Mount Washington

The peak of Mt. Washington was first seen by explorers off the New Hampshire coast in 1524. Known to Native Americans as Agiocochook, the summit was believed to be the home of the Great Spirit.

Today, by foot, car or train, the 6,288' summit of Mount Washington is surprisingly accessible. Home to Mount Washington State Park, it is visited by more than 250,000 people each year from all over the world, who come to revel in the top-of-the-world views of New England, New York, Canada, and on a clear day, even the Atlantic Ocean!

The first footpath to the summit was carved out by Ethan Allen Crawford in 1819; today the Crawford Path is the oldest continually maintained footpath in the country. Visitors can drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Road or simply leave the driving to the cheerful (and informative) stage guides.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain climbing railroad, opened in 1869.

Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast and its weather is variable at any time. The record high temperature is 72°F; the record low, -47°F. Without factoring in the wind chill!

With an average July temperature of 49°F, summer visitors can get a respite from warmer temperatures in the valleys below. When you come, plan to bring a jacket and sturdy shoes. And don’t forget your camera!