Hiking Mount Washington, New Hampshire: Routes and Planning
Mount Washington is in New Hampshire, not Maine. At 6,288 feet, it is the highest mountain in the northeastern United States. If you are adding it to a Maine trip, plan travel to a New Hampshire trailhead as a separate part of the day.
Choosing an approach
The Mount Washington Observatory’s route guide compares the main approaches:
- From the east: Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head start from the Pinkham Notch side. Both involve substantial climbing and exposed terrain. Lion Head includes scrambling; it should not be chosen on the assumption that it is an easy alternative.
- From the west: Ammonoosuc Ravine and Jewell approach from the Base Station Road area. Ammonoosuc is steep and has water crossings. Jewell is a longer option and still reaches exposed ground above the trees.
Use a current trail map and detailed route description to choose the full outward and return journey. Distance alone is a poor way to compare these routes. Snow, ice, stream levels and closures can change what is practical; summer route descriptions are not winter instructions.
Check the mountain forecast
Read the Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast before setting out. Conditions in a valley town do not describe the summit. Carry suitable layers, rain and wind protection, food, water, navigation and emergency equipment for the route and season. Set a turnaround time and be prepared to use it.
The summit’s famous 231 mph gust was measured on April 12, 1934. The Observatory explains that this remains a record for a staffed weather station; a higher wind speed has since been recorded elsewhere. It is not the current unrestricted world wind record.
Do not rely on summit buildings being open
The New Hampshire State Parks page lists seasonal summit services and closures. Outside the operating season, facilities may be closed and unstaffed. Plan the descent on foot; the presence of the Auto Road or Cog Railway does not guarantee a ride down.
A first mountain walk does not need to reach this summit. Choose a route your whole party can complete in the expected conditions, and turn back if the weather or someone’s condition makes continuing doubtful.
Sources and links checked September 12, 2026.