Mount Washington Auto Road

About

Mount Washington Auto Road offers one of the most thrilling driving experiences in America. This historic road climbs 4,618 vertical feet over 7.6 miles to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. The road has been welcoming visitors since 1861, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country.

The drive itself is an adventure. As you ascend, you'll pass through several climate zones, watching the trees shrink from tall hardwoods to stunted spruce before giving way to alpine tundra above the treeline. On clear days, the views stretch across five states, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean. The changing scenery around every switchback keeps the experience exciting from base to summit.

At the top, you'll find the Sherman Adams Summit Building, which houses a cafeteria, visitor information center, and the Mount Washington Observatory Museum. Your Auto Road toll includes admission to the museum, where you can learn about the mountain's famously extreme weather, including the world-record 231 mph wind gust recorded here in 1934. There's also the Summit Stage Gift Shop with souvenirs unique to this mile-high location.

Visitors who prefer not to drive themselves can opt for a guided tour in one of the Auto Road's Stage vehicles. Knowledgeable drivers share stories about the mountain's history and ecology during the roughly 30-minute ascent. Whether you drive or ride, plan for temperatures 20 to 30 degrees cooler at the summit than at the base, and bring layers even in summer.

The Auto Road is typically open from mid-May through October, weather permitting. Fall foliage season is especially popular, when the mountainside erupts in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Check conditions before your visit, as the road may close during high winds or poor visibility.

Accessibility

The Mount Washington Auto Road is fully accessible by car, which means visitors with mobility challenges can experience the summit without hiking. You simply drive your own vehicle or ride in one of the guided Stage vehicles to the top. Handicapped accessible parking is available at the summit, with signs directing you upon arrival.

The Sherman Adams Summit Building at the top provides indoor facilities including a cafeteria and the Observatory Museum. The building offers a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the views regardless of weather conditions. Restroom facilities are available in the summit building.

The summit area itself sits on a rocky mountaintop, and outdoor terrain around the peak is uneven and may be difficult for wheelchair users to traverse beyond paved areas. The viewing experience from the building and nearby paved sections still offers spectacular panoramic views.

For visitors who don't want to drive the steep, winding road themselves, the guided Stage tours provide an alternative. Contact the Auto Road directly to ask about accessibility accommodations on Stage vehicles and any specific needs you may have. Staff can advise on current conditions and available assistance.

Contact the Mount Washington Auto Road for the most current details on accessibility features, including specifics about restroom accessibility, elevator access within the summit building, and any seasonal accommodations. Conditions on the mountain can change quickly, so calling ahead is always recommended.

More accessible places in New Hampshire

• Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park (Cornish)
• Jackson (Mount Washington Valley) (Jackson)
• Currier Museum of Art (Manchester)
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (Concord)
• SEE Science Center (Manchester)
• Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth)

Photo credits

• Mount Washington Auto Road entrance sign with the summit visible in the distance.: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
• Cars parked along the paved Mount Washington Auto Road as it winds up the mountainside.: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
• Cars fill a paved parking area at the summit of Mount Washington Auto Road.: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)