Description - An engineering feat, the old carriage road opened in 1861 accommodating horse drawn wagons and carriages. Today, motorists, hikers and mountain bikers love the 8-mile scenic route. Fees apply.

Attractions - This marvelous mountain attracts thousands of visitors each season to experience the 6,288 foot peak. A few facts about the road: The road is 7.6 miles in length with a 12% grade. Sixty-five percent of the road is paved. From the base of the mountain, the elevation is 1,565 feet. The road climbs 4,727 feet. Back on April 12, 1934, the highest wind recorded was 231 mph (372 kph). Note official hurricane speeds begin at 75 mph. The lowest temperature recorded on Mt. Washington was -47 degrees Fahrenheit (-43.9 C) in January of 1934. The mountain's warmest temperature has only reached a mere 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 C) in August 1975. The average snowfall for this mountain peak is 256 inches. The summit remains in the clouds 60 percent of the time.

Recreation - The pathway to the summit is an unbelievably gorgeous site. Each year the roadway opens in late May and closes in late October. The road meanders up to Mt. Washington, 6,288 feet elevation, at a 12% grade allowing motorists, hikers and mountain bikers a true adventure. Motorists may use a free audio cassette or CD to hear about the history, geography, climate and wildlife associated with the mountain. If you wish to have someone drive you, this is possible too. Seasonal daily van tours are available from 8:30 am until 5:00 p.m. The round-trip takes approximately 1 1/2 hours which includes spending 1/2 hour enjoying the summit views. If you wish to drive your own vehicle, you will want to make sure that your vehicle meets the posted size and weight limitations. Annual races and celebrations are held each season.
Private Vehicle Fees:
Car and Driver - $16
Motorcyclist - $8
Each additional adult - $6
Children age 5 - 12 - $4
Children under 5 - free

Guided Tour Fees:
Adults - $22
Seniors 62+ - $20
Children age 5 - 12 - $10
Children under 5 - free

Climate - New Hampshire residents experience four distinct seasons. Winter can be cold with average temperatures ranging around 19 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold temperatures humidity bring heavy, water-laden snow to all parts of the state. Spring begins in mid-March and lasts through May. Average summer temperatures range around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Note: The summit's highest temperature has never risen above 72 degrees Fahrenheit and has dropped to -47 degrees Fahrenheit. Also 60% of the time the summit is cloud covered.

Location - Mt. Washington Auto Road is located at Great Glen in the White Mountains Travel Region along Rt. 16.

LAT: 44.2884997475
LONG: -71.2257814407