Views of the Northern Presidentials
Mount Washington's Auto Road
Running up a ridge on the east side of Mt Washington is the Mount Washington Auto Road. The road was completed in 1861 and the first auto went up just after the turn of the century. The road is about 8 miles long, with an average grade of 12%. There is an auto race, running raceand a bike race to the summit each year. You can drive your own car up, or ride up in a "stage" which is a van. Bicycles are not allowed, except on the day of bike race.People have skied the Auto Road, but it turns out to be a pretty nasty trip. The Great Glen ski touring area grooms it halfway and drops skiers off from the snowcat. It does make a fair hiking trail in winter, but in summer it is not recommended due to the automobile traffic.
Additional Photos
- Cars on the summit
- Auto Road and Wildcat from Adams
- Start of the road
- Start of the running race
- Racing to the top
- Winding up the mountain
- Auto Road from Adams summit
- Mt Washington Carriage Road in 1910's
- Clearing the road in spring
Links
- Official Auto Road Page
- Official Great Glen Page
- running race organizers
- Driving a Stanley Steamer up Mt Washington