Summiting Mount Washington

Written by Linda Matchett

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Summiting Mount Washington Darby Field was the first in what has become a long line of tourists anxious to “conquer” the highest peak in the northeast United States.  Rising 6288 feet above sea level, the mountain claims “the worst weather in the world;” the world’s top wind speed was clocked here at 231 mph in 1933, a record unbroken today.  The mountain became a tourist destination in the mid-1850s and since 1932 its mountain-top weather observatory has maintained daily records of its changing meteorological data.  Views can be stupendous when the weather is clear, and the journey is an adventure in itself.     Options to reach the summit are numerous from late spring to early fall and only slightly more limited in winter: The Mt. Washington Auto Road Originally built as a carriage road, the 8 mile Auto Road ascends one mile in altitude at an average 12% grade and is considered by some to be the “first manmade attraction in the U.S.”  Although its history with cars dates back to 1899 when Freelan O. Stanley took his steam “Locomobile” to the top, the steep and sometimes narrow and precipitous drive is not for the timid.  Guided tours are available, too.  The “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker is an item of cachet worldwide.     During winter the road is only open to those riding the “Snow Coach,” a unique all-wheel drive, 4-track system, 9 passenger van.  One-way passage is available to those who choose to crosscountry, telemark ski or snowshoe back down the Auto Road.     May to mid-October:  Call to check for road conditions and possible closures.  December to March:  Snow Coach is available by reservation only.  603.466.3988 www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com Mt. Washington Cog Railway Visitors have climbed aboard the Cog Railway since 1869.  The specially-adapted steam locomotives push cars up the mountain, sometimes at a 37˚ grade.  The 3 hour 20 minute round trip includes a stop at the summit where visitors can explore the mile-high New Hampshire state park and the Mount Washington Weather Observatory.     In 2004 the Cog was first opened as a ski train boasting “The newest ski area in New Hampshire, the oldest ski lift in the world.”  The train drops riders at beginner and intermediate trails where they enjoy the 1 mile, 1100 foot vertical drop groomed trails.     Weather conditions can change drastically from the base to the summit, so no matter when you ride the Cog, dress in layers…and don’t forget the camera!     Open year-round.   Daily excursions in late spring, summer and early fall; more limited other times.  Reservations are highly recommended. 800.922.8825, www.thecog.com Hiking Hiking one of the many trails to the summit of Mt. Washington offers unrivaled views and opportunities to observe wildlife and flora in their natural–and sometimes unmatched–environments. However, a hike to the summit is not for the uninitiated.  The trail is rigorous and the weather is changeable and even deadly.  The White Mountain Guide by the Appalachian Mountain Club, considered the Northeast hiker’s Bible, warns clearly, “To a person unused to mountain trails or in less than excellent physical condition, this unrelenting uphill grind can be grueling and intensely discouraging. If you are not an experienced hiker or a trained athlete, you will almost certainly enjoy the ascent of Mount Washington a great deal more if you build up to it with easier climbs in areas with less exposure to potentially severe weather.” www.home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/washington.html www.home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/ amc-huts.html

Linda Matchett About the author: Articles by this Author: Essence of Art View all articles by this author

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 March 2007 )

 

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