Mount Washington Auto Road

[Anumber1]

Im considering hiking up the Mt. Washington Auto Road this week. If anyone has done this before I would love some advice.
I know washington isnt the safest place to be in the winter, but my friends and I are always ready to turn back when necessary.

Also can anyone recommend any other great winter dayhikes/overnighters in NH. We're all leaving for the military soon and would like to take many memories of this beautiful state with us.

-Thanks a bunch

[vipahman]

Check out these links for the weather.
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/arvtp/
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/index.php

The obvious "dress in layers" advice. Winds are 76mph now gusting to 90mph. Balaclava and ski goggles are a must because of the wind (chill). Blizzard conditions will exist along the ridges and summit. Carry a strong tent(s), enough food and water for emergencies. I'm unsure of how much snow is on the road itself but I'm assuming you are carrying/wearing snowshoes and gaiters.

Enjoy!

[DavidNH]

Here are a few ideas:how about.. 1st night (if you are traveling) in Gorham..there is a good hiker hostel there:then..hike to carter Notch hut (self service open year round) and summit Carter Dome (4800 feet). If snow is deep enough...you could see over the trees and a heck of a view. Or..Mt Moriah.Climbing the Auto Road up Mt Washington.. personally I don't really underestand why you would want to because:1) it is about the longest route to the top2) It is still FULL WINTER up there this time of year means.. lots of snow..winds often hurricane force and better, and very cold.. for example..rignt now (10 pm EST March 14th) they have wind chills of -22 F at the summit the actual temp is 6 and the wind is 66mph sustained gusting to almost 80 MPH.3) If you got the gear and are up to it than go for it. Otherwise..turn around at tree line!!! And by up for it..I mean.. you know what serious winter climbing is. otherwise..seek out something else.check out this web site.. http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/index.php for conditions.You might also try Mt Liberty which is above Franconia Notch. wooded mostof way up.. OH..Mt Jackson is a really nice dayhike.. wooded till just before the top and great unobstucted views of southern presidentials. Climb from Crawford Notch park near the AMC Highland Hilton..er Highland Center!DavidNH

[vipahman]

http://www.mountwashington.org/visitor/winter/hiking_routes.html
Quoting from this link "Travel on the Mount Washington Auto Road requires a trail pass from Great Glen Trails and use of skiis or snowshoes as a courtesy to other users; the road offers a gradual ascent and is normally free of avalanche hazard, but is long - a 16 mile round trip. The upper reaches of the road are fully exposed to the wind; crampons and ice axe should still be considered a requirement here."

[Anumber1]

.. personally I don't really underestand why you would want to because:1) it is about the longest route to the top2) It is still FULL WINTER up there this time of year means.. lots of snow..winds often hurricane force and better, and very cold..

exactly the reason why.

Thanks for you ideas i'll take them into consideration.
Happy Trails haha

[celt]

Why the Auto Road? Besides being the longest route used in winter is there something else about the road that makes it more interesting to you than hiking trails like Lions Head or Ammonusuc Ravine?

Here is a good website for checking trail conditions in NH:
http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/

[Peaks]

http://www.mountwashington.org/visitor/winter/hiking_routes.html
Quoting from this link "Travel on the Mount Washington Auto Road requires a trail pass from Great Glen Trails and use of skiis or snowshoes as a courtesy to other users; the road offers a gradual ascent and is normally free of avalanche hazard, but is long - a 16 mile round trip. The upper reaches of the road are fully exposed to the wind; crampons and ice axe should still be considered a requirement here."

As of last weekend (March 11), Great Glen Trails closed for the season. So, no trail pass, and skiis or snowshoes should not be required.

But, as others have pointed out, Washington has a long section above treeline. It's very exposed and the weather can be unforgiving.

Most hikers use the trails starting in Pinkhman Notch or at the cog railway. Must be a good reason why.

[TJ aka Teej]

7AM this morning it was 5 below with 100 mph wind gusts on top. It's Springtime on the rockpile!