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The "Mount Washington Circle the Summit Hike" is a drive yourself trip with a Toll Road Fee to drive up the MW Auto-Road to the Summit. On a clear day, there would be 100% views during the hike since we will be hiking above treeline the entire time. This hike will be led by Trip Leader and experienced hiker (Tom Cronin). Having completed numerous climbs, multiple 4K peak summits, and many trips in and around the Mt. Washington summit in sun, fog, rain and snow. Tom is familiar with the trails and terrain in and around the summit cone of MW. An adopted hiking Motto: Completing a hike is optional, getting back is mandatory.
Should you go?
This hike is not for the beginner or first time hiker. The weather on MW can be unpredictable. The hiking terrain is rough in spots and the weather above treeline can change quickly. It is a trek suited for more experienced hikers, comfortable with moderate elevation changes and for those who have the proper gear and the preparedness experience for possibly deteriorating weather conditions and ready for stretches of rough rocky terrain with the possibility of sudden limited visibility.
PLAN TO ARRIVE AT THE MW AUTO-ROAD VISITOR CENTER BY 8:30am
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MW Auto-Road (Toll Road)
Rates: $39 Car and driver, $14ea Adult passenger, Carpooling is allowed.
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($27ea 2-way Split)
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($23ea 3-way split)
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($21ea 4-way split)
- There are no fees due by the NHSC. Any and all fees that may be required are paid directly to the entities operating in Mt Washington State park.
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MW Auto-Road Carpooling: Can be arranged by those that may want to share a ride where Toll-Road costs can be shared. Ride shares up the Auto-Road can be arranged on the spot among participants, when they meet at the Auto-Road Visitor Center at the appointed time.
- Planned Summit hike route...
- A) Full Summit circle hike 4.5 mi with Alpine Garden/Great Gulf Tour. (Approx 4 hours) Hike down 1.1mi to the Alpine Garden Tr. and spiral clockwise up and around the summit cone trails passing by the tops of the major ravines, Cog RR Tracks & the Great Gulf while working our way back to the summit. Difficulty: More Difficult-Moderate
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If conditions warrant this...
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B) Modified Hike if needed, 1/2 Summit hike: 2.4mi with Westside Trail/Great Gulf Tour. (About 2 hours) " Hike down to the West Side Trail towards Ammonoosuc Ravine spiraling around towards the Great Gulf and Cog RR tracks, gently climbing back to the summit." Moderate-Easier
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C) Summit Tour Only: If unexpected bad weather socks in upon summit arrival. And if hike is deemed a NO-GO, we will still enjoy the summit facility, restaurant, store, & museums before heading back down. All MW Auto-Road customers get a free pass to Above The Clouds summit museum. Easiest
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- Registration is flexible. There is no deposit required for this trip. You will have to pay the Mt Washington Auto-Road Toll clerk at the start of the auto-road. Registering for this Event does not commit you to attend, but is merely a courtesy to the Trip Leader and other Tripsters of who to expect and how many may be attending. You may cancel at any time up to the point of departure with no penalty. But, once you have passed through the Auto-Road toll booth and paid your fare, there are no auto-road fee refunds for any reason including car breakdowns, cloudy views, nervous drivers, flat tires or altitude sickness.
- Meet Time: 8:30am at the Mt Washington Auto Road Visitor Center
- Depart time: Approx 9:30am start up MW Auto-Road
- On Trail Hiking Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
- Total Event Time: 9-12 h
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- EVENT START DETAILS - Meet at the MW Auto-Road Visitor Center at 8:30am. After meeting at the Visitor Center, we will then drive to the summit of Mt Washington at approx. 9:30am via the MW Auto Road and reconvene at the MW Summit Restaurant approx. 90 minutes later. Some drivers want to stop along the way while driving up the Auto-Road at some of the numerous parking rest areas to take pictures of the scenic views the Auto-Road has to offer.
- DIRECTIONS: Drive North to the Mount Washington Valley in Pinkham Notch NH (Rte 16). The Auto-Road Visitor Center is located on Rte.16, about 1.5m north of the Wildcat Mt Ski Area and is located on the right directly across Rte 16 highway from the MW Auto-Toll Road entrance.
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As a NH Ski Club member, make sure you have the proper supplies & gear to keep yourself safe, fed and properly hydrated while participating in this event, along with any guest(s) you choose to bring.
As much as we love our hiking dog companions, we ask that no dogs be brought on this trip as the trails are rough and dogs are not allowed in the summit facilities on the summit of Mt Washington.
Checklist of things to bring for a summit hike above the 6000' elevation:
It will be reliably cooler and usually a bit windier at the MW Summit. Don't be fooled by balmy conditions at the base of the Auto-Road. No one laughs at you when you pull a light down jacket out of your pack on a blustery August day on the MW summit...only quiet envy will occur by others wishing they had thought to do the same.
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, backpack, windbreaker, warm hat, gloves. Bring warm layers to add or remove, (and as much as possible, avoid all cotton clothing when hiking). It is not uncommon to see hikers and tourists wearing ski hats and warm gloves while visiting the MW summit. Also, bring trail food, water, TP, sunglasses, sun screen, first aid kit & a flashlight. Trek poles or a hiking stick work great up there.
- FYI - Hiking Safety Tips when hiking above treeline, a great review:
- Copy and paste this link: https://sectionhiker.com/hiking-above-treeline/
AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS HIKING ACTIVITY, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the NH Ski Club from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this NHSC activity. Kayaking, camping, hiking, skiing, bicycling and other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgement. All Guest(s) will be required to sign a Disclaimer-Liability Release with emergency contact information.
After the hiking and summit center visits, we'll drive back down the Auto-Road and for those interested, will reconvene at the Shannon Door Pub in Jackson for the properly chilled odd-beverage.
Trip organizer - Tom Cronin - cronin.thomas.p@gmail.com 603-560-2024