mount washington auto road

Took the Snow coach up above the tree line with the goal of snowshoeing back down. Although it was cloudy and snowing at times we had little wind and still had decent visibility. Above tree line we disembarked and snowshoed all the way down which was just over 4 miles. There were only the two of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet and the chance to absorb this amazing spot. Well worth doing.

Other than a little road work, and trucks with dualies, it was a fun drive. We arrived early and traffic was nonexistent on the way up. Going down was worse. It didn't help that there were clouds shrouding the peak.

Unbelievable drive to the top and back! Some parts of the road might seem a little narrow, but enough room for 2 cars to pass. Drive it yourself for optimum enjoyment. Once you get to around the halfway point the trees start to get smaller. You can look out your window and it's like WOW that' a looong WAY DOWN!!!!! Views from the top are spectacular! Make sure to go on a clear day for best viewing. Drive down can be a little harrowing, just make sure your BRAKES WORK!!

We were advised against this by the gate person because of the low visability, but we were only in town one day, so we headed up the mountain to see what it looked like. The top was in a cloud, but it was pretty magical. The views on the way up and down were still definitely worth the trip. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

As you drive up the road you go through several very different environments ranging from hardwood forest to pine forest to scrub pine to rocks and moss at the summit which is above the tree line. There is a museum, gift shop and (very mediocre) restaurant at the top, There is two way traffic, no guard rails and very steep drop offs but the speed limit is 15MPH. The trip down should be taken in low gear to avoid overheating the brakes.The weather can be very unpredictable and I have experienced icy conditions at the summit in late June. There are usually a lot of people at the summit, some drove up the MWAR some took the Cog Railroad (which goes up the opposite side of the mountain and is also a great experience) and some hiked, The Appalachian Trail goes across Mount Washington and there is a lodge on the side of the mountain to shelter hikers for the night.There is a sign at the summit listing people who died on the mountain and it is a bit disconcerting to see that some of them were very recent,

it was a nice day and the road was good.. we enjoyed the landscapes very much.. the road is nott hat hard as they say.. but you do have to take some breaks for the engine/tires to cool off

This was beautiful until we couldn't see anymore! We could see the clouds starting to get closer as we made our way up the mountain and then we were enveloped by them. That was scary and I was doing some praying. It was almost a waste to even get out at the summit because you couldn't see 5ft in front of you. And it was freezing!!! Just looked at the shoes of the person in front of you and hoped that they knew where they were going! I'd like to do this on a clear day when you're not worried about hitting a motorcycle or being hit by a tour bus.

We arrived at the base of Mt Washington in the early afternoon, and felt SO lucky to make it on the last run of the day for the snow coach. No reservations are taken as conditions change throughout the day, and each trip accommodates a maximum of 9 passengers. After signing in we had time to eat our lunch, and then our group of 4 had the coach to ourselves for a fun, informative and very scenic ride. We went up about 3.5 miles, a little less than usual due to sheer ice covering hairpin turns further up. We didn't mind as the views were still spectacular! Lucky again in that the sky was so clear, visibility excellent. The temp. was probably about 10 degrees F where we stopped, with a wind about 55 mph. Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly, willing and able to answer our many questions in addition to sharing the history of the auto road and current environmental concerns. The base lodge provides a perfect place to eat a bag lunch, or purchase one if desired. There are many tables, a log fire for a cold day, restrooms, XC ski rentals, and fascinating historical photos around the main room. There is even the first car inside that traveled up the auto road!This was our second snow coach trip, and just as enjoyable as the first.

One of the highlights of a family and friends visit to the White Mountains Area. You need to be a confident driver to make the trip up and down. Not much in way of guard rails....and there are significant drop-offs and the road is less than 2 lanes with no shoulders in some places..so you will need to take turns passing through these tight areas.The views from the top is breath taking. Make sure you get your picture taken at the peak marker.Several of the younger members of the party hiked partway to the Lake in the Clouds.Museum is interesting -- taking you from the early staffing of the mountain top to today. They do note on a map the history of hiking/climbing/ weather related deaths that have occurred on the mountain. Definitely worth the trip.

Ok, the road is really scary, very narrow and from the passenger seat you look out your window and you cannot see the road, just mountains and that its a long way down. At the top was astonishing views, and the strongest winds ever recorded were recorded there. The drive back down we had to stop on the edge as there was a woman in an SUV driving up who was more scared then I was. She drove in the middle of the road and only was moving about 5 miles per hour. She actually had time to roll down her window and apologize to us for going so slow, she said she was scared to death, and by the look on her face, it was obvious. If you plan on going, be sure to bring a driver with a steady hand and nerves of steel.

Did this with ease and all you have to do is use caution and don't let your mind freak you out. There are no guard rails and the road can be narrow but if you get there early nobody else is going down so you have the road to yourself. Use caution and do this route. Although the cog rail is cool it's also very expensive! You save quite a bit of money if you go this route! Also the views are stunning on a good day like we went!

Mount Washington, and the infamous auto-road. The mountain is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. The auto-road is located off Route 16 in Pinkham Notch to the summit of Mount Washington in the White Mountains of the US state of New Hampshire. Our last trip was while viewing New England foliage in late September of 2012. A ride up Mt. Washington's, 7.6 mi , or (12.2 km) toll road "Auto Road" , is a one of a kind experience. Every time, you will encounter ever changing weather, panoramic views and four climate zones as you climb the highest point in the Northeast. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft (1,917 m) and the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. It is famous for dangerously erratic weather. For 76 years, until 2010, a weather observatory on the summit held the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth's surface, 231 mph (372 km/h or 103 m/s), on the afternoon of April 12, 1934. Before European settlers arrived, the mountain was known as Agiocochook, or "Home of the Great Spirit". Be sure to check the internet for posted schedules; as there are occasionally, both road, and bicycle races; which would preclude you from driving the road on this day! You also need to check the weather conditions; as weather at the bottom of the mountain, is completely different from what you will experience; as you reach higher elevations on the mountain! I have driven the Mount Washington auto-road once in the past, as well as the cog railway; which is located on the other side of the mountain on another occasion. Too, I have hiked trails to the summit of Mt. Washington many times in the past!

Well, I have driven some scary mountain roads, especially in CO, but for some reason was one the most harrowing. Great views along way and a nice experience when you reach the top. There a few sections that really require your careful attention, notably the gravel, bumpy section. But overall, a fun trip that we really enjoyed. The CD they provided made the trip more fun and interesting. Good narrator!

First wanted to hike up mount Jefferson. But due to the weather, cold and rainy in August, we just couldn't. The missis tried convincing me then that we should do the cog railway. After doing a bit of financial mathematics (multiply 4 X ticket cost), I decided to drive around to the other side and do the auto road instead. I'm glad I did it! My family was and my wallet were happy. Spectacular views, a little driving adrenalin and 1st gear all the way. Also I figured how to over ride the gear shift of my rental (so that's what that little button is for! After the lady at the gate showed me). All in all, if you got old people along or kids or never been into hiking large mountains then this trip is for you.

Let's cut to the chase. This is a steep, narrow, mostly paved, barely 2-lane, 8-mile winding mountain toll road with spectacular views and ever-changing weather along the way. If you suffer from acrophobia or white-knuckle driving up and down the sometimes very steep grades in lowest gear over sometimes rutted dirt, keeping close to the unprotected edge, or if your brakes and engine are marginal, please leave your car in the lot and take the motor stage at the base station, or take the bio-diesel cog railway from the opposite side of the mountain.Mount Washington is a wonderfully exhilarating trip and mountaintop experience, well worth the time and effort, whichever way you choose to do the ascent.Please don't get me wrong. If you are a confident driver who promises to keep up about 20-mph or so, both up and down, in low or lowest gear, who doesn't ride the brakes and who keeps way over to the right side of the road, it's a safe, enjoyable drive for everyone. There are small rest stops along the way to stop and enjoy the outstanding views. And the 360° view from the summit itself is incomparable. There is a post office, gift shop, casual restaurant and museum at the top, as well as some historic buildings to explore. There is no gasoline or overnight accommodations here -- nearest is either north at Gorham or south, going toward Jackson or North Conway.The weather can be fickle here. Temperatures and wind are comfort factors as well -- take a jacket, and if there are passing clouds, rain gear can be helpful. And if the top of the mountain is covered in clouds, you may wind up driving through heavy fog on this road, and then seeing nothing from the summit. It's even possible for the road to be closed or partly closed in season due to ice, snow, or high winds.We've driven this road a couple of dozen times over the years, and now, with asphalt pavement along most of the climb, it's become a more pleasant drive. And yes, they do take credit cards for the toll.