Home of the World’s Worst Weather

Towering above New Hampshire – both literally and figuratively – is Mount Washington, the highest point in the entire Northeast at 6,288 feet. A destination all its own, Mount Washington is known for having some of the most extreme and unpredictable weather in the world. Despite this, the mountain is a popular recreational hotspot.

How to Get There

Mount Washington stands tall above the remote wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest that covers much of northern New Hampshire. It’s several hours from any major transport hub, situated 2.5 hours from Portland, Maine and 3.5h from Boston. It’s also 4 hours southeast of Montreal. The nearest airports are Portland International Jetport (2.5h), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (3h) and Burlington International Airport in Vermont (3h).

Once you land, you’ll want to rent a car – public transit options to Mount Washington are non-existent. There is, however, a seasonal coach from Concord to Berlin, New Hampshire – which itself lies 15 miles north of Mt. Washington – though this is typically an expensive and burdensome way to get to the White Mountains.

Things to Do

Those seeking a leisurely route to the summit of the most prominent peak east of the Mississippi can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or hop aboard the historic Cog Railway, which has been climbing the western slopes since 1869. The Auto Road takes around an hour to traverse, depending on how often one stops, while the Cog Railway takes around 3 hours, and both are only open during the warm summer months, generally mid-May to October.

Meanwhile, more adventurous spirits can take on Tuckerman Ravine, a slope that draws in “spring skiers” – or those who hike up and ski down – and the Lion Head Trail, a 7.7 mile out-and-back pathway.

As they ascend, drivers and riders will watch the landscape slowly transition from dense forest to barren alpine meadows. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded on clear days with jaw-dropping panoramic views across northern New England and as far away as Quebec.

But no matter what the conditions may be on your ascent, be prepared for the weather to change rapidly. Mount Washington has a truly wild climate, which is studied and recorded at the Observatory at the summit.

The mountain’s weather station, established in 1870, was the first of its kind and set a worldwide precedent. It’s logged all of the peak’s records, including the record low of -50° F in 1885, the record low wind chill of −102.6° F in 2004 and the former world record for the highest wind speed on the planet, a whopping 231 mph in 1934. Although unseated by a higher gust of 254 mph in Australia in 1996, Mount Washington still holds the Northern and Western Hemisphere titles and regularly experiences hurricane-force winds due to its location where multiple storm systems converge. The often harsh winds also contribute to a very low treeline, with plants only surviving as low as 4,400 feet and giving the mountaintop its distinctive tundra landscape.

Whether you’re a serious mountaineer or a casual sightseer, Mount Washington is hands down the most diverse and awe-inspiring peak on the East Coast, delivering an unforgettable experience no matter how you choose to enjoy this New Hampshire icon.

What to Eat

At the Observatory on the summit, the only option for food is the Mount Washington Snack Bar, though the finger foods, pizzas and local snacks are pretty solid all around.

Located at the base of the mountain are places like the Pinkham Notch Market – which serves up some basic deli meals – and The Notch Grille, a somewhat fancy Americana restaurant inside The Glen House hotel. Further afield in the towns of Gorham and Jackson, the food scene is much more varied, featuring hearty fare from establishments such as Mr. Pizza Restaurant & Tavern and The Shannon Door Pub & Restaurant, respectively.

Where to Stay

Hotels:
– The Glen House
– AMC Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch
– The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa

Bed & Breakfasts:
– Mt. Washington Bed & Breakfast
– Windy Hill Bed & Breakfast
– Mountainside Farm Bed & Breakfast