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 Alpine tarn reflecting snow-dusted slopes under overcast sky in the Presidential Range near Mount Flume, White Mountains — A peaceful alpine tarn reflects the frosted slopes and low clouds in the Presidential Range, captured on a fall day with fresh light snow dusting rocks and treetops. The trail-side scene shows autumnal alpine vegetation transitioning to early winter conditions with muted overcast light enhancing the texture of stone and sparse greenery.

Mount Washington Close-up of rugged alpine rocks with frost and light snow under foggy overcast fall light in the White Mountains — Close-up view of frost and thin ice formations on rugged rocks in the White Mountains' Presidential Range, captured during a foggy fall afternoon. The scene shows jagged rocks dusted with light snow and frost under diffused soft light, conveying the quiet cold of early alpine winter conditions on a hike near Mount Washington and Mount Monroe.

Mount Washington A peaceful mountain tarn bordered by rocky terrain with a light dusting of snow under a gray cloudy sky in the White Mountains — This image captures a calm mountain tarn surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain lightly dusted with early snow. The scene is under an overcast sky with soft light filtering through clouds, highlighting winter's arrival in the White Mountains' Presidential Range near the Mount Washington and Mount Monroe area.

Mount Washington Rock cairns beside a rocky alpine hiking trail with distant mountain ridges and a partly cloudy blue sky on the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains during summer — A rugged alpine trail winds through rocky terrain marked by rock cairns under partly cloudy skies during a summer afternoon on the Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains.

Mount Washington Rocky hiking trail descending a mountain ridge with rocky ground and reddish grasses under partly cloudy summer skies, overlooking distant forested valleys in the White Mountains — A rocky, rugged hiking trail descending a mountain ridge under a partly cloudy sky in summer. The foreground shows uneven stones and patches of reddish grasses, with distant forested hills and blue sky peeking through clouds. This image captures the expansive landscape and atmospheric weather typical of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Mount Washington Rocky mountain trail with green grass and fog obscuring rocky ridges by a wooden trail sign in the White Mountains — A foggy atmospheric photo capturing a rugged alpine trail with scattered rocks and grassy patches in the Presidential Range, near Mount Jefferson, New Hampshire. The mist cloaks the rocky ridges and a trail sign, evoking the quiet stillness of a summer day in the high mountains.

Wooden trail signpost in fog on rocky terrain pointing to Mount Washington, Lake of the Clouds Hut, and other destinations in the Presidential Range — A wooden trail signpost stands amidst thick fog on a rocky ridge in the Presidential Range during summer 2025. The signs indicate directions to Mount Washington, Lake of the Clouds Hut, Madison Hut, Sphinx Trail, and Great Gulf Trail. The granite terrain and mist create a moody atmosphere typical of high elevation weather in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Mount Washington Mossy rock cairn on ridge edge surrounded by dense fog — A delicately stacked cairn on a moss-covered rock juts out into thick mist along the Caps Ridge hike in the Presidential Range, captured on a cool, foggy summer day with subdued light and dense atmosphere.

Mount Washington Close-up of green alpine shrubs with small pink flowers and mossy rocks on a cloudy summer day — A macro photograph capturing vibrant alpine shrubs and tiny pink flowers growing amid rocky terrain and moss in the Presidential Range during summer. The green leaves glisten softly under diffused daylight conditions typical of a cloudy day.

Winter Communications Tower on Mount Washington poster — A communications tower rises from Mount Washington's snow-streaked rocks before the silent view turns toward the lowlands.

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 Updated Mon, Sep 14, 2:23 PM EDT

35°F

Mostly Sunny Gorham, NH point forecast

Wind65 mph NW

Gusts82 mph

Precip3%

Humidity100%

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

5-Day Forecast

NOAA / NWS day and night periods near this summit point.

Mon

37°F / 31°F

Mostly Sunny

Tue

44°F / 37°F

Mostly Sunny

Wed

54°F / 42°F

Mostly Sunny

Thu

49°F / 43°F

Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers

Fri

46°F / 34°F

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

Forecast Snapshots

Choose 1-hour snapshots or 15-minute checkpoints from the NOAA hourly forecast.

CadenceTime

Mon 4:00 PM

Mostly Sunny

Temp35°F

Wind65 mph NW

Gusts82 mph

Precip3%

Humidity100%

NOAA hourly forecast period

Primary NOAA point forecast coverage is available for this summit location.

USNOGenerated Mon, Sep 14, 5:01 PM EDT

Sunrise6:23 AM Daylight Length12h 34m Sunset6:57 PM

Sunrise

6:23 AM EDT

Sunset

6:57 PM EDT

Moonrise

10:23 AM EDT

Moonset

8:10 PM EDT

Moon phase

Waxing Crescent

14% illuminated

USNO astronomy is available for this summit.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

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.

Trail gradeGentle0–8%Moderate8–15%Steep15–25%Very steep25%+

Mount Eisenhower → Mount Monroe2.04 mi Mount Monroe → Mount Washington1.75 mi Mount Washington → Mount Jefferson2.88 mi

Route order: Mount Eisenhower → Mount Monroe → Mount Washington → Mount Jefferson

Hover, touch, or use arrow keys for exact distance, terrain elevation, and grade. Terrain: 1 m USGS S1M DEM (NAVD88); summits: official NH48 elevations.

Mount MonroeConnected trailsClosest trail link

Trail: 1.75 mi
Gain: +362 ft
Loss: −1,300 ft
Time: 46 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Washington Mount Monroe

Via Mount Monroe Loop / Crawford Path / Gulfside Trail / Trinity Heights Connector

1.38 mi straight-line • low point 5,015 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Washington 6,284 ftcol / low point 5,015 ftMount Monroe 5,343 ft

Mount JeffersonConnected trails

Trail: 2.89 mi
Gain: +809 ft
Loss: −1,383 ft
Time: 1 h 22 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Washington Mount Jefferson

Via Caps Ridge Trail / Jefferson Loop Trail / Gulfside Trail / Trinity Heights Connector

2.42 mi straight-line • low point 4,956 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Washington 6,284 ftcol / low point 4,956 ftMount Jefferson 5,712 ft

Mount EisenhowerConnected trails

Trail: 3.79 mi
Gain: +828 ft
Loss: −2,352 ft
Time: 1 h 41 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Washington Mount Eisenhower

Via Mount Eisenhower Loop / Crawford Path / Mount Monroe Loop / Gulfside Trail / Trinity Heights Connector

3.10 mi straight-line • low point 4,409 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Washington 6,284 ftcol / low point 4,409 ftMount Eisenhower 4,758 ft

Mount AdamsConnected trailsAdditional direct connection

Trail: 4.72 mi
Gain: +1,396 ft
Loss: −1,885 ft
Time: 2 h 16 min

Summit-to-summit route

Mount Washington Mount Adams

Via Star Lake Trail / ISRAEL RIDGE PATH / Gulfside Trail / Trinity Heights Connector

3.51 mi straight-line • low point 4,921 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

Mount Washington 6,284 ftcol / low point 4,921 ftMount Adams 5,790 ft

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

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. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. 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, Mount Jefferson, Mount Eisenhower, and Mount Adams.

Mount Washington

Area Map

Trails