Mt. Washington State Park — Attraction in Sargent's Purchase

A big mountain. Not a giant among giants unless you count anything and everything over 4000 ft above sea level as a giant. With its peak at 6,288 feet its dangerously big in that you can't scramble on foot into the trees to avoid pelting hail or sudden temperature drops, sudden intense winds (look that one up and be astounded), or trails lost in the cloud. But you can drive up and down, which for non-hikers or non-backpackers makes this big mountain accessible (big among bigs in this mountain range), but let me tell you a story about that, from today. (Read on with me now on this tale, its important.) We camped in our nice tent about 5 miles away from the base of the mountain. Its August. I think of August as muggy and hot in New England. Over the centuries people from the hotter eastern United States head to northern States for the natural air conditioning. But it can be muggy and hot. I've slept in these summer vacation States in 100°F nights. Not often, but you don't forget those sultry nights where your clothes stick to you in the night air if there is no breeze and you are camping outdoors. Last night wasn't one of those sultry nights. Something strange brewed in the atmosphere. The jet stream ducked south toward Florida. The arctic air fell into the gap vacated by the jet stream. Any mountaineer will tell you this is trouble upon the White Mountains of New Hampshire (Mt. Washington's home). I awoke at our campground at 5AM to chill bordering on cold. I looked up the weather conditions for the summit of Mt. Washington, some 5000 feet higher than my tent. The air temp was about 36 to 38°F with a wind chill about 21°F Had I hiked up Mt. Washington or any of the companion mountains in The Presidential Range, as I had been planning since last year, I would have begged for those 100°F nights of prior sultry summers. 70°F is a max temp in the history of Mt. Washington, and this morning was about 40°F lower than that. Frostbite or hypothermia was possible to any backpackers on the mountain tented on its side in a wild-campout. (As so many do who hike the Appalachian Trail. I wonder how they made out last night.) So we waited till noon before checking the temp again. Good news. It was rising precipitously like the cliffs along the road up Mt. Washington's automobile road. (This review is about that road.) The cliffs also fall precipitously off the edge of that road. It's a wonderful road. I recommend it for non-hikers and non-backpackers who want to visit the top of the world here in New England.. It's a well run place, the top of the world. But here is my cautionary story. Bring a sweater. Bring two sweaters. A hat and gloves might help should today happen in a future August. Most importantly, ask if anyone in your car is susceptible to vertigo or is afraid, apprehensive, anxious or panicky about heights. The perspective of the road in front of you, beside you, against the backdrop of nothingness (except for other mountains), of precipitous nothingness, might, as it did today, wrench my companion in the car into an anxious state bordering on panick. Mountains, big among big, are something that doesn't bother me (I'm a summer hiker, mountain backpacker, snow skier). As for this review, too longwinded a review of Mt. Washington New Hampshire, let my life today be a lesson to all - don't assume it's fun for everyone you take with you. Big mountain anxiety is a real thing for some. I don't have it, but I saw my companion in the car on the road up, dive into an anxious state that I can't describe out of respect and a giant dose of being humbled by another person's anxious melt in an otherwise single morning of frigid temps at a time when I've seen more 100°F days and nights. Any advisor will certainly tell you, the weather on this mountain can and does change in an instant. People die on this mountain. Read its history. Less often told is the anxiety that can take hold of someone looking out the car window as you ascend the mountain. Respect the mountain, and those who travel it with you. For their peace of...

Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 feet (1,917 m) and is famous for its erratic weather. The summit of Mount Washington holds the world record for the highest wind gust ever recorded on the surface of the Earth, at 231 miles per hour (372 km/h), measured on April 12, 1934. The mountain is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire and is notorious for its unpredictable conditions, which can change rapidly and include freezing temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow, even in the summer.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a 7.6-mile (12.2 km) long private toll road that leads to the summit of Mount Washington. It's the oldest man-made attraction in the United States, having first opened in 1861. The road is known for its steep grade, averaging 11.6%, and its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Drivers can choose to drive their own vehicles or take a guided tour in a van. At the summit, there are several attractions, including a weather observatory, a museum, and a gift shop.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. It's important to be prepared for the mountain's extreme weather conditions, however, and to check the road's website for current conditions and closures before planning a trip.

From December through March, the road closes to private vehicles due to hazardous conditions. Instead, visitors can experience the winter magic through guided SnowCoach tours.

These SnowCoaches are specially designed vehicles with massive tires and four tracks, built to handle the deep snow and icy terrain. The tours take you on a thrilling ride up to treeline, reaching an elevation of about 4,200 feet. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating narration about the mountain's history, wildlife, and unique weather patterns. You'll be able to witness the stark beauty of the snow-covered landscape, with panoramic views of the...

Mount Washington State Park in New Hampshire is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking breathtaking views and a memorable adventure. As a local, I’ve made the trip to the summit several times, and each visit offers something new, largely due to the mountain's famously unpredictable weather. Known for having some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world, Mount Washington's summit can go from sunny and clear to foggy and freezing in a matter of minutes. It's not uncommon to experience high winds, sudden temperature drops, or even snow—no matter the season. This unpredictability is part of the mountain’s allure, making it a thrilling destination for nature enthusiasts.

Driving to the top of Mount Washington via the Auto Road is an experience in itself. The eight-mile road winds its way up the mountain, offering spectacular views at every turn. However, the drive is not for the faint-hearted. The road is steep, narrow, and has no guardrails, which can be nerve-wracking, especially during adverse weather conditions. For those who’d rather leave the driving to someone else, guided tours are available and highly recommended for first-timers.

Cost-wise, the Auto Road has an entrance fee, which varies depending on the time of year and whether you're driving yourself or taking a guided tour. As of my last visit, the cost for a car and driver was around $45, with additional fees for passengers. While the price may seem steep, the experience is well worth it. The views from the summit on a clear day are absolutely stunning, offering panoramic vistas that stretch across several states and into Canada.

Mount Washington State Park is a place that combines natural beauty, challenging weather, and a sense of adventure, making it a must-see for both locals and...