Hiking the Deadliest Little Mountain: Mt Washington, NH

Hike Distance: 9.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,812 ft elevation gain

Prominence: 6,148 ft

TrailsNH Hiking Difficulty Calculator: 272 - Challenging

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TrailsNH Hiking Difficulty Calculator

The TrailsNH Hiking Difficulty Calculator provides an idea of the challenge a hike might present. Its purpose is to assist you in deciding whether a hike is manageable or too demanding.

Deadliest Little Mountain

At 6,248 feet, this New Hampshire peak is the tallest in the Northeast, yet it stands less than 0ne-third the elevation of Alaska's Mount Denali, Indeed 17 states boast summits above Mount Washington. Colorado alone has 58 peaks topping 14,000 feet. Still Mt Washington ranks No. 7 in the number of accidents and fourth in deaths among US peaks during a roughly 70-year span. Proper planning is critical for this hike. Check the weather before starting the hike and continue monitoring it throughout the hike. Be prepared to turn around if conditions worsen...it could save your life.

Our Hike Plan - Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

We climbed Mt Washington using the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and Crawford Path, and then we came down using the Gulfside and Jewell Trails.

The initial mile or so of the hike alongside the Ammonoosuc River is easy as it passes through dense forest.

There are some spots with rocks and tree roots, but they're not challenging... just exercise a bit of caution.

There's a simple rock crossing over Franklin Brook, and at the one-mile point, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail begins. At this juncture, the trail veers right, running alongside the Ammonoosuc River over rocky ground, where any increase in elevation is minimal.

The trail crossed the river in several area where water cascaded over the rocks. The rocks weren't large enough to created waterfalls.

Finally, an opening in the tree cover.

There were several waterfalls along the way including the Gem Pool cascade.

Once we passed the Gem Pool the trail becomes steeper and more difficult.

There were several long and steep stair sections that were tiring, but for the most part the this trail was very doable.

The rock scrambles persisted, but fortunately, the viewpoints improved as the diminishing trees started to thin out.

At about the 3-mile mark the trail emerged above the tree line and we were just a short distance from Lakes of the Clouds and the Crawford Path junction.

Even though the skies were hazy, the summit of Mt Washington was clearly visible before we arrived at Lakes of the Clouds.

The Lakes served as an ideal spot for lunch. The weather was just right for sitting, relaxing, recharging, and savoring the nearly perfect conditions. To give some context to these views, the skies remain clear from sunrise to sunset—without being covered by clouds—on average, only 50 days each year.

Our Hike Plan - Crawford Path

We had just 1.4 miles left to reach the summit, following the Crawford Path to the top.

While ascending Crawford, we enjoyed a fantastic view of the Lakes. Although Mt Monroe was less than 0.5 miles in the opposite direction, we chose to proceed directly to the summit.

From the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, the hike to the summit of Mt. Washington via the Crawford Path is 1.4 miles and more challenging than it appears.

The cone is a massive, seemingly endless pile of rocks, with the entire ascent being open and exposed to the elements. Luckily, the weather was perfect for hiking.

Following a challenging ascent through the rocky terrain, we reached the summit. Standing at 6,288 feet, Mt. Washington is often regarded as the most perilous small mountain globally. It holds some intimidating records, including the highest wind speed ever documented at any surface weather station—231 mph—recorded in 1934. Since 1849, nearly 150 deaths have occurred here, primarily due to hypothermia. This is unsurprising, given that snow and cold temperatures can be encountered year-round, not just in winter.

Washington experiences a convergence of several weather patterns, resulting in its infamously harsh weather that can change rapidly. With winds reaching 60 mph, hiking becomes almost impossible. As hikers travel north along the Crawford Ridge from Washington's summit, they are frequently–and unknowingly–pushed off course by strong westerly winds. Sadly, these winds often lead hikers miles away from trails and roads, hindering their safe return.

A calm and warm day but hurricane force winds occur an average of 110 days per year.

Our Hike Plan - Gulfside & Jewwll Trail

Because of the weather, it was very crowded with people either driving up or using the cog railway. We spent a few minutes there, used the facilities, took some pictures, and then started our hike down by following the Gulfside and Jewell Trails.

The Gulf Side Trail is a leisurely, mostly flat walk through alpine country. After about a mile, you join the Jewell Trail back to the parking lot.

The beginning of the Jewell Trail on your way down is a bit of a scramble, dropping just over 1000' in a very short distance. It was as tough on the joints as the way up. Lots of rock fields to navigate through.

A great picture despite the haze of Mt Clay ( 5,531 ft) and Mt Jefferson (5,716 ft).

Getting closer to the tree line.

After a slow climb down, we were back at the car having just finished our first New England 4000 footer.