This is a litle longer than usual for my blog post. I think you’ll understand why soon…

Just a few weeks ago I realized a dream – to hike to the summit of Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. And what made it even more memorable was the fact I did it with one of my sons.

Mount Washington has long held a fascination for me with its reputation as a harsh climate, and its place in the wind speed record books. But today I want to focus more on the trip to the summit and what you can expect if you decide to climb by foot rather than car or railway.

This is not a mountain to hike unprepared… it isn’t very forgiving.

There are no easy hikes to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, and it’s a strenuous climb even on the more gradual longer trails.

My son and I hiked with a group of eight, some of whom had done the climb before. We left Pinkham Notch AMC center at 8:00am on a warm and clear Sunday. We took the Tuckerman Ravine trail to the Boott Spur trail, and started out on the steep ascent through the narrow woodlands path.

We climbed up and up, taking breathers for water and energy bars, for what seemed like a couple of hours before breaking though the woods to a magnificent viewpoint over Tuckerman Ravine. Looking back down we could clearly see Wildcat ski resort area and the Mount Washington Valley as it laid spread out beneath us.

A short walk on and we broke through timberline for good and climbed the final 900 vertical feet to the Boott Spur summit. I have to say this part tested my reserve more than any other section of the climb. I stayed real close to the Cairns to follow the easiest path up but still reached the top breathless and my leg muscles aching.

The summit of the Boott Spur trail provides spectacular views of the Mount Washington Valley. From here the buildings on the summit and the black smoke of the cog railway are clearly visible and though I could see still much vertical climbing to do, I was confident I was going to make the summit now.

Our final ascent took us along Davis Path and the Lawn Cut-off trails. After the strenuous climbing of the morning these both provided somewhat easier hikes through rocks and boulders well marked with the Cairns. The Lawn Cut-off brought us to the base of the final 700’ ascent on the Tuckerman Ravine trail.

By this time in the hike I was bringing up the rear. And while I knew this I didn’t care. Like a marathon participant I didn’t care about how I looked or how many people were ahead, I just wanted to finish and survive.

About halfway up the final haul my son was waiting for me. He wanted to make the final steps to the summit together. Perhaps this was the most memorable moment for me. He was both proud he’d personally met the challenge of Mt. Washington but also we’d taken the time out of a hectic-paced life to do the challenge together.

The hike up was just over 5 miles and took me 4 and ½ hours on a clear and calm day – unusual for Mt. Washington.

I remember most the views hiking up rather than the time on the summit. I think this was because I had to “earn” the stunning views of the ravines and the valleys, and you don’t get to see these by taking the auto road or cog railway to the top. The best views on the mountain really are reserved for those who hike.

If you intend to hike the mountain, then allow a long and full day and start early. Be prepared to turn around if the weather conditions worsen. The mountain will be there for you another day.

For more information on Mt. Washington visit my special Mount Washington page by clicking here.

Fall is approaching and I’ll have some resources to make your fall trips spectacular in my next Blog entry in a few days. So check back soon.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacations Guide