Mount Washington is shrouded in mystery, but the answers to your questions about the great mountain don’t need to be. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the highest mountain in the Northeast.
The hiking time to reach the summit can vary widely depending on route, physical preparation and on-trail conditions. We have seen well-conditioned trail runners go from base to summit on the Jewell Trail in under an hour. That is exceptional and is by no means the norm.
More usual for those who hike regularly is a pace of about 1 1/2 to 2 miles an hour, leading to ascent times of two to three hours.
For those who have not hiked regularly and are taking on Mount Washington as a challenge of physical ability, we commonly see times of five or six hours, or even longer. Don't fret. As long as you leave early in the morning, you will still make it to the top.
One piece of advice, though: if it have taken you more than 4 hours to ascend and you arrive after 12 PM, consider taking a ride down instead of attempting to hike down. Believe it or not, for most people the descent is harder than the hike up.
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Hits: 32611Generally between 4.2 and 5.4 miles, depending on which trail is taken. The Lions Head and Tuckerman Ravine trails are on the shorter end of that range; the Boott Spur Trail is the longest of the main day hike trails to the summit. The Ammonoosuc Trail and the Jewell Trail are in the middle of the range.
Keep in mind that when hiking uphill, the terrain is often a bigger consideration that the mileage, especially with relatively little difference between the shortest and the longest route.
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Hits: 23030The Jewell Trail is generally considered the easiest trail to day hike to the summit of Mount Washington. At 5.2 miles from the parking lot of the Cog Railway to the summit, it is a little longer than some of the other trails. But the added distance is offset by generally less severe terrain. Make no mistake, the Jewell Trail is a steady uphill hike. But steady is the keyword as the trail lacks the extended steep climbs encountered on the shorter trails.
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Hits: 25996The elevation at the summit of Mount Washington is 6,288 feet above see level, according to the official website of the Mount Washington Observatory. For anyone not in the US, that is 1,716 meters. Or 1.2 miles.
While that may sounds like a lot, Mount Washington is relatively low on the list of tallest mountains in the world. In fact, the tallest 100 mountains in the world are all more than 23,000 feet high, a fact which makes Mount Washington sound kind of puny.
Believe me, when you're rock-hopping up to the summit or gazing out across 6 states, it feels plenty tall enough.
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Hits: 12860The elevation at the summit of Mount Washington is 6,288 feet above see level, according to the official website of the Mount Washington Observatory. For anyone not in the US, that is 1,716 meters. Or 1.2 miles.
While that may sounds like a lot, Mount Washington is relatively low on the list of tallest mountains in the world. In fact, the tallest 100 mountains in the world are all more than 23,000 feet high, a fact which makes Mount Washington sound kind of puny.
Believe me, when you're rock-hopping up to the summit or gazing out across 6 states, it feels plenty tall enough.
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Hits: 7695Approximately 30-45 minutes, plus any stoppage time for sight-seeing. The road is not long - less than 8 miles from valley to summit - but it is narrow, steep, and for those who are afraid of heights, terrifying. For more information about driving up the Mount Washington Auto Road, including the cost, vehicle restrictions and other important information, click through to the official site.
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Hits: 10716It can be, if you are prepared. Hiking up Mount Washington, even by the "easier" trails, is no walk in the park so proper preparation in advance is critical. That includes pre-trip planning, choosing the right trail, having appropriate gear, physical conditioning and mental readiness. For complete information on how to prepare for a Mount Washington day hike, check our series of articles in the links above.
Many first time hikers find that hitting the trail with a few more experienced hikers is a great way to get started. If you are interested in joining our annual Summit Mount Washington hike, you will find all the details at this link.
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Hits: 24067Because of the speed with which the weather and hiking conditions can change on Mount Washington, having the right gear and clothing is critical to a safe and enjoyable hike. Good footwear, layers of non-cotton clothing and a few basic pieces of equipment are a gerat start. Here is a more detailed guide for what to pack for a Mount Washington day hike.
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Hits: 16355Yes, the Sherman Adams Visitor Center hosts a cafeteria which sells a limited menu of hot and cold items. Don't expect anything fancy but if hot dogs, chili and pizza are your thing, you are in luck. During busy weekends, the wait time in line can be a bit long so be prepared to be patient.
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Hits: 14931Staying hydrated is critical to proper functioning of your muscles and your nervous system, a system which of course includes your brain. Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue and even disorientation. So be sure to bring enough water on your Mount Washington day hike.
For most people, about half a gallon will be sufficient for the ascent. In hotter weather, bring a little more.
For the descent, there are water bottle filling stations on the summit.
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Hits: 14397We do an annual hike up Mount Washington, and every year we have first-time hikers as part of the group. Seeing them experience the wonder of breaking above treeline and sense of accomplishment when they right the summit, especially hiking for a good cause, is priceless.
On that basis, the answer to the question is, none. Even newbie hikers can ascend Mount Washington, especially if they are with an experienced group to help guide them.
That said, advance preparation and proper safety planning is important.
And it doesn't need to cost a fortune but some basic equipment and clothing is essential to deal with unpredictable climate and rugged terrain.
Preparation is also key. Check out our guides for the best trails to choose for your ability, and how to train physically and to prepare mentally for the hike.
By following the Boy Scout motto, Be prepared, even first time hikers can have a safe and successful day hike of Mount Washington.
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Hits: 12289Hiking Mount Washington is both physically and mentally demanding, so some measure of physical conditioning is required to make the hike safe and enjoyable.
That said, one does not need to be an Olympic athlete to make it to the summit. With some basic strength and stamina conditioning, an early morning start, and a willingness to pace yourself, most people in reasonable shape can make it. But please don't read the last phrase and skip over the first three. Prepare yourself. If you not accustomed to extended periods of physical exertion, check with a doctor to make sure you are ready to push yourself to your physical and mental limit.
You can follows these links for more information about physical conditioning to hike Mount Washington and preparing yourself mentally for the challenges and decisions you can face on the mountain.
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Hits: 13479The following listings are driving distance to Mount Washington Cog Railway where HIKE for Mental Health begins its annual hike.
Mountain View Grand
101 Mountain View Road
Whitefield, New Hampshire 03598
1-855-837-2100Bear Mountain Lodge
3249 Main Street
Bethlehem, New Hampshire 03574
603-869-2189Briarcliff Motel
2304 White Mountain Hwy.
North Conway, New Hampshire 03860
603-356-5584 or 1-800-338-4291Carroll Motel & Cottages
73 US Route 3 South
Twin Mountain, New Hampshire 03595
603-846-5553Granite House Cottage
340 North State Street,
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
603-724-4765Omni Mount Washington Resort
310 Mt. Washington Hotel Rd.
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire 03575
603-278-1000Hampton Inn Littleton
500 Meadow Street
Littleton, NH 03561
603-444-0025Carlson’s Lodge
330 US-302
Twin Mountain, New Hampshire 03595
603-846-5501Profile Deluxe Motel
P.O. Box 99
580 Route 3 South (Daniel Webster Highway)
Twin Mountain, NH 03595
603-846-5522 or 800-682-7222Bretton Woods Rentals
1800 US 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
603-389-2121Twin Mountain KOA
372 NH-115
Twin Mountain, New Hampshire 03595
603-846-5559Additional information about lodging, activities, restaurants and more when staying in the Mount Washington area can be found on The Cog Railway ~ Area Lodging web page.
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Further reading on Mount Washington day hikes
Looking for more information about day hiking Mount Washington? Here are some pages to check out.
- Clothing and Equipment for a Mount Washington Day Hike
- Getting in Shape to Hike Mount Washington
- Preparing Mentally to Hike Mount Washington
- Safety Precautions Before Your Mount Washington Day Hike
- Mount Washington Day Hiking Trails
Learn about our annual Mount Washington HIKE for Mental Health
Interested in joining a great hike, for a great cause? Learn about HIKE for Mental Health's annual Summit Mount Washington day hike.
- Hike Mount Washington with HIKE for Mental Health
- Summit Mount Washington Smashes Goal
- Amazing photos and trail notes from our 2017 hike
- Painting the mountain orange: 2016 Summit Mount Washington photos
- Stunning views of 4th Annual Summit Mount Washington
- Spirits and Funds Reach New Heights on 3rd Annual Summit Mount Washington
I’m 71, and been hiking 5 years in NC mts every 2 weeks in the warm 6 months of the year. I’ve got severe arthritis; total hip replacement and 2 back surgeries for arthritis problems. Always use knee braces, trekking poles, and ibuprofen. I do 5 hour to 10 hour hikes of 6-12 miles w/ elev gains of 1,500 to 3,500 feet. Want to do Washington this fall or next year.
Every yr I train pre-hiking season 3-4 days/wk on treadmill (only now doing 25 minutes & max 175hbm, avg 154), stationary bike, and ab crunches/push-ups. During season I cut back some, but i’m wondering if I’m overworking or underworking this year (now hiking once/week since retired). Do I need more recovery time between hikes at 71 years of age.
My strength & stamina fine for most part, but some hikes in heat wearing me down. Just wondering if I should workout more, or do less, between hikes during season. Thanks.
Hi Gary, it is great that you are able to be so active! Not being a medical professional and not knowing you in person, it’s hard for me to give you a specific answer your question. Your best bet is to find a doctor, NP or PA locally who is also a hiker and understands what level of activity is required to give you an opinion. But a good rule of thumb – if you feel like your workouts are wearing you down too much, back off a bit until you find a level that is challenging but not debilitating. If you are still feeling tired two days after your routines, it might be too much. Be especially careful in the heat -d ehydration and heat stroke can sneak up on you suddenly. I hope some of that is helpful to you.
To date my biggest accomplishment has been the Bright Angel Trail (from Phantom Ranch to the trailhead), how would this compare?
Also, is there any climbing involved (I see the picture of a hiker being assisted over a boulder), I am not a climber.
Finally, if I hike up is there a shuttle, or something, to get a ride down? I’d like to do some exploring while I’m at the summit, so hiking back down would not be a great idea.
Hi Mike,
It is hard to compare the 2 trails as the terrain and environment are so different between the northeast and the Grand Canyon. If you are talking about hiking from the South Rim to Phantom Ranch, the elevation gain is about the same for Mt Washington, the distance is much less for Mt. Washington Jewell trail, but the terrain is much more rugged. There is not technical climbing, but you will be scrambling over rocks and boulders as you approach the summit. There are 2 (non-emergency) ways down from the summit without hiking: the Cog Railroad (https://www.thecog.com/) and the shuttle vans (https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/guided-tours/hiker-shuttle). They come out on totally different sides of the mountain so be sure you match your choice with the choice of trail you use, or you will have a very, very long walk to get back to your car.
Leo
When is it a good time to plan a hike up the mountain – is March or April open? Can you get a ride down also?
Because of the variability of the weather on Mt. Washington, there is no definitive answer to the question. There are generally days in March and April when the less rigorous trails are accessible. Your best bet is to check the current conditions as you get closer to your intended hike date.
In terms of getting a ride down, there are generally two options. Beginning in April, you may be able to ride the Cog Railroad down to the parking lot if you take the Jewell or Ammonoosuc Trails; here is the link to the info and tickets: https://www.thecog.com/schedule-tickets/. Or take a hiker shuttle over the auto road to base of the auto road if you are trying to get to that side of the mountain. The shuttle starts running 7 days a week in May, Here is the link for info and tickets: https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/hikershuttle.
Is there an option to get on a trail part way up the mountain? My friends and I are planning a trip there but, being native Floridians, we are a bit concerned about enjoyably making the entire climb. (Florida’s highest “peak” is 435 feet!) I thought there might be somewhere that hikers can get dropped off to make for a shorter hike to the summit.
Interesting question. There is an auto road that goes to the summit, and it does run near one of the trails near the summit. The challenges will be (a) finding someone who is willing to drive you up and drop you off and (b) knowing where to get dropped off and how to find the trail and get oriented on it (so you are walking in the right direction) once you are dropped off. If you can find a ride and are VERY good with trail & terrain maps, it is probably doable. But certainly not easy; and it might be better to simply start early in the day from the Cog Railway and take the Jewell Trail at a pace you can handle, with plenty of stops to rest, hydrate, and eat energy snacks.
Is there a possibility to hike up the mountain to watch the sunrise or sunset?
Possible – yes. Advisable, maybe not. Why not? To be on the summit for sunrise means hiking before sunrise (i.e. in the dark) up the mountain. To be there for sunset means hiking down after sunset (again in the dark). Unless you are an experienced hiker and/or very familiar with the trails, Mt. Washington is definitely not the place for a night hike. None of the trails would be easy to follow in the dark, especially above treeline where the only markings are cairns that will be all but invisible from one to the next even with a flashlight.
what is the best time of year to hike up mount Washington ? Have a scout troop of 12 to 15 year olds that want to due it in march ! Are there any permits required ?
Hi Kenneth,
There are no permits to hike Mt. Washington. March is not a great month unless your troop is comprised of very experienced winter camping/hikers. As I write this response on March 3, the temperature yesterday on Mt. Washington ranged from a low of -28 degree F to a high of -7 degrees F. Yes, the high temperature was minus 7. The average temp this month is typically only in the teens.
July and August are generally considered the safest months to hike Mt. Washington, meaning least likely to encounter snow. You can encounter severe weather every month of the year on the summit, however, so be prepared whenever you go. We hold our annual hike in late August, generally with good weather results.
-Leo
I am “training” to hike Mount Washington. I have a few years yet before I plan to tackle it; however, I would like to also hike Cadillac Mountain at Acadia within the same week. I took an 8-day road trip a few years ago through NE but was not at a place physically (or mentally for that matter) to hike anywhere. After making some significant lifestyle changes, I’ve now set my sights on hiking these two mountains. I plan on recreating my original trip (and even some of the photos) but I don’t want to overdo it. I would love to also so some of the smaller hikes on the Kanc and also in Acadia. Hopefully by the time I attempt this, I will be considered a “seasoned hiker” but I also know hiking Mt. Washington can be grueling for even the most seasoned hikers. Any advice would be appreciated!
Actually, it sounds like you are preparing yourself well for the hike! Take the Jewell Trail on Mt Washington and pace yourself. Follow the gear list and be prepared for severe weather. Watch the summit weather forecast and be prepared to turn back if the weather deteriorates. If you get sore or swollen joints from doing hikes with major ups and downs, some hikers take an Ibuprofen before the hike to keep the swelling down. (Consult a doctor – we are not medical personnel.) Let us know how it goes for you!
I am still not in a place to hike Mt. Washington or Cadillac, but I do consider myself a newbie hiker! I actually joined the 52 Hike Challenge this year to encourage myself to get out and hike. I now own more gear than I ever thought possible including microspikes! I have fallen in love with hiking and completed my first “summit” thus far. For most it was a hill, for me it was a small mountain, but I did it. Every step I take when I’m out on the trails reminds me of my goal to hike Mt. Washington. I have a long way to go but it’s going to happen! Learning to slow down, go at my own pace, and take breaks has been hardest for me, but based on the responses to this thread, it’s something I need to master or I’ll never make it. Thanks for the advice! Hope to see you soon 🙂
We are 2 young adults with moderate hiking experience, having hiked a few 3500 ft peaks in the Catskills. Our biggest fear is sections that contain falling risks. What would be the best trail to take up and down to minimize those risks?
Thank you!
My recommendation would be the Jewell Trail. The final 1/4 mile to summit is some boulder-hopping but most of the 5.2 mile hike on the Jewell is just a steady uphill slog. Strenuous, but not scary.
Thank you for the response.
Will there be others out on the Jewell trail mid-week in August or is Tuckerman Ravine/Lions Head much more popular? We prefer knowing there are others and meeting them on a hike such as this.
Mostly likely there will be other hikers. The Jewell is a popular trail.
Hi there
I am looking to reach summit via Jewell trail in the upcoming week. november 13 2021.
Is there a shuttle or trolly still running for the descent?
Im not aware of any. The Cog only runs to 4,000 ft in the winter, not to the summit. The hiker shuttle (which comes out on the opposite side of the mountain from the Jewel trailhead anyway) does not run in winter. Please pay close attention to weather conditions for your hike. The summit can be extremely dangerous this time of year and conditions can change very quickly. Be prepared!
I want to take my kids to see lake of the clouds. Not summit. Is this doable three kids 13-11-8? In may.
Hi Nina. Thanks for your question. The answer is, it depends a lot on you and your kids, and the weather. It is not an easy hike. The last mile or so of the 3 mile climb (using Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, the best route) to extremely strenuous, steeply up and over large boulders. As recently as last month, there was still plenty of ice so microspikes were needed. If you are a very experienced hiker in very good physical shape (you’ll need energy in case your kids run low of it) and your children have been able to persevere on 6-7 hr hikes before without getting too bored or discouraged, you may be okay. I wouldn’t advise making this your first White Mountains hiking experience with them, though. Also, bring cash with exact change for parking. It’s $10 per person, or I think $5 a car if you add another mile to the round-trip distance.
Do the trails require an adult for every party? Would a group of 15/16 year olds be able to enter the trial on their own. We are all athletes and are in shape.
Hi Jack, there is no one at the trails monitoring who is hiking. So there is no requirement for an adult in each party. Please just make sure that everyone in your group has his/her/their own gear for the hike and is prepared to deal with all the possible challenges. Remember, it snows every month of the year on the summit, and every year, people die trying to ascent to the summit. Know the dangers and be prepared, then have fun.