If you live in New Hampshire, you’ve heard of the Mount Washington Auto Road – and there’s a good chance you’ve driven up it. If you haven’t, you’ve definitely seen plenty of “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper stickers! What you may not know is that the auto road up New Hampshire’s tallest peak is also the oldest man-made attraction in the United States.
The history of the Mt. Washington Auto Road dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, when a railroad line carrying freight from Canada to Portland opened up the White Mountains to tourism.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
Plans to build a grand hotel at the summit of Mount Washington inspired the construction of a road to lead to the top of the mountain. It’s nearly impossible to imagine how the road was built without modern machinery. All supplies had to be carried in by people or animals, and blasting was done with black powder. It took about 9 years, but the road was opened in 1961.
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At first, the road was dominated by horse-drawn buggies - but in 1899, the first steam-powered automobile took the road, ushering in the modern era on the mountain.
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These days, around 45,000 vehicles drive up the road each season (May-October). It typically takes about 30 minutes to drive up the 7.6 hour road, and 30-40 to come down - longer if you need to give your brakes a rest!
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You’ll see all types of cars making the trip up - from Mini Coopers to minivans. You definitely only want to make this drive in a car in good working order, though.
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Motorcyclists are welcome too, and there are even special days when the road is only open to motorcycles.
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There are plenty of spots to turn off the road and enjoy the view along the way, so take your time with this drive.
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Think your car isn’t up for the challenge - or just prefer to enjoy the view rather than keeping your eyes on the road? You can also take a guided tour in a shuttle.
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Keep an eye out for the several “sunrise drives” offered during the summer, when the road opens early (think 3:30 a.m.) so you can get up to the summit and see the best sunrise of your life.
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If you’re feeling extremely ambitious (and love running uphill), you can sign up for the annual road race. We’ll drive and meet you at the top…
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Of course, if you drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road you need the sticker. After all, will anyone believe you if you don’t have one? Luckily, they’re included in the entry price.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
To learn more about rates, hours, and vehicle restrictions visit the Mt. Washington Auto Road’s website. Of course, if your car isn’t up to the challenge, you can always take the Cog Railway instead. Either way, the journey to the summit of this magnificent mountain will be just as memorable as the views from the top.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
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