Mount Washington’s Majestic Summit, Hiking Trails, and Historic Resort Hotel Provide a Memorable New Hampshire Experience
Mount Washington, located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is the highest peak in the northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. The first recorded ascent of the mountain took place in 1642 when New Hampshire settler Derby Field climbed it with the assistance of two local Native Americans. The mountaintop offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas including the Presidential Range, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the surrounding forests. Mount Washington is famous for its extreme weather conditions. With some of the highest winds and coldest temperatures ever recorded in the United States, it has the nickname “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” Nevertheless, the mountain has become the most popular destination in New Hampshire attracting over 250,000 visitors annually to the 59 acre Mount Washington State Park on the summit, the surrounding woodlands, and the historic and luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort at the base.
Outdoor Activities at Mount Washington
Outdoor activities are at the core of experiencing Mount Washington and there are many ways to enjoy the area. One of the most popular attractions in the area is to visit the summit on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This historic railway, which has been in operation since 1869, is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and provides a scenic and unique approach to experiencing the mountain. The round trip train journey takes about three hours and you have about another hour at the summit to look out across the mountains and down into the valleys and lakes of the region. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history of the railway and the mountain’s unique ecosystem. The railway operates from late August through November with limited winter trips for adventurous travelers. An alternative way to reach the summit is to join the more than 45,000 vehicles that drive up the mountain on the Mount Washington Auto Road for a distance of 7.6 miles on a steep and unguarded road with a 12 percent grade. Checking your gas supply and brakes are highly recommended for this drive.
Another way for visitors to see Mount Washington is to enjoy hiking, walking, and exploring the forest and alpine landscape yourself. The Appalachian Trail passes through the summit making the entire area a popular route for hikers. One of the trails in the area, the Crawford Path, is the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the United States. Groups of New Englanders make an annual pilgrimage to Mount Washington to hike the main trail to the summit. Visitors can also explore the mountain by bike as there are many scenic cycling routes available. For a refreshing and often chilly dip, there are also quite a few swimming holes with natural water slides on local streams such as the Lower Falls of the Ammonoosuc River. During the winter, alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and snowboarding options are available at the Bretton Woods Ski Area. The slopes are equipped with a ski loft that serves as a scenic gondola ride during the summer months.
Mount Washington Observatory
One unusual feature of the mountain is the presence of the Mount Washington Observatory which is a weather station on the summit performing weather and climate research. This station uses state of the art equipment to study everything from forecasting to wind research and pollution studies. The station uses two alternating crews who each live on the summit for a week at a time doing weather observations and taking measurements.
The Historic Mount Washington Resort
The Mount Washington Resort and its numerous outdoor activities in the valley below the mountain have been an integral factor in establishing the area as a top destination. The resort dates back to 1902 and was a luxurious destination for wealthy people, dignitaries, and celebrities from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia to stay throughout the 20th century.In 1944, the hotel hosted the historic Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference where delegates from 44 nations met and established institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and adopted the dollar as the foundation for international exchange.
Beginning in 2009, Omni Hotels and Resorts took over the management of the hotel and subsequently purchased it and spent $90 million on renovations and expansions of the facilities. The renovated hotel now offers 269 grand rooms, each with its own charm and style, Guests can choose from a variety of room types from cozy standard rooms to expansive suites. Some rooms feature stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The resort has a range of amenities to keep guests entertained. There is an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor heated pools, red clay tennis courts, and horseback riding. Other special features include an award winning spa and a variety of dining rooms and lounges for guests to relax.
The easiest way to get to Mount Washington is by car. The mountain is located in northern New Hampshire and is accessible from Interstate 93 and Route 302. Visitors can also fly into nearby airports in Portland, Maine or Manchester, New Hampshire and rent a car to drive to the area. The best time to visit Mount Washington is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is milder and the mountain is more accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and sudden changes in temperature. Fall is another popular time to visit, with the leaves changing color and providing rewarding views for hiking. Winter brings snow sports to the area, but visitors should be prepared for the extreme weather conditions that can occur on the mountain with temperatures that can plummet to well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The area has even gained notoriety for the fact that boiling water thrown into the air will freeze instantly in the subzero temperatures.
This article was written by Jessica Crist, the Production Director of The Traveling American, who also provided some of the photographs.