mount washington valley

emd0297

Just returned from a great trip to New Hampshire. Over the Columbus day weekend the fall foliage this year was spectacular. Stayed in Waterville Valley area and did the Franconia notch drive from Sugarhill to Conway. Beautiful ride

CZtraveler89

My sister and I are not avid hikers, so we opted to take the train up and down Mt. Washington. It allowed for nice views on the way up, but was very steep. People had trouble standing up to take pictures while the train was climbing the mountain. We lucked out and happened to be on the mountain during one of the few nice days of the year. It was clear skies and a visibility of 60 miles. However, it was still very windy and cold despite the 80 degree weather at the bottom of the mountain. Be sure to bring layers when you visit.

jakirh

Wow.... 6288 ft above sea level. Can't get any higher in the northeast U.S. Multiple ways to go up to the summit. Driving up is actually pretty easy. Only eight miles. Just take it easy on 1st gear and stop once in a while on the way up to enjoy the view. You'll see falcons flying past :) There are no guard rails though, so if that makes you nervous, then you can take the COG railway. The railway is more expensive than driving up though. Driving back down is easier than driving up. Leave it in first gear and drive down, but take time to let the brakes cool at the outlook points. The views are wonderful in places.

Travelbugsbitten

We hiked to the top of Mount Washington along the Tuckerman's Ridge Trail. The first 2 miles are relatively easy uphill walking over small rocks with a few higher steps. The second (and last) 2 miles are very steep and involve pulling yourself up large rocks and boulders. We did the full climb in three hours, although most people seem to take longer. On the day we were there, the top of the mountain was very cold and covered in cloud, even though it was warm below. There is a small cafeteria where you can buy lunch if you wish, but many people like us took sandwiches and ate them at the tables inside the main building. Coffee, tea, soup etc. is available to warm you on cold days, but take cash as they do not accept credit cards. We descended the mountain via the Lion's Head Trail on the advice of a Park Ranger and were glad we did. The views from this trail are great and it is not as steep as the Tuckerman's Ridge Trail.You can, of course, drive to the top of Mount Washington...but where is the challenge in that!

KevinWPNY

The White Mtns are spectacular. Whether hiking or driving or being driven, a trip to the top of Mt Washington should be on everyone's "bucket list". On a (somewhat) clear day the views are endless. The majesty of nature is in full display. Very interesting exhibits highlighting "the world's worst weather". Great place to breath fresh air and connect with mother nature.

9TOML

I took the less traveled Boott Spur Trail along with a friend up Mt Washington vs. Tuckerman's Trail. It is a challenge much like all the trails to the summit. Some say more scenic but it is requires so much of your attention to climb steep rock walls that you can't always look around. The clouds flowing by can also obstruct your view too. It is at least a mile longer then other trails, but once again not any easier. They don't call the mountain the "rock pile" for nothing. Bottom line: We didn't go there to do a stroll in the park so we got the challenge we were looking for. Took a good deal of effort to summit but what a reward!The ride down in the park service van gives you a good perspective of how steep the climb was up the mountain.

craigt956

We were driving through from Maine to vermont and this stop came recommended. First the good! Fun drive up and there were a lot of great views along the way. We were there on a foggy day so we had to take what views we got. The top really made it. Great views and sites at the top. The con was the cost......for me and my wife and 2 kids it was like $44. To much for the time spent and what it offered. Still a worthy stop though.

73lisan

The Presidential Mountains are a true American landmark. For nature lovers this is a must-see. If you drive through the area, you can appreciate the peaks from afar, but if at all possible, I highly recommend taking some time to hike in the area. The White Mountains are a one-of-a-kind place!

978dereckd

I know the area, go there every year a couple times. Whether it's for the great landscapes, the wonderful people, the luxury hotels, lovely campgrounds or the numerous shopping stops in the area, you're sure to find something that will make you want to stay longer!The last time I went I hiked up Mount Washington. I felt safe because there were many people climbing as well. The staff at the summit and in the lodges at base were very helpful and friendly. All in all great place for every type of traveller.

297sylvieb

We go twice a year at this very nice hotel, it is a few minutes from the town and it is located Under the trees.. The rooms at the manor are weel decorated, very confortable. The service is frendly, and the cost for 1 night and meals is so affordable. They also have motel rooms and condo to rent.

865henryp

Mt. Washington is a nice trip. However, once you venture to some other mountains out west, this one is not as impressive.

Steve1724

A choice of travel up Mt Washington from hiking, driving or the famous Cog Railway. We decided to drive and purchased our pass ticket and given a CD which told the story of the mountain on the way up. First instructions on driving in low gear and how to stop the radiator boiling over. Such a magnificent journey of 8 miles up the steep mountainside, how on earth did they construct this road? The scenery is outstanding with places to stop to take pictures. At the top you gain a sensation of satisfaction at having made it but the real heroes must be the hikers who told me it took them over 5 hours to climb up. We passed the Cog Railway and it's slow journey up the mountain. A walk around the top to see that this mountain had the highest recorded wind ever in the world. The drive down was also quite a feat remaining in low gear. In the pack is a car sticker quoting this car has been up Mt Washington. We stopped at the base where there was. A lovely picnic area to enjoy lunch.

SharathK_11

I loved the view. Such a beautiful setting this. One of the most ideal places to spend vacation time.

BuddhaPublicist

I've been coming up to the MWV area for ten years now and I love it. There is plenty to do if you want to DO stuff, but you can also relax and do little in a beautiful mountain setting.

CovingtonCat

This popular vacation destination has a little something for everyone. There's shopping year-round with lots of local shops as well as outlet stores (if you can't make it to Freeport, ME, you can at least check out the LL Bean outlet store in Conway). The mountains provide skiing in the winter, hiking all year round, leaf-peeping in the fall, swimming in warm months in the many rivers & streams. There are many (but probably not enough) good restaurants in the valley. Be warned: the one main road through the Conways can get backed up during peak times and waits at popular restaurtants should be expected. The crown of the valley is, of course, Mount Washington itself. Take the drive up to the base of the mountain and visit the lodge. The auto road is a one-of-a-kind experience, whether you drive yourself or take the van from the lodge ($30 per person). The road is not for the faint-of-heart. But the summit on a clear day is worth the trip.