The Mt. Washington Auto Road Is 7.6 Miles Of White Knuckle Driving In New Hampshire That's Not For The Faint Of Heart
By Michelle|Published August 22, 2020
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Michelle
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Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There are plenty of drives you can take in the Granite State that will lead you to incredible views and extra-special destinations. The last few months of social-distancing have allowed us to hop in the car and experience things we normally would not have prioritized. And we’re pretty thankful for that! But this drive might be the granddaddy of them all! While not particularly long, the route is twisty and turn-y, offering incredible views and a few moments of chills.
To take one of the most beautiful drives in New Hampshire, make your way to the base of Mt. Washington in Jackson. Once you get there you can't miss the sign! The history of the route dates back to the middle of the nineteenth century.
Plans to build a hotel at the summit of Mount Washington made the construction of the road a necessity. The best part? It was built without modern machinery! All supplies had to be carried in by people or animals, and blasting was done with black powder. It took about 9 years and the road was opened in 1961.
Today, the road is meant to be a scenic way for visitors to get to the summit. You'll begin your adventure at the booth where you'll pay the fee, get your audio guide to play and your souvenir car sticker.
Soon enough the climbing begins! If you're visiting on a clear day the views will go on for miles. But remember that conditions at the top can be much different than at the bottom. So starting on a sunny day doesn't necessarily mean it won't be frigid on the way up.
About 8-miles from where you started you'll reach the top and it will feel otherworldly. Rocky and chilly (yes, even in the summer!), this is an experience you won't find anywhere else. Spend some time checking out the museum and the small house meant for hikers at the top.
Note that the observatory museum is closed during the 2020 season, but will hopefully re-open next season.
When you're done, simply get back into the car and make your way back to the bottom!
To learn more about driving yourself to the summit of Mount Washington using the Auto Road, check out the website here. You can learn more about Mount Washington here. You don’t need a reservation, but admission to the road is $35 for one car and drive and $10 for each additional person in the car. Right now the observatory museum is not open and rest rooms are portable toilets outside.
