Standing tall at 6,288 feet, taller than any other mountain in the Northeast, Mount Washington offers a rooftop view of New Hampshire Grand.
On a clear day, the summit offers views that stretch to New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite its ruggedness, Mount Washington is surprisingly accessible. From early spring to the first snowfall, visitors can reach the top via the venerable Mount Washington Cog Railway, built in 1869, and the Mount Washington Auto Road, opened in 1861.
Hikers climb to the top in all seasons and in the winter, snow coach tours up the Auto Road, using specially-designed 4-track system passenger vans, bring visitors to just above treeline, about four miles up to the 4,000-foot mark. For winter adventurists, you can have the option of returning to the valley via cross country or telemark skiing or snowshoes back down the Auto Road. For those looking for a bit more, the Mount Washington Observatory offers winter day and overnight trips to the summit via a snow tractor.
The summit of the Rock Pile, as it is affectionately known, is home to the Mount Washington Observatory, which recorded the highest surface wind -- 231 mph -- back in 1934. The observatory maintains a museum at the summit, with a fascinating collection of photos, equipment and stories.
It is also home to Mount Washington State Park, headquartered in the Sherman Adams building, with a cafeteria available.
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