New Hampshire · United States
Mount Washington Auto Road
Pinkham Notch to Mount Washington
About 4,600 ft of climbing in 7.6 miles, averaging near 12 percent with a final pitch around 22, to the 6,288 ft summit of the Northeast’s highest peak. The weather up top is famously violent, and the way back down will teach you what low gears are for.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is a 7.6-mile private toll road in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, running from NH Route 16 near Pinkham Notch to the 6,288 ft summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. It climbs about 4,600 ft at an average grade near 12 percent, with a final pitch reported around 22 percent near the summit. Mind the notoriously violent summit weather, sheer unguarded edges, and steep descents that demand low gears.
Switchbacks up the Presidential Range with nothing but air between you and the drop. The weather turns, the White Mountains fall away, and we love it for that.
Why we picked it
Scenery
Best seasons
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Where it runs5.7 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Steeper than 9 in 10 roads here in the catalogue.
Corners
busiest around mile 6Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%782.1 – 1,909.2 mPoints of interest2 stops
- Mount WashingtonViewpoint5.7 mi in
- Agiocochook CragViewpoint4.6 mi in
Hazards
- Severe, fast-changing weather
- Unguarded drop-offs
- Steep grade and brake heat
Sources
“This road offers jaw-dropping views, unparalleled freedom, and lots of fresh air.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Mount Washington Auto Road.
