Natural History Museum of Utah | Salt Lake City

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a paved and gravel road that ascends Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA. It provides vehicular access to the summit of the mountain.

Visual Characteristics

The road is approximately 7.6 miles (12.2 km) long. The lower sections are paved, transitioning to a gravel surface as elevation increases. The route features steep gradients, sharp curves, and exposed rock faces. Vegetation changes from deciduous forest at lower elevations to alpine tundra and bare rock at higher altitudes. The summit area is characterized by granite outcroppings and the presence of the Mount Washington State Park buildings.

Location & Access Logistics

The entrance to the Mount Washington Auto Road is located off U.S. Route 302 in Pinkham Notch, approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of North Conway, NH. The drive to the summit takes approximately 30-45 minutes one-way, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Ample parking is available at the base station. No public transportation directly serves the auto road entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Mount Washington Auto Road began in 1859 and was completed in 1861. It was conceived by Ethan Crawford and built by the Mount Washington Road Company. Its original purpose was to facilitate tourism to the summit. Ecologically, the summit is an alpine zone, supporting unique plant and animal life adapted to harsh conditions.

Key Highlights & Activities

Driving to the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains. Visitors can stop at designated pull-offs for observation. At the summit, the Mount Washington State Park offers interpretive exhibits and the historic Summit House. Hiking is possible on adjacent trails, but the auto road itself is primarily for vehicular traffic.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base station and at the summit. Limited shade is present along the route, primarily at the base station. Cell phone signal is intermittent and unreliable at higher elevations. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the base station and at the summit.

Best Time to Visit

The road is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun and to capture the best light on the landscape. Clear days are essential for summit views. High winds and fog are common year-round.

Facts & Legends

Mount Washington is notorious for its extreme weather. It holds the record for the highest wind gust ever recorded on the Earth's surface at 231 mph (372 km/h) in 1934. The summit is often referred to as the "Home of the World's Worst Weather."

Nearby Landmarks

• Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (0.1km South)
• Wildcat Mountain Ski Area (2.5km Northeast)
• Glen Ellis Falls (1.8km South)
• Imp Mountain Trailhead (3.2km West)
• The Ravine Lodge (Appalachian Mountain Club) (0.5km South)