Mount Washington Auto Road

Beginning at The Glen House just ahead, the Mount Washington Auto Road spirals 8-miles up to the top of Mount Washington, one of the most accessible mountain summits in the United States. The road was completed in 1861 and the 12-degree grade was an engineering marvel. There is a charge to drive up which includes an audio tour (on CD or cassette) and the infamous “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker. Should your vehicle not be in tip-top shape, you may want to consider a guided shuttle tour. Either way, it’s quite a ride. Magnificent views of mountain, valley, forest, and rocky precipices await as the road hugs the mountainside — with nary a guard rail in sight. Elevation changes mean climate changes and with that you are rewarded with diverse flora and fauna from lush forest to alpine flowers clinging in the thin soil above the treeline. Culminating with panoramic views that span into New York, Vermont, Maine, into Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean, this is truly an adventure. In winter, SnowCoach tours are available in a van converted with track system instead of wheels. For those undertaking long hikes, there is a shuttle service from AMC Pinkham Notch, the Great Gulf Trailhead and one-way for hiking down Mt. Washington.