| Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt | | | | Hiking trails Mt. Washington Valley |
| Washington - NH | | | | There are many options for hiking to the summit |
| The highest mountain in the northeast state of | | | | of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start |
| New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or | | | | at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the |
| Agiocochook as it was then called) was first | | | | mountain. Climbing from the east means that you |
| climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native | | | | are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of |
| guides but it wasn't until 1853 that the first | | | | north and west for the majority of the hike. The |
| summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top | | | | main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 |
| House was built, which survies to this day. For the | | | | miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the |
| less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog | | | | summit. |
| railway were built; feats of engineering which | | | | On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur |
| would be deemed difficult even in these modern | | | | trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion |
| times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from | | | | Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than |
| the west and the road road from the east. | | | | Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. |
| South of the peak is the AMC's Lakes of the | | | | The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches |
| Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the | | | | off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the |
| AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. | | | | bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably |
| The summit is covered with several buildings, | | | | the most difficult trailin the White Mountains, and |
| including the Sherman Adams Visitor's Center, TV | | | | should not be attempt in bad weather or used for |
| and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the | | | | descent. From there, people usually take the |
| Mt Washington Observatory.The highest surface | | | | Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and |
| wind ever recorded on earth was at the | | | | continue to the top from there. |
| observatory on the summit of Mt. Washington; | | | | From the west side of the mountain, starting near |
| 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having | | | | the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there |
| the worst weather in the world, especially bad in | | | | are two routes: |
| the winter. There are many monuments to hikers | | | | The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at |
| who've died on the mountain, including one to | | | | a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and |
| Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk up to | | | | climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers |
| the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During | | | | continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit. |
| the summer months, there is a cafeteria, | | | | The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side |
| museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post | | | | of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the |
| office in operation. In winter, there is no access to | | | | Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to |
| any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed | | | | the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail. |
| year-round by weather observers. | | | | Trailheads. |
| There have been several hotels on the summit. | | | | Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - Take Rt 16 north |
| The original Tip-Top House was a simple stone | | | | from North Conway, located about 10 miles north |
| building with a wooden extension. Later, a fancy | | | | of Jackson. Parking in the main lot does not |
| wooden hotel was built, directly connected to the | | | | require a WMNF parking pass, parking in the |
| Railroad. It burned down and a new simpler hotel | | | | overflow lots does. There are bathrooms, coin |
| was built in the early 1900's. In recent years the | | | | operated showers, food, some gear, and pay |
| wooden extension of the Tip-Top House was | | | | phones. Lodging is available with reservations. |
| removed. You can tour the inside of Tip Top | | | | Ammonoosuc Ravine - From Rt 302 in Bretton |
| House during the summer months. | | | | Woods, take the Base |
| On the east side of the mountain are three major | | | | Road 6 miles to the trailhead parking area on the |
| ravines; | | | | right, just before the Cog Railroad. A WMNF |
| The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the | | | | Parking Pass is required. |
| glacial errosion cirques in the Presidential Range, | | | | Before even starting off on your hike, I |
| with awe inspiring cliffs! | | | | recommend you take at a look at the Mt. |
| Tuckerman - which is famous for its late spring | | | | Washington Observatory Daily Weather reportfor |
| skiing. | | | | an up-to-date report from the top. For some |
| Huntington - a rock and ice climber's playground. | | | | simple tips on how to prepare for your trip, |
| On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine | | | | please visit our safety tips page below. Althought |
| dominates. Just south of | | | | there are references to UK routes, the basic info |
| Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north | | | | still applies! |
| is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson. | | | | Have fun, test your stamina but be safe! |