What are the main hiking routes to Mount Washington?

The main routes to Mount Washington include: Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine & Jewell Trail Loop - west side..

How difficult is hiking Mount Washington?

Mount Washington is rated as Extremely Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Washington?

Typically, hiking Mount Washington takes 8–10 hours - round-trip via standard routes..

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Mount Washington

Mount Washington is an ultra-prominent mountain in the state of New Hampshire.

Prominence: 6138 ft Range: Presidential Range

Elevation: 6,288 ft

Mount Washington summit with rocky ridge and soft evening light under partly cloudy sky — A stunning summer evening view of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Presidential Range, captured in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The late-day sun casts soft shadows over the alpine zone and rugged ridge line, highlighting the expansive forested valleys within White Mountain National Forest.

Mount Washington ridge line with afternoon clouds and shadows in White Mountains New Hampshire — Mount Washington rises prominently in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire, bathed in soft afternoon light with scattered clouds casting dynamic shadows across the ridge line. The alpine zone near the summit contrasts with dense forest below in this expansive White Mountain National Forest landscape.

Rocky alpine terrain and cairns on Mount Washington in fall with clouds overhead — A rugged ascent through the alpine zone of Mount Washington reveals the rocky terrain and winding trails of the Presidential Range. The fall colors blanket the White Mountains, with patches of green shrubs contrasting the orange and brown grasses under a partly cloudy sky.

Mount Washington summit with rocky slopes and scattered fall foliage under blue sky — The rugged alpine zone of Mount Washington in New Hampshire's White Mountains is bathed in bright afternoon sunlight, revealing the varied textures of the Presidential Range. Subtle fall colors mix with rocky terrain beneath a partly cloudy sky in White Mountain National Forest.

Silhouette of Mount Washington summit structures at sunset in White Mountains — The rugged silhouette of Mount Washington’s summit is sharply outlined against a soft summer dusk sky in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The iconic communication towers and summit buildings stand starkly visible, framed by the tranquil light of the fading sunset within the Presidential Range of White Mountain National Forest.

Snowy summit of Mount Washington with antennas and clouds in winter — A stark winter scene captures Mount Washington's summit dusted in fresh snow, with wisps of cloud swirling around the antennas atop the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Snow-covered Mount Washington summit and rocky alpine terrain under clear blue sky — A crisp winter afternoon bathes Mount Washington's summit in clear, cold light. The rugged granite ledges and alpine zone are dusted with snow, casting stark shadows across the Presidential Range. This scene captures the serene yet formidable nature of New Hampshire’s White Mountains within the White Mountain National Forest.

Mount Washington summit video poster — Summit video from Mount Washington in New Hampshire's White Mountains (15 second, portrait, 640 x 978).

Mountain Overview

Mount Washington is an ultra-prominent mountain in the state of New Hampshire. It is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 feet (1,917 m) and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. The mountain is notorious for its erratic weather, once holding the world record for the highest wind speed measured at the surface. It lies in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, in Coös County, and its summit area includes the Mount Washington State Park (surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest). Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States and an ultra-prominent summit. It’s notorious for erratic weather, once holding the world record for highest surface wind speed. The mountain was known to Native Americans as Agiocochook, meaning “Home of the Great Spirit,” and indigenous peoples regarded its summit as sacred, rarely climbing it. The first recorded ascent was in 1642 by Darby Field, who climbed it with two Native guides. By the mid-19th century, the summit had become one of America’s first tourist destinations: the Summit House hotel opened in 1852 and the Tip-Top House in 1853. The Mount Washington Auto Road was completed in 1861 and the Cog Railway in 1869, the latter being the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. These developments (many of which still operate) made Mount Washington a centerpiece of White Mountain tourism. The summit area is partly in Mount Washington State Park, surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest.

General Info

Elevation

6,288 ft

Prominence

6138 ft

Range

Presidential Range

Trail Type

Out & back or loop options

Difficulty

Extremely Difficult

Exposure

High - extreme weather common.

Typical Time

8–10 hours - round-trip via standard routes.

Best seasons

Summer and early fall - June–October.

Water availability

Limited - water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain.

Cell reception

Spotty - generally some signal near summit; weak or none in ravines.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

Mount Washington

Photo

Mount Washington Summit in Evening Light

Description

This landscape photograph showcases Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a calm summer sunset. The Presidential Range's alpine zone is visible with its rocky summit and surrounding ridge line. The scene captures the serene mountain weather and vast wilderness of White Mountain National Forest, perfect for hiking and landscape photography enthusiasts.

Dimensions

6720 x 4480

Credit

Static map preview

Mount Washington: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 44.2705, -71.3033

Trails: Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Jewell Trail

NOAA / NWS Snapshot unavailable

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

Live summit weather is temporarily unavailable. Static trip-planning guidance remains available below.

USNO Snapshot unavailable

Astronomy timing is temporarily unavailable.

MWOBS Higher Summits Forecast 48-hour twice-daily report

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

12-month profile

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 3 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Limited - water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain.

Ammonoosuc River @ Bretton WOODS USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationAMMONOOSUC R @ BRETTON WOODS, NR TWIN MOUNTAIN, NH • 01136500

USGS Historical

Ammonoosuc west-side context for the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch, and Bretton Woods approaches.

Nearby live proxy: AMMONOOSUC RIVER AT BETHLEHEM JUNCTION, NH • SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH

Official source

Ellis River USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationELLIS RIVER NEAR JACKSON, NH • 01064300

USGS Historical

Useful Ellis River context for Glen Ellis, Wildcat, Carter Notch, and lower Pinkham approaches when drainages are running high.

Nearby live proxy: SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH • Peabody River at Gorham, New Hampshire

Official source

Israel River USGS historical • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationISRAEL RIVER AB S B ISRAEL R, NEAR JEFFERSON, NH • 01130500

USGS Historical

Northern Presidential and Jefferson side context for Caps Ridge, Appalachia, and Waumbek / Starr King planning.

Nearby live proxy: Peabody River at Gorham, New Hampshire • Androscoggin River near Gorham, NH

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

Mount Monroe — 5384 ft • Presidential Range
Mount Jefferson — 5712 ft • Presidential Range

AMC Pinkham Notch - 44.2583, -71.2537.

Trailhead parking

Large paved lot at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; fills early on busy days

Trailhead

AMC Pinkham Notch - 44.2583, -71.2537.

Capacity

200 vehicles (est.)

Jefferson Notch Rd

Closed

District Andro • Last updated Nov 21, 2025

Trailheads: Caps Ridge Trailhead (Jefferson Notch Rd) • Jefferson Notch Road (Northern End)

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Extremely Difficult

Typical completion time

8–10 hours - round-trip via standard routes.

Risk factors

Above treeline exposure, Severe weather, Limited water, Navigation, No cell service

Preparation notes

Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Plan water conservatively and do not assume reliable sources late in the hike. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone.

Bailout distance

0 mi

Weather exposure

High - extreme weather common.

Field planning note

Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop - 8.4 - 4,300 - Extremely difficult - Semi-loop - out via Tuckerman, back via Lion Head. Limited - water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain. Large paved lot at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; fills early on busy days

Water availability

Limited - water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain.

Cell reception

Spotty - generally some signal near summit; weak or none in ravines.

Best seasons

Summer and early fall - June–October.

Terrain

Very rocky and steep, with extensive boulder fields above treeline

Scramble sections

Yes - class 2 boulder scrambling on upper mountain.

View type

360° panoramic - above treeline.

Summit marker

Summit sign on cairn - and USGS benchmark on rock.

Flora / environment

Deciduous forest at base; spruce-fir subalpine; alpine tundra above ~4,500 ft

Nearby 4,000-footer connections

Mount Monroe, Mount Jefferson

Mount Washington Route & Conditions

Route

Mount Washington's standard hiking options include Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop at 8.4 miles with 4,300 feet of gain and Ammonoosuc Ravine & Jewell Trail Loop - west side at 9.6 miles with 3,800 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 8–10 hours - round-trip via standard routes.

Terrain and exposure

This is an extremely difficult Presidential Range hike. Expect very rocky and steep, with extensive boulder fields above treeline. Scrambling includes class 2 boulder scrambling on upper mountain. Upper-mountain terrain includes deciduous forest at base; spruce-fir subalpine; alpine tundra above ~4,500 ft and 360° panoramic, above treeline. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: high, extreme weather common.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is summer and early fall, June–October. Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is limited: water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain. Cell reception is spotty, generally some signal near summit; weak or none in ravines. Bailout options include Lakes of the Clouds Hut shelter via Crawford Path and Jewell Trail to Cog Railway base. Nearby live water context is available from Ammonoosuc River at Bretton Woods, Ellis River, and Israel River.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, with room for about 200 vehicles. Large paved lot at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; fills early on busy days. Other linked starts include Caps Ridge Trailhead (Jefferson Notch Rd), Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead (Base Road), Jewell Trail Trailhead (Cog Railway Base Area), and Mount Washington Auto Road Base (Pinkham Notch), and 1 more. Seasonal access-road context includes Jefferson Notch Rd.

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Jewell Trail, Boott Spur Trail, Huntington Ravine Trail, Great Gulf Trail, Nelson Crag Trail, and Crawford Path. Nearby 4,000-footer connections include Mount Monroe and Mount Jefferson.

Mount Washington

Area Map

Trails

Current Summit Weather

Astronomy

Monthly Weather Averages

Water & Crossing Context

Nearby Peaks & Connections

Parking & Access

Access roads & trailheads

Jefferson Notch Rd

Difficulty Metrics

Risk & Preparation

Wilderness Safety

Trail & Terrain

Conditions & Access

Mount Washington Route & Conditions