Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH -
by Michael Jozefiak
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington -
The highest mountain in the northeast state of New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or Agiocochook as it was then called) was first climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native guides but it wasn't until 1853 that the first summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top House was built, which survies to this day. For the less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog railway were built; feats of engineering which would be deemed difficult even in these modern times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from the west and the road road from the east.
South of the peak is the AMC's Lakes of the Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.
The summit is covered with several buildings, including the Sherman Adams Visitor's
Center, TV and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the Mt Washington Observatory.The
highest surface wind ever recorded on earth was at the observatory on the summit
of Mt. Washington; 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having the worst weather
in the world, especially bad in the winter. There are many monuments to hikers who've
died on the mountain, including one to Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk
up to the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During the summer months, there
is a cafeteria, museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post office in operation.
In winter, there is no access to any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed
year-
There have been several hotels on the summit. The original Tip-
On the east side of the mountain are three major ravines;
- The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the glacial erosion cirques in the Presidential Range, with awe inspiring cliffs!
- Tuckerman -
which is famous for its late spring skiing. - Huntington -
a rock and ice climber's playground.
On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine dominates. Just south of Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson.
Hiking trails Mt. Washington Valley
There are many options for hiking to the summit of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the mountain. Climbing from the east means that you are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of north and west for the majority of the hike. The main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the summit.
On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably the most difficult trail in the White Mountains, and should not be attempt in bad weather or used for descent. From there, people usually take the Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and continue to the top from there.
From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes:
The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit.
The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail.
Trailheads.
Pinkham Notch Visitors Center -
Ammonoosuc Ravine -
Before even starting off on your hike, I recommend you take at a look at the Mt.
Washington Observatory Daily Weather report for an up-
Have fun, test your stamina but be safe!
One of Mike's passions in Life is long-
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