Hiking in Mount Washington: trails, map and practical info

Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States: 6,288 ft, or 1,916.6 m. The summit state park says the view extends as far as 130 miles (209 km).

The routes

According to the Mount Washington Observatory, the most commonly hiked trails are Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head from the east, and Ammonoosuc Ravine and Jewell from the west (five routes, including a loop). The table lists eleven routes in all. Figures are the Observatory's, converted; round trips or loops.

• Tuckerman Ravine, round trip: 13.5 km, 1,295 m of elevation gain (8.4 mi, 4,250 ft). Starts at Pinkham Notch (AMC). According to the Observatory, no significant scrambles and no water crossings without a bridge, but a climb alongside a waterfall, very narrow rock ledges above major drop-offs, and loose footing near the top.
• Lion Head, round trip: 13.8 km, 1,295 m (8.6 mi, 4,250 ft). It leaves the Tuckerman Ravine Trail after 2.3 mi (3.7 km); significant scrambles.
• Ammonoosuc Ravine and Crawford Path, round trip: 14.8 km, 1,219 m (9.2 mi, 4,000 ft). A very steep trail with two significant water crossings and a waterfall; coming back down is a steep descent.
• Loop: Ammonoosuc Ravine, Crawford Path, Trinity Heights, Gulfside and Jewell: 15.4 km, 1,219 m (9.6 mi, 4,000 ft). The most common plan on the west side, according to the Observatory: up the Ammonoosuc, a gentler descent by the Jewell Trail. The footing on the Gulfside and Jewell trails is particularly loose above treeline.
• Jewell, Gulfside and Trinity Heights, round trip: 16.1 km, 1,219 m (10 mi, 4,000 ft). The most gentle approach from the west, according to the Observatory, with no significant scrambles.

Other routes in the table

Six other routes are in the table: Ammonoosuc Ravine on its own, Hermit Lake, Huntington Ravine, Boott Spur, Glen Boulder and the Jewell Trail on its own. According to the USFS and the Observatory:

• Ammonoosuc Ravine on its own. It starts at the USFS parking lot on Base Station Road. Above treeline, it shows the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut, which the Crawford Path links to the summit, according to the Observatory.
• Hermit Lake. The shelters are 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from the visitor center by the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, per the USFS.
• Huntington Ravine. The steepest regular hiking trail in the White Mountains, per the USFS: not a route of descent, with a very exposed upper section. The USFS access is on the Auto Road, just below the 7-mile mark, when the road is free of snow.
• Boott Spur. It starts at Pinkham Notch and follows the southern edge of Tuckerman Ravine; according to the Observatory, no water crossings and no significant scrambles, with a ladder.
• Glen Boulder. It starts at the Glen Ellis site, which charges a fee per the USFS (amount not stated), with no restrooms or potable water.

Weather and conditions

On April 12, 1934, the Observatory measured a wind of 231 mph (372 km/h) at the summit; according to the Observatory it is still the fastest wind speed ever recorded by a staffed weather station. Check the Observatory's higher summits forecast before you leave; its text number, 603-356-2137, gives current conditions and radar.

Spring and winter

From late fall through late spring, or even early summer, the USFS describes the Tuckerman Ravine Trail as a mountaineering ascent rather than a hike: without an ice axe, crampons and avalanche equipment, climbing it in winter should not be attempted. Each spring, the section from Lunch Rocks to the Alpine Garden Trail is closed because of hazards.

Parking

Fees in effect on November 9, 2026. Pinkham Notch (AMC Visitor Center): no fee according to the Observatory, a day-use-only site (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) according to the USFS. Ammonoosuc Ravine (USFS): US$5 per vehicle per day (US$30 annual), open 24 hours a day. Cog Railway Marshfield Base Station, private property: US$10 per person.

Other ways up or down

The Auto Road toll to drive yourself is US$36 for an adult and US$15 for a child (age 4 to 12). Its hiker shuttle costs US$60 per passenger and takes no reservations; it does not serve the west side and read "Closed for the season" on November 9, 2026 (last day: October 18).

The summit in the off-season

The Sherman Adams Summit Building has been closed since October 16, 2026; reopening is planned for May 2027, with a date to be determined. The visitor center, gift shop, food service, water refilling station, hikers' shelter and museum are closed there; in the off-season, comfort stations are typically not available.

Dogs

At the summit state park, pets are permitted on a leash and attended in designated areas only. According to the state park, no pets are allowed on Cog trains. According to the Auto Road's hiker shuttle page, dogs are allowed (US$30 per dog).

Preparation

The Cog Railway recommends starting early, bringing food and water for a 10 to 12 hour round trip and carrying a paper map. In an emergency, the state park asks visitors to call 911.