Mount Washington, known as the "most dangerous small mountain in the world," attracts thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason. It's the highest mountain in New England with views that won't leave you disappointed. It isn't all sunshine and rainbows, though, because this mountain is known for it's unpredictable, unpleasant weather. Before you decide to hike the top of Mount Washington, it's important that you arrive prepared.
There are a few hikes that you can do at the top. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, here are a few options for day hikes...
Crawford Path to Lake of the Clouds - 2.9 miles, challenging, out & back, average time of 2 hours 5 minutes to complete, 1,177 feet elevation gain.
(Mount Monroe, Lake of the Clouds, and Mount Pierce are all extensions of Crawford path. You can take them to make your trip longer)
Mount Washington Summit Loop Trail - 1.7 miles, challenging, loop, average time of 1 hour 24 minutes to complete, 875 feet elevation gain.
Check the Weather Forecast
First and foremost, you'll want to check the weather forecast before driving all the way to the top. The top of the mountain can get extremely windy, and in some instances, the trails will be closed due to the dangers that these high intensity winds can create for hikers.
Even if it isn't windy out, there are days when the top of the mountain is surrounded by clouds, making it extremely difficult to see where you're going. Thunderstorms are also likely, and a sunny day can turn cold quickly. Like I said... unpredictable and unpleasant weather.
The road to the top also closes during the winter season, so if you want to hike the summit, you'll need to plan your visit during the season where you have access to the auto road. You can still hike the mountain in the winter, however you'll have to use a trail from the base of the mountain and hike to the top.
The first way to prepare for hiking the top of Mount Washington is to check the weather forecast. You can also call the visitor center that is located at the top for an accurate weather description, because the bottom of the mountain can differ tremendously from the top. It's advisable to bring a rain jacket even in the best of weather. Should the weather become unsafe, turn around at the earliest convenience.
Bring The Correct Gear
After checking the weather forecast, you'll have a better understanding of what type of gear to bring.
Shoes:
First things first, you'll want comfortable and supportive footwear to hike the top of the mountain, because it isn't so much of a path as it is a rock scramble. I made the mistake of wearing teva sandals, and my ankles weren't very happy with me afterwards. I suggest bringing hiking shoes or boots that provide adequate ankle support. You'll also want to bring a pair of wool socks to prevent your feet from blistering.
Layers:
Even if you plan on hiking the top of the mountain in the summertime, it can get fairly chilly due to the high elevation. Make sure to pack layers in your day pack in case you get cold. This can be anything from a fleece sweatshirt, a down jacket, or a raincoat. If you're only going to bring one layer, make it a raincoat in case the weather takes a turn for the worst. I wore a cotton flannel, and while it wasn't the best option for this hike, it kept me warmer than had I just brought my t-shirt.
Gloves & Hiking Poles (optional):
Climbing gloves aren't required for this hike, but they can be extremely helpful for difficult parts of the hike. It depends on what trail you decide to take at the top, but for some you'll need to scale some rocks and gloves can be helpful to protect your hands from wear and tear. If you already own a pair, I would suggest bringing them.
Hiking poles are also a viable option to bring on this hike to take some strain off of your legs. They can also provide additional balance when scaling uneven or unsteady rocks.
One of the best ways to prepare to hike the top of Mount Washington is to bring the proper gear. You'll want to bring comfortable hiking shoes or boots with ankle support, good socks, and layers for unpredictable weather. Climbing gloves and hiking poles are optional, but can be extremely helpful and provide some relief during the hike.
Pack Adequate Hydration & Food:
Although most of the hikes at the top of Mount Washington are day hikes, you'll still want to be prepared for any given situation on the mountain. Like any hike, you'll want to make sure you're packing enough food and liquids.
It's recommended to bring 1/2 a liter of water for every hour you plan to be on the trail. However, it never hurts to bring more than that, because some parts of the trail are uphill and can be quite challenging.
Since you'll be at high elevation, you'll also want to pack a salty snack. This can be anything from a granola bar, trail mix, or a handful of nuts. Dylan and I also sometimes drink Liquid IV which can be extremely helpful in getting that salt intake during a difficult hike.
If you plan on being on the trail for a while, plan ahead and pack a lunch. You'll most likely work up an appetite for this hike, so adding some substance can help tremendously. If you don't want to pack a lunch, try adding in some fruit in case your salty snacks don't satisfy your hunger.
Prepare for hiking the top of Mount Washington by making sure you have enough water and food. Bring 1/2 liter of water for every hour of hiking, salty snacks, fruit, and a lunch if you'll be gone for a long period of time.
Submit Your Name for the Hikers Log
At the visitors center, park rangers will ask you to write down your name, emergency contact, and hiking route onto a log for safety precautions. This is so they will know who to contact if something happens on the trail. Mount Washington has claimed over a hundred lives due to poor preparation, so it's always best to make sure at least one person knows what trail you'll be doing!
Sign the hikers log at the visitors center in case of an emergency.
Now that you're adequately prepared, make sure to have fun and be safe! The views are worth all the precautions you'll need to take before you hike the Mount Washington summit!
Happy trails!
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