Meanwhile, it is a multi-hour journey for hikers.Description:
As the highest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington stands at a very commanding 6,288 feet. For both visitors and locals alike, it is a prime destination that offers much for those who love mountain vacationing. There are several ways to reach the top of Mount Washington. The popular Mount Washington Auto Road enables motorists to make the long climb along a long, narrow switchback road. The Mount Washington Cog Railway, meanwhile, allows visitors to reach the summit via the comfort of a steam powered locomotive. Several hiking trails lead to the summit but be forewarned – this is a strenuous excursion. While it is possible to do this hike in one day, it is not recommended. Instead, hikers may want to reserve an overnight stay at the Lake of the Clouds hut, a rustic bunk house facility run by the Appalachian Mountain Club.On a clear day, the summit of Mount Washington offers stunning views that can expand to the Atlantic Ocean and on into Canada. Also at the summit, there is a snack bar and gift shop. Be sure to check out the Tip Top House, a former hotel which has been preserved for viewing by tourists. In addition, the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, located on the lower level of the snack bar, is also worth a visit. This museum chronicles the fascinating history of this outpost of meteorological study as well as the weather extremes found at the summit. Speaking of which, no matter your route to the summit, be prepared for the sudden and sometimes violent shifts in weather patterns that are commonplace on Mount Washington. On a typical summer day, for instance, the weather may be sunny with temperatures in the 80s at the base of Mount Washington while it is cloudy, extremely windy and in the 40s at the summit with the occasional snow flurry.
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