This Beautiful Classic Prepare Takes You to the Tallest Mountain Peak within the U.S. Northeast

There are just a few unbelievable methods to get to the highest of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain peak within the northeast, positioned within the nice state of New Hampshire. First, you’ll be able to hike. It is an exquisite journey that takes you from verdant woodlands to the craggy peak over the 4-mile trek up Tuckerman Ravine Path or Lions Head Path  — nevertheless it additionally takes about 5 to 9 hours to hike spherical journey, and it is rated as “extraordinarily difficult,” making it a route solely skilled hikers ought to take. It’s also possible to make the drive on the Auto Highway, which takes about half-hour to the highest and half-hour again once more. However, there’s yet one more option to get there that’s each simpler than mountaineering and extra thrilling than merely driving in a automotive, and that is with the ever-fantastic Mount Washington Cog Railway. 

For greater than 150 years, the tiny cog railway has chugged up the mountain, generally in a slightly steep ascent. Because the railway’s web site notes, it averages a 25 p.c grade, although some sections transfer as much as 38 p.c, making it the second-steepest mountain-climbing cog railway on the earth. And whereas the experience is offered all yr lengthy, there’s one thing further particular about making the journey in the summertime — particularly for the reason that railway operates two coal-fired steam engines all through the season that it says are each greater than 100 years outdated. 

In the summertime, friends can select between taking one of many hourly biodiesel rides that journey to the summit (which sits at greater than 6,200 toes in elevation) or the much less frequent coal-fired rides. Each take about three hours spherical journey, together with a one-hour cease on the summit so friends can disembark, discover the height, and take loads of photos.

The biodiesel rides begin at $74 for adults, whereas the steam practice begins at $87. Company can ebook their seats, so do attempt to ebook upfront to order a window seat. (Although, in case you’re touring in a big group, the railway asks that you simply not reserve all window seats to your complete get together.) However don’t fret in case you’re in an aisle. You continue to get a unbelievable view alongside the way in which.

Simply be cautious whenever you attain the summit, as Mount Washington is the location of the highest-ever recorded wind velocity in America, clocking in at 231 miles per hour. You possibly can all the time examine the every day circumstances right here earlier than you go, too.