Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NH
The highest mountain in the northeast state of New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or Agiocochook as it was then called) was first climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native guides but it wasn't until 1853 that the first summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top House was built, which survies to this day. For the less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog railway were built; feats of engineering which would be deemed difficult even in these modern times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from the west and the road road from the east.
South of the peak is the AMC's Lakes of the Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.
The summit is covered with several buildings, including the Sherman Adams Visitor's Center, TV and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the Mt Washington Observatory.The highest surface wind ever recorded on earth was at the observatory on the summit of Mt. Washington; 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having the worst weather in the world, especially bad in the winter. There are many monuments to hikers who've died on the mountain, including one to Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk up to the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During the summer months, there is a cafeteria, museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post office in operation. In winter, there is no access to any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed year-round by weather observers.
There have been several hotels on the summit. The original Tip-Top House was a simple stone building with a wooden extension. Later, a fancy wooden hotel was built, directly connected to the Railroad. It burned down and a new simpler hotel was built in the early 1900's. In recent years the wooden extension of the Tip-Top House was removed. You can tour the inside of Tip Top House during the summer months.
On the east side of the mountain are three major ravines;
The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the glacial errosion cirques in the Presidential Range, with awe inspiring cliffs!
Tuckerman - which is famous for its late spring skiing.
Huntington - a rock and ice climber's playground.
On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine dominates. Just south of Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson.
Hiking trails Mt. Washington Valley
There are many options for hiking to the summit of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the mountain. Climbing from the east means that you are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of north and west for the majority of the hike. The main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the summit.
On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably the most difficult trail in the White Mountains, and should not be attempt in bad weather or used for descent. From there, people usually take the Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and continue to the top from there.
From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes:
The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit.
The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail.
Trailheads.
Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - Take Rt 16 north from North Conway, located about 10 miles north of Jackson. Parking in the main lot does not require a WMNF parking pass, parking in the overflow lots does. There are bathrooms, coin operated showers, food, some gear, and pay phones. Lodging is available with reservations.
Ammonoosuc Ravine - From Rt 302 in Bretton Woods, take the Base Road 6 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right, just before the Cog Railroad. A WMNF Parking Pass is required.
Before even starting off on your hike, I recommend you take at a look at the Mt. Washington Observatory Daily Weather report for an up-to-date report from the top. For some simple tips on how to prepare for your trip, please visit our safety tips page below. Althought there are references to UK routes, the basic info still applies!
Have fun, test your stamina but be safe!
One of Mike's passions in Life is long-distance hiking, a spin-off from which is a growing interest in organic food supplements, sports nutrition, human physiology & psychology. We are what we eat!
http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/trekking-trails-usa.html< /p>
Safety Tips http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/trekking-trails-usa.html< /p>
Food for Potential Energy http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/trekking-trails-usa.html
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carPacking in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to... Read More
The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More
Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More
Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More
In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
My favorite outdoor related quote comes from John Muir, the... Read More
Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More
Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More
Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More
Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More
The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking... Read More
Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
The kind of things you pack when you go on... Read More
For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
Do you think the only thing to do in Las... Read More
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
WHAT TO SEE, TO DO AND WHERE: Mount McKinley is... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More
Outdoors |