Over the holiday weekend, I had the chance to visit one of New Hampshire’s most famous landmarks: the Mount Washington Auto Road. Being from New Hampshire originally, it’s sort of a shame it took me 27 years to finally do it, but it was well worth the (sometimes hair-raising) drive to the top. Next time you find yourself in New Hampshire, make sure to take time to drive the Mount Washington Auto Road — here are five reasons you won’t regret it!
1. The History of the Mount Washington Auto Road
If you’re a history buff, or just like learning fun (read: random) facts, Mount Washington and the Mount Washington Auto Road have a bunch in store for you. According to the Mount Washington Observatory website:
For nearly sixty-two years, Mount Washington, New Hampshire held the world record for the fastest wind gust ever recorded on the surface of the Earth: 231 miles per hour, recorded April 12, 1934 by Mount Washington Observatory staff. The…record was toppled in 1996 when an unmanned instrument station in Barrow Island, Australia recorded a new record of 253 miles per hour during Typhoon Olivia. Though the Observatory record fell, it’s a very human story, and it still stands as the highest surface wind speed ever observed by man.
The day we visited, it was windy, but certainly not that windy! Make sure to check the temperature before you drive to the top–the base and summit temperatures are often polar (no pun intended) opposites! The Mount Washington Auto Road is also the site of one of the oldest auto race in the world — first run in 1904! My favorite historical fact; however, the the “other” way to get to the top of the mountain.
We weren’t racing up the Mount Washington Auto Road the day we went!
2. The Mount Washington Cog Railway
So it’s not driving, but it’s still a great piece of history. Constructed in 1868, the Mount Washington Cog Railway was the first (and therefore is the oldest) cog railway in the world. Whisking you to the top of the mountain in just over an hour, the train provides you with great views and a look back in time.
A word of advice: the train is WAY more expensive than driving. A 3-hour round trip on the train sets you back $69 per adult and $39 for those ages 4-12. Conversely, driving to the top is $29 for the driver and then $9 for every other passenger. For four people, driving saves you over $200! Plus, if you drive (or hike), you can “moon the cog,” not that I’m endorsing that 😉
3. The views on the Mount Washington Auto Road are breathtaking
Literally. There was some awe-inspiring views on the way to the top, when I could peek out from behind my hands. The road is extremely narrow, so when you look out your car window, you’re treated to some beautiful views, but also a shear drop of hundreds of feet. Not the time to be nervous driver!
Sadly, by the time we made it to the top, the clouds had rolled in, which meant that the views were hidden. It’s said on a good day, you can see Montreal, Boston, and the Atlantic Ocean. We spent a good hour at the top of the mountain, hoping the view would clear up, but no such luck.
4. Meet a full-time resident!
Yes, you read that right, Mount Washington has a full-time, year-round resident. His name is Marty, and if you happen to be in the right spot at the right time, you may just get a chance to meet him!
Marty’s bio, courtesy of the Mount Washington Observatory website.
Yep, it’s a cat! Mount Washington has a long history of feline residents, and Marty is the latest in a long line of weathercats.
5. Mail a postcard from the highest point in New England
At the top of the Mount Washington Auto Road, you’ll find the highest post office in New England, representing zip code 03589. From there, you can send your loved ones a post card, proving to them you made the trek up (and hopefully down!) the mountain! It’s a cheap, fun thing to do, although I’m not sure Dan got a chance to do it when he zipped through Coös County!
(SEE ALSO: #TBT [VIDEO] All 67 counties in the 6 New England states in 27 hours)
Mount Washington Auto Road Conclusion
If you find yourself in New Hampshire and fancy a mini-roadtrip, take the time to drive the Mount Washington Auto Road. It a great way to spend the day surrounded by history and nature. Plus you’ll get one of those legendary “This car climbed Mount Washington” bumper stickers!
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
I love the White Mountains, but I’d opt to take the train to the top of Mt.Washington. I convinced my sister and her husband to take the drive a few years ago. The drive up was a terrifying experience for them. My brother-in-law said it was like driving up in the clouds. It was a narrow dirt road, and he could barely see the edge. They’d never do it again. There’s no barrier, nothing. So, if your a risk taker, then it’s for you.
Would be very cautious to consider driving that road. Strong winds are common and no rails on the side means you can be literally blown away from the mountain. I drove on top of Mt.Evans in Colorado, which is higher, but opted out from Mt. Washington for safety seasons. And from the photos I’ve seen it’s not worth to me to climb it (especially with all the risks).
Just spent several days in White Mountains on July 4th weekend – drove part of the WM route – some gorgeous scenery and very good, accessible view points on road 112 and I-93 (Free).
Both Echo Lake parks: one by RT-302 near Conway, and second right off I-93 near Cannon Mountain are good places to spend 1/2 day. First one is a state park with Cathedral Ledge where you can drive or hike atop picturesque cliffs (many climbers there as well), $4 parking, $4 lake park day use.
There is also good 1/2 day hike at Flume Gorge with cascades, waterfall and big glacial boulder ‘garden’, $16 pp.
Holiday Inn at Lincoln is a good option at 20,000 IHG points/nt. with rates start at low $200 in the season. Very decent breakfast options, Hobo mini-golf and Hobo Scenic Railroad train ride are right across the driveway! The mini-golf is great, encompasses all White Mountain region highlights, $7.50 pp!
Once you get enough of the mountains, head down to lake Squam and Winnipesaukee for relaxation, swimming, kayaking and boat day cruises. I like the Lake region better for it’s 100’s clear water lakes and rolling hills and meadows – very serene.
Enjoy!
If you like driving on a narrow, winding road with steep drop offs, try the Moqui dugway in SE Utah. It’s the best. We saw a few old cars down the steep inclines that didn’t make it. The best part was my son was driving it and at the time he didn’t even have his license, he only had a driving permit. (We started on the part that said dirt road ahead and thought nothing of it until we got on it.)
My partner and I drove up Mt. Washington in 1987 with a newly leased VW Jetta. It was never the same after that — just too much for the car’s engine to handle. We had to turn it in and get a different car. I don’t recommend the driving option — it wasn’t worth it.
Hey Sam, actually the reason #2 is NOT to drive.
I wish I had read that signpost before I went up, because I would of stayed at the bottom if I had, I was terrified, the view at the top was ruined by the thought of driving back down
I rode my motorcycle up Mt. Washington Auto Rd. and it was a thrilling scary ride. Once I made it to the top I had to talk myself into riding back down. It took me awhile but finally dug deep and went for it. The scenery is spectacular, did I mention I am afraid of heights but needed to prove something to myself. I am proud I did it but wouldn’t do it a second time. My advice if you go take your time, keep your eyes on the narrow road remember parts aren’t paved. Be careful and enjoy the trip.