Mount Washington Auto Road

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a toll road in New Hampshire that climbs from the base to the summit of Mount Washington. It winds through changing landscape and vegetation zones, with pullouts and views distributed along the route.

The road opened in 1861 as a carriage route, making it the first commercial tourist attraction of its kind in North America. An automobile race on the route was established in 1904 and has run regularly since.

The road has become a pilgrimage for drivers seeking to test their vehicles against one of the Northeast's highest peaks. Visitors bond over the shared challenge of navigating this legendary route and earning their place in its history.

The drive takes about 20 minutes to an hour depending on your pace and stops along the way. Vehicles should be in good working condition, as the continuous climb puts strain on brakes and engine.

Weather monitoring stations at different elevations along the route collect data about mountain weather patterns and contribute to climate research. This scientific monitoring helps researchers understand the complex weather processes that occur at high altitude.