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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Hiking Mount Washington’s Popular 5 trails
New Hampshire is famous for being home to some of the tallest peaks found in New England. Mount Washington proudly stands tall above them all at 6,288 feet. Mt. Washington is known for having one of the world’s worst weather conditions, even in the middle of summer.
Key Takeaways:
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- Variety of Trails: Mount Washington offers multiple trails catering to different experience levels. Popular trails include Tuckerman Ravine, Lion’s Head, Jewell, Boott Spur, and Ammonoosuc, each with unique challenges and scenic views.
- Challenging Conditions: Mount Washington is notorious for unpredictable and severe weather, even in summer. Avalanches, strong winds, and steep terrain are common hazards. Proper preparation and constant monitoring of weather conditions are essential.
- Popular Summer hikes: The best time to hike is between May and October, when the trails are clear of snow and ice. Winter hikes are dangerous due to sub-zero temperatures and high avalanche risks.
- Preparation is Key: Building stamina, selecting proper gear (including waterproof shoes and trekking poles), and packing essential safety items are crucial for a successful hike. Mental preparation is also necessary, given the mountain’s rugged terrain and potential dangers.
- Safety Precautions: Hikers are advised to check trail conditions, carry the right equipment (like headlights and trekking poles), and consider hiking with a group or guide to avoid risks like getting lost or injured.
A hike here will feel like it is deep into winter. Albeit the lousy weather, nothing is as satisfying as conquering another peak to add to your list.
Despite the bad reputation, day hikes on this Mountain in the summer months are very popular. Some routes are scary, while others are serene. The good news is that there are plenty of paths to the peak for both newbies and experienced hikers.
Mount Washington Park has many interconnected trails, but the most used trails include:
- Tuckerman Ravine and Lion’s Head Trail
- Jewell Trail
- Boott Spur Trail
- Ammonoosuc Trail
These trails offer different hiking experiences. Tuckerman is steep and one of the problematic trails, while Jewell is one of the easier paths.
How Long Does It Take to Hike Mount Washington: Lion’s Head Trail and Tuckerman Ravine Trail
The Tuckerman Ravine and Lion’s Head Trails ascend more than 4000 feet up on the mountain’s east slope with a mix of forests and steep rocky slopes at the summit.
Both start at Pinkham Notch. The hike from the trailhead to the summit of the mountain is roughly 4.3 miles, so if you trek to the top and back, you will have walked over eight miles. Once on the summit, hikers can take a bus back to the starting point or use other trails to return to the trailhead.
Lion’s Head Trail is rockier and steeper than the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Because of this, hikers tend to avoid it, but here, you will get a fantastic view of the Tuckerman Ravine with its ledges constructed using granite.
It can get windy near the summit and dangerous for unexpected hikers. The trail is near the ravine’s edge, so extra caution is needed. The Lion Head Trail merges with the Tuckerman Trail at a junction, leaving the remaining distance at 0.4 miles towards Washington’s peak.
These trails offer unique challenges. You may experience dangerous weather sometimes, so you should be cautious about the weather conditions and be ready for abrupt changes.
These trails experience frequent avalanches. Before heading out, confirm the day’s forecast with local News Channels.
Boott Spur Trail
If you are looking into a longer, less crowded hike on the east side, consider Boott Spur Trail. This trail is 5.4 miles long and is located on the east side of the Mountain on the second side of the Tuckerman Ravine. When you’re above the thicket, hikers are rewarded with magnificent views of Lake Hermit, the gorge at a distance, the mountains summit cone is visible.
To access the trail, hikers start at the Pinkham Notch, trek along the Tuckerman Trail for about half a mile, branch off at a marked intersection, and climb uphill on the Boott Spur. To arrive at the summit using this trail, hikers will go through the John Sherburne Trail and climb territory dominated by forests and rocks. It’s roughly two miles to the summit, dominated by rugged rocks.
Lastly, climbing Mount Washington using this trail route is about five and a half miles at 4,500 feet. The views of this trail are fantastic, as much of it is above forests.
Jewell Trail
The Jewell Trail is on the west side of the mountains and is quite popular. It starts at the parking lot in Cog Railway Station and measures roughly 5.2 miles on a one-way journey. The trail is on an elevation of 4000 feet and is easier to climb than other steep trails.
Once you clear the forests, the views dramatically improve, and the trail gets a little rockier as it nears the intersection with the Gulf side Trail at 5,400 feet. You have 1.4 miles of hiking to reach the summit from the junction. Hikers will enjoy a stop at the Great Gulf Wilderness on their way to the top.
Ammonoosuc Trail
Ammonoosuc Trail is the quickest route to get you to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, three miles from where the trail starts. This trail is 4.5 miles to the summit of the Mountain. Before you get to the Cloud Lakes, The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail begins at the Cog Railway parking lot and ends on the Jewell.
This trail is slightly shorter than the Jewell Trail but considerably rockier and steeper for the most part. If you intend to visit the Lake at Clouds AMC hut and include it in your Mount Washington hike, we recommend using the Ammonoosuc Trail.
How to Prepare for a Hike on Mount Washington
Hiking isn’t just a stroll into the woods; it requires stamina and balance. Before embarking on a hike, it’s essential to get your body and mind in shape for the upcoming task by doing the following:
Exercise
Run or walk for an hour daily to build and strengthen your muscles. Exercise weekly to build up your quadriceps, calves, and hamstrings. Hiking for hours will take a toll on your body, so it’s best to get your body ready.
Some exercises that will help with core strength include crunches, lunges, and pushups.
Eat a balanced diet, as you will need all the energy you can get. Drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol.
Pick the Right Shoe
Your footwear can make or break your hike. Be sure to wear the identical shoe you intend to wear while hiking every day for at least a week to break it in. It should be comfortable and well-padded to cushion your heel and ankles.
If your shoes are ill-fitting, your feet will get blisters, making walking very painful.
A mid-cut boot is ideal for long treks. It offers extra cushioning than you would get in sports shoes, and they are waterproof, so your feet remain dry even in wet conditions. Wear breathable cotton socks, and carry an extra pair just in case.
Pack a Backpack
Pack only the essentials to reduce the weight of your bag. Before your hike, practice carrying the backpack to see how you fair on it and get used to the load. Some essentials include packed food and energy bars, water, painkillers, a basic first aid kit, extra socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, a fleece hat, a waterproof jacket, a map, and a compass.
Safety Precautions Before Your Mount Washington Day Hike
Hiking, in general, comes with some risks associated with potential weather changes and rugged terrain. Here are some ways to prepare for a safe hike.
Prepare yourself mentally
Hiking can take a toll on your body and mind. Once on the trail, dangers are real and sometimes life-threatening. Unplanned hazards such as falls or, at worst, avalanches can happen at any time.
Check weather reports
Mount Washington’s weather is erratic and changes quickly. Before heading out on your planned hike, check the weather forecast and make an informed decision.
Study the trails you intend to use
Look for the trail crossings and junctions to ensure you don’t take wrong turns and get lost. If you are unfamiliar with the trails, stick to well-trafficked routes where you will encounter other hikers. You can check out a trail guide, AMC’s White Mountain Guide.
If you are unsure what trail to take to the summit, hire a guide. Having an expert guide has its perks, even though it comes at a price. They know the best places to see, and if something goes awry, they will know what to do or know someone who can assist.
Carry the right equipment with you
For instance, hikes can take longer than expected. For that reason, carry a headlight for when you run late. You do not want to descend a mountain in total darkness. Wear the right clothing, usually warm, breathable, and waterproof.
Because Mount Washington’s terrain is rugged, hikers are advised to pack trekking poles for added stability and to aid with walking.
When Is the Best Time to Hike on Mount Washington?
Most hiking on the Mountain is done during the summer (May to October) when the weather is warmer.
During winter and spring, the trails are covered with snow and ice. Don’t hike during this time. The temperatures are below zero, and avalanches are common in these seasons.
Mount Washington is a challenging mountain to hike, but anyone, from beginners to pros, can reach the summit. Beginners or pro-hikers shouldn’t attempt it alone; join a group because there is safety in numbers, just in case something goes wrong.
You don’t need any permits or pay fees to hike here. Get your essentials and friends, and enjoy a day on this Mountain. Get an early start so you don’t risk getting delayed and descending when it’s dark.
Check the Mount Washington Avalanche Center for more information regarding the trails and the best hiking times.
You can read more hiking articles here.
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