Mt. Washington

When we got to the Hiker Parking Lot at 8AM at the Cog Railway Base it was probably 2/3 full. This is the second time in 4 weeks that we've parked there without anybody collecting money. I'm thinking it might now be free.

We had small flags sticking out of our packs and saw about a dozen decked out in their patriotic outfits in the spirit of the 4th. The connector to the Jewell Trail is located just across the tracks past the train where passengers board. There is a brook crossing soon after the tracks. There are a couple of flat boards across the rocks to make the crossing a bit tricky but everyone made it. The boards were not tied down and would most likely wash away in a significant thunderstorm so I say this crossing is unreliable.  We reached the official Jewell Trail and turned right to start our ascent on the main part of the trail.

The grade was moderate through the woods up to treeline. Beyond treeline the trail was rocky and somewhat steeper. We started to meet hikers above treeline. Quite a few "Happy 4th" were being exchanged by most hikers we met.

The trail climbed steadily up to the junction of the Gulfside Trail. We turned right at the junction and made our way toward the summit of Mount Washington. It was a rock-hopping trek along this part of the trail. We met Appalachian Trail thru-hikers Mozart [from Germany] and Buster [from NY]. They are currently on track finish at the end of July. From all of us here at GayOutdoors, best wishes!

At one point the trail hugged the top edge of the Great Gulf with spectacular views and down into the huge cirque and across to Mt. Jefferson, Adams and Madison. These are some of the finest views in the White Mountains!

We crossed the cog railway tracks and turned on the Trinity Heights Connector. It was great to be on the summit! The views from the top were spectacular in every direction! The hike up took us 4 hours

Then it was time for a well-deserved break inside the summit building. Some of us bought lunch in the cafeteria and relaxed a bit enjoying the breath-taking scenery. With the Auto Road and Cog Railway open and it being the 4th of July, there were lots of people on the summit. We certainly were not the only ones there! There were so many people lined up for a photo by the summit sign we decided to have our group photo on the observation deck with the Mt. Washington Observatory turret behind us. We visited the Tip Top House, the original summit building, before making our descent. The rest of our descent was a return trip using the Jewell Trail again. It was a pleasant trek down and we reached the parking lot in 3.5 hours.

Well I'm not sure where happened to the forecast but 'partly sunny' didn't really happen. However the lack of sun made for a pleasant hike: comfy temps and the views of peaks and ridges all around were very well defined.  There was free parking at the cog, no bugs, no heat or humidity, views, no wind, and excellent company...perfect!
~ Mike Boisvert

At 6,288 ft. Mt. Washington is the tallest of the NH 4,000 footers and the highest in all of New England and the Northeast. Though the summit is puny compared to other great mountain ranges of the world, Mt. Washington is renowned worldwide for its fierce weather and frequent fatalities. Being the tallest of the peaks, it’s no surprise that the mountain is among the most visited summits in New England. We will ascend up the Jewell Trail from the base of the Cog Railroad with lunch in the summit cafeteria.  

This is probably the ‘easiest’ approach to Mt. Washington; grades are mostly moderate with generally good footing, though the upper section of Jewell Trail above treeline is rough and rocky. We break treeline after 2 miles with wide views of the Southern Presidentials, Bretton Woods valley, and ranges to the West. It is fully exposed to weather in the next 2 miles as it ascends the westerly ridge of Mt. Clay, then follows the main ridge to Mt. Washington, with some spectacular views into the Great Gulf!

This is up and back hike on the same trail. Because the hike involves extensive hiking above treeline, attention to safety and the mountain’s notoriously fickle weather is of paramount importance. Proper gear is a must!!!

In addition to safety precautions, you should note that this is arduous climb involving 4,000 elevation gain. It will be 8 miles roundtrip. Plan on a finish of 5pm.

After The Hike: Everyone is welcome back at our house in Waterville Valley for a 4th of July BBQ! It’s BYOB and it costs $5 per person. It we get back early enough we take a dip in the Mad River. After the BBQ, depending on the group’s wishes, we can have a campfire or take a short drive to Waterville Valley to watch their awesome fireworks!

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!