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AMERICA'S OLDEST MAN-MADE ATTRACTION!

Constructed during the 1850s, the Mt. Washington Auto Road climbs from Route 16  in Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire to the highest peak in the Northeast at 6288 feet. The oldest man-made tourist attraction in the United States, which opened on August 8, 1861, to the summit, has been proudly family-owned and operated since 1906.
We continue the heritage of guided tours on the mountain with experienced, informative drivers. Stewardship, history, and ecological information are prominent topics on the tours. If you choose, like so many families and individuals before you, you can take your own vehicle up the Auto Road to enjoy the weather, views, and summit activities at the Sherman Adams Building, which sits in the Mt. Washington State Park at the summit.
At the base of the Auto Road, you will find our main lodge offering restrooms, a gift shop, a small snack cafe, and our sister company, Great Glen Trails. We offer lodging at the newest Glen House Hotel, which sits at the base of the Auto Road and offers stunning views for your overnight stay to enjoy the many offerings of the property in the summer or winter.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Several white vans lined up with people in uniform, American flag, and scenic mountain background.
Vintage cars with passengers lined up in front of a building labeled 'Stage Office' in a rural area.
Car on a mountain road with a vast mountainous landscape in the background.
Vintage car with group of people posing outdoors in front of a large building.
Man on truck measuring tall snowbank with stick on a dirt road.
Car by Mt. Washington Auto Road sign with mountain in background on a sunny day.
Aerial view of a rocky mountain summit with a building and parked cars under a clear blue sky.

DRIVE YOURSELF

No reservations necessary

GUIDED TOURS

Book a reservation

ATVs On The Auto Road

SUNSET ON MT. WASHINGTON

Lodging

Renowned Events

Bicknell's Thrush Tours

Red Barn Museum

PLAN YOUR VACATION TODAY

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TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF MT. WASHINGTON

WELL worth the time, energy & money!

We took the Auto Tour (a large van) & were so glad we did....lane widths are just adequate, and there are no guardrails. Smelled a lot of hot brakes! But oh my! What phenomenal views! The maples were aflame with color! And Mt Washington is way above the surrounding mountains, so you see peak after peak below you, as you look to the horizon, plus a few lakes. Just beautiful. Is we're ever here again, we may take the courage train up.

– Mary C. | Tripadvisor
Trip to the Rock Pile

Mt. Washington is a long time favorite of ours. We enjoy going up, not matter how the method. This time we took the coach. Kevin was a great tour guide!! He was funny, polite and great to listen to. The clouds and fall colors were wonderful. Way to many people, but have to share right. We can't wait to go again

– Jay C. | Tripadvisor
Exceeded Expectations

Had a truly awesome ride up the mountain yesterday in a 61-year old Morgan. The road is steep, bendy, and narrow but stay calm and in low gear and you'll do just fine. The weather yesterday was perfect and visibility fantastic in all directions. Because of that the road was busy and my biggest problem was big SUVs and trucks slowing down as I was going up to squeeze past each other. It is a narrow road but the views are incredible. Highly recommended--but do check the weather at the summit first.

– Jonathan K. | Tripadvisor
Excellent

Definitely the way to go, don’t drive yourself, this is much more relaxing and you can see the scenery. Just the right amount of time. You also will get more from the informative guides also. It was overcast and foggy when we started but we went through the clouds and it was mostly sunny and actually warmer with no wind at the top, not what we were expecting. Unusual as our guide said. Definitely recommend.

– Daniel O. | Tripadvisor
Do not pass this up!

Going to the top of Mount Washington was the highlight of our trip. It’s amazing to see the forest change as you gain elevation and it’s truly like another world at the top. We debated driving versus the guided tour. I’m very thankful we did this. The price is reasonable and the guide was great. More importantly it made me thankful I did not attempt to drive it myself. You will learn a lot from others mistakes and save your brakes.

– Michelle D. | Tripadvisor
Awesome, amazing!

This was an amazing experience that I had to live. The views are espectacular. I’m not going to lie, going up there was a rush of adrenaline. I was scared but excited too. Kevin was our tour guide and he was so wonderful. Very kind, he was telling us all about the Mountains, trail tracks and everything. Loved this!

– Marleny H. | Tripadvisor
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DONATE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE MT. WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY

  • Logo with red mountain and text: MWOBS Mount Washington Observatory

The Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region.

Click Here To Donate Today!