Hiking Mount Washington is not a beginner hike trail. The mountain is in total 6,288 feet tall, with a 7.4 mile hiking trail to the top. An experienced hiker can hike to the top in around two-three hours, but a normal beginner hiker would take around five-six hours to reach the summit.
Mount Washington is going to take you a full day of hiking, so it’s a smart idea to bring gear and supplies. For example, a backpack, food, water, hiking boats, first aid kit, etc.
Hiking the Trail:
As stated before, it will take a beginner hiker approximately five hours to arrive at the top, but there are risks during the hike. Mount Washington is known for its extreme high wind speed. On April 12, 1934, the highest wind speed was calculated at 231 mph, which is extremely fast winds that will blow people away. Michelle in her website on MT Washington states, “The gusts can blow unstable hikers down from the ridge into the Great Gulf or the Dry River Valley”.
This means that there are risks of death and since 1849, 161 hikers have suffered fatality while hiking up Mount Washington.
Arriving at The Top:
After your long and challenging hike to the top of Mount Washington, you notice a temperature change, so it will be nice and cool when you hot and sweaty. You can also take some beautiful scenic view pictures, or get a bite to eat at the cafeteria located at the top of the mountain.
I recommend to rest and hangout at the top of the mountain for a good amount of time before you have to hike down the 7.4 mile trail again.
Personal Experience:
Personally, I have never hiked up Mount Washington, I only drove up it. Hiking Mount Washington is definitely on my bucket list and it should be on your too. My cousin and uncle have hiked up Mount Washington during the winter, where they had to wear snow shoes the whole time. They said it was definitely a challenge but they had an amazing time.
Discussion Question:
Is hiking Mount Washington on your bucket list?
Bibliography:
- (n.d.). Retrieved from https://search.creativecommons.org/search?license=&license_type=&categories=&extension=&aspect_ratio=&size=&source=&q=mount washington&searchBy=&mature=
- Michelle. (2021, July 25). Mount Washington In New Hampshire Is Considered One Of The Most Dangerous Hikes In All Of America. Retrieved from https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/most-dangerous-hike-nh/
- Day Hiking Checklist. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html