Can you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington?
Usa, north-america
12.55 km
1,916 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime on the Mount Washington Auto Road! This unforgettable toll road in New Hampshire snakes its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way up to the summit of Mount Washington.
Can you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington?
This incredible 7.8-mile stretch climbs to 6,286 feet above sea level, boasting an average gradient of 11.37%. The weather up here is a wild card, so prepare for anything! You might find blue skies or get caught in the mountain's famous fog, strong winds, and rapidly changing conditions.
While the road is fully paved as of 2022, it's still a challenging drive with countless twists and turns. There's even a mile of hard-packed gravel mid-mountain to keep you on your toes. But trust me, the above-tree-line views starting around 4,200 feet are worth it! Just a heads up – certain vehicles loaded down with people or luggage might not be allowed, and bikes are generally a no-go unless it's race day.
This road opened way back in 1861, and it's been a popular adventure ever since. More than 45,000 vehicles make the trek each year! Because of the extreme weather at the summit, it’s usually only open during the summer months, with opening day depending on how much snow has fallen.
Be sure to pack warm, dry clothes no matter when you visit because the temperature at the summit is usually way colder than at the base. Also, the mountain had the second highest windspeed ever recorded on Earth! The road has some steep drops and no guardrails in places. If heights make you nervous, you may want to consider taking a guided tour. In over 150 years, there have only been three fatalities on the road.
Taking about 30-45 minutes to ascend and descend, you will be rewarded with incredible scenery. There are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the views. It's an amazing drive through the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest that you will not soon forget! Just be sure to check the closing times for the day you visit.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,916 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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