Mt. Washington is the highest peak on the east side of the United States at 6288 feet! The Mt. Washington Auto Road ascends to the summit of the mountain and, for a fee, you can drive to the top for spectacular views of New England along the way. We made the climb during peak fall foliage, along with a couple of thousand other tourists. Fees are steep...$45 for car and driver and $20 for additional adult. The road is narrow with no guardrails and long drop offs. It took us about an hour to drive up the 8 miles. There was a 3/4 mile backup at the top to get a parking space. So make sure you have plenty of gas. The views are incredible. We first passed through deciduous trees that were in full color. Then, we drove a couple miles through a conifer forest where the trees became smaller and smaller. There are pull-offs along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery. Above the tree line, we found rocks, mosses and lichens. The change in vegetation was interesting. The views of far off mountains were lovely. Towards the top, we were above the clouds. Parking attendants facilitate parking at the top. With over a thousand people at the top, it was crowded. A gift shop, museum, snack shop and weather station are at the top. There is also 175 year-old hotel at the top, now a historic site. Views are magnificent. The trip down is harrowing and thrilling. Signs encourage pulling off to cool brakes. A train called the Cog Train and guided van tours are also available and a better option for kids. Mt. Washington is a thrilling must-visit. I recommend going during the week to avoid weekend crowds and pick a clear, dry day to enjoy best views. read more

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Scary drive but has ample of break/stop points. Make sure you are not afraid of heights as some corners are tight with no railings! Worth the experience. They give you the legendary sticker at the toll house. See images and videos for reference read more

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We loved the 2-hour drive up the mountain. The driver was safe, informative, and funny. Shout out Hans! One-hour at the top felt a little rushed at the top so if you have elderly members in your family or it's your first time maybe choose a different way to explore the mountain so you have as much time as you'd like at the top. Make sure to check out the museum and gift shop where you pick up the van too! read more

Wow !! Wow wow , this is well worth the 65 dollars to drive up. You have to do this. I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves but I felt so free and alive ! If you're here , do this. You will not be disappointed read more

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Earth Day continues suckas! Listen this is a once in a lifetime thing. Not because you'll never make it to NH again, but because it's scary, your partner who insists on backseat driving will drive you crazy, and it's scary. Oh did I say that already? Oh well. When we did this the price started with a 3. I see now the price starts with a 4. Harumph! They give you a guided audio tour when you're driving up but it was lowkey nerve wracking to listen to it and not fly off the mountain. Also I drive a manual so I really did feel at risk of falling off or sliding back down the mountain at any and all times. That said it's beautiful! Crossing into the alpine zone and watching the vegetation change is wild. The temps at the bottom versus the temps at the top - also wild. Watching hikers reach the summit - incredible! 360 degree views? Loved them! I'm determined to take the Cog up once and get up the mountain with my own two legs eventually. But if I never do either of those things, the drive was good enough! read more

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Visited 8/7 and parked my van at the top. George in van 15 with Mt Washington Auto Road tour rear ended my van while parked. He tried to drive away. First photo is him back up from hitting my van. But, somebody was in the van and came out. George Valliere in tour van 15 hit the rear of my van and there was damage to the rear. Talked Tim Godin and Tobey Reichert at the office at the bottom. They apologized for George hitting the rear of my van and would get it taken care of. They asked to provide them with an estimate and they would either pay out of pocket or file with their insurance. I did so when I got back and they decided to go through insurance. Filed with their insurance and they are now denying they hit my van. If you want to go with an unethical tour company that lies and cheats. This is the one. Think twice when you book with them. Your safety could be at risk with drivers that are negligent. read more

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Fun Fact: this road was actually first opened to the public in 1861 (hard to believe but it's true) Fun Fact 2: It is also the site of the oldest auto race in the United States Mount Washington is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi and has been a popular tourist destination for people like us for more than a century. there are numerous ways to reach the top (unfortunately we did not get the ticket for the cog railway) but never mind, this is equally adventurous. drive up it on a fall-colorful day to see the fantastic colors of New Hampshire's White Mountains and the windy clouds blowing past you as you climb to more than 6,000 feet in the air. We had Jeep Compass (4WD) but I have seen cars like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic in the parking lot - so you are good. at someplace, There are no shoulders to use, though there are ample pull-off spots to allow slower drivers to allow others to pass. Auto Road is simply a spectacular place to view fall foliage in New Hampshire due to the fact that you start in the valley and then can look down and see it from above. IMP..!! IMP.. !! IMP..!! As you come down the mountain, make sure to pay attention to the signs about putting the car into low gear and pulling off periodically to cool the brakes. though our rental car was new, the brake was smelling so we had to stop periodically. it is truly one of the most amazing drives in the country. The road is only 7.6 miles, but you can expect it to take anywhere from 30 -45 minutes to ascend Fee: Car+driver- $ 45 (Oct-2022) Extra person: $20 PP children- $9 PP read more

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Vacationing from Newport RI. Our guides were Lee and Jeff !! Amazing team . Great history lesson . So friendly .I hope they see this ! I think my grandson Joseph made an impression as well ! I'm sure Jeff and Lee will always remember our family due to Joseph's presidential knowledge at 8! What a fun day . MT Washington did not disappoint . Thank you so much. The Deasley Almeida family read more

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I am probably one of the few that won't give this a positive review. Let's start with the cost - 45.00 per car and driver and an additional 20.00 per adult passenger. And if you ask the person collecting the cash about any state park passes etc he immediately waves off your question and abruptly yells out NO. So don't ask about a park pass you have might have to help with cost. This sounded like a nice thing to do and we had heard the views at the top would be spectacular of New Hampshire so we felt it was worth it. But I did not care for this. Be warned: if you plan on doing this it will be several hours as you have to drive slow. It's non stop switch backs and virtually no shoulder - so be prepared to literally be on the edge of a steep, dangerous mountain. for hours. There are pull offs but many drivers were impatient and everyone drives different. The drive down is worse because you have to brake non stop and pull over to cool the brakes. This was not enjoyable or fun. We found plenty of beautiful, safe, relaxing spots to pullover to enjoy the many gorgeous views that were FREE! Save your $$ and skip this unless you don't mind all the above. read more

After seeing the cost of the cog railway (and the possible schedule challenges given we had a limited amount of time), we decided to make the drive up the mountain in our little rental Ford EcoSport. Upon arriving, I was quite surprised by the cost ($65 for the car, driver, and 1 passenger). This wasn't what I was expecting, but what were we going to do at this point. We paid and started our trek up. First of all, the drive is definitely a white knuckler. It looks like you could run off a cliff at any moment because you really can't see the terrain very well on the way up. It was easily the scariest drive I've ever done and I've taken several roads up other tall mountains in the past in National Parks. This road doesn't have any sort of barriers around turns at all. One we got to the top, the fog came in almost instantly and there wasn't much to see. Because of the scary trip up, I somewhat just wanted to get back down and be done with the experience. It turns out the way down was much, much easier. You have better visibility and it's a much more pleasant drive. I wish we had stayed at the top longer, but the view just wasn't there with all of the fog and clouds. read more

If you get a chance to do mount Washington and are unsure if you want to drive? DO THE 2 HOUR GUIDED TOUR! I learned so much about the history of the mountain and surrounding mountains. Honestly so worth the money our tour guide Bill was awesome so informational. Got to spend an hour at the summit. It hands down best part of my trip. 2 hour guided tour.. DO IT! read more

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8/21/25. First weather was perfect not a cloud in the sky and warm at summit. Guide Hans was witty and informative and great driver!!We had six in our party and even the kids enjoyed it. So glad we decided to shuttle rather than drive. Thanks !! read more

So glad we did the van ride! The driver Carol was excellent, especially with the nervous riders!

If there is one thing I've done many times from childhood on up at least a dozen times and once recently is this. I have driven here on a day in July with it 85 degrees at the bottom and 34 at the top with snow at the peak. It is that crazy. Record of 231 mph wind recorded on this peak. The drive up is a piece of cake but the drive down your brakes heat up and you need to stop a number of times to let them cool. I would not drive an older car up here. Newer cars only with new brakes to be safe because there are no guardrails. You go over and your done. read more

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What a great experience. Our tour guide Carol was amazing, she was full of great information and very well spoken. Fearless on the road and made it very fun. The summit views are incredible. Its pricy but it takes a lot to maintain the road and buildings up top, so understandable. Wear good shoes, dress for colder windy weather and enjoy everything the mountain has to offer. read more

The people were very helpful with any questions we had. Paul was our guide on the tour as he was simply the best! Very friendly, informative and entertaining! We will definitely be back. read more

It was a beautiful drive to the summit parking lot. Plenty of places to park. A short walk to the summit with incredible views of the surrounding area/mountains. read more

We had a wonderful time. They were very nice and accommodating. Paul was a wonderful guide

Yesterday was made even more joyful as 19 family and friends were able to utilize the two hour tour vans to gain access to the summit. Our goal was to celebrate the life of my late husband who LOVED Mount Washington! It was a wonderful experience. The staff and facilities were fantastic! read more

Loved this so much. It's a nervewrecking drive, but it's so worth it! The ride down is scarier than up :) The roads are in good shape. People do not really listen and they ride on their break sDo that's annoying. So many beautiful places to stop off (and lots of great photo ops!). It's very cold at the top so beware of that. DEFINITELY STOP on the way down as soon as you see signs to stop. (the signs are good reminders to be good to your cars). I probably wouldn't go it if it's cloudy or rainy. And put that bumpah stickah on your cah with pride!!! read more

The Auto Road Van ride was an awesome experience!! We got to ride in one of the new vans, very comfortable. The ride up was like being in a plane above the clouds. At the summit the view was spectacular. Our guide Leftie told us that the last 2 days have been the clearest in awhile. What a view!! Leftie gave us some interesting facts, and I'm glad he was driving and not me. Awesome trip, I had a friend visiting from Africa, and he was speechless. To be sure he took plenty of photos to share back home. I highly recommend this trip!!! read more

"You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather" - summed up this trip to this spot. Of all the days for it to be rainy, foggy, and cloudy - it had to be this one. It was supposed to be somewhat of a surprise but ended up being a wash overall. I will say - I would highly recommend this on a sunny day, and the staff does a great job letting you know upon pulling up whether it is foggy or the sightlines. I was hoping we would get lucky - we didn't. I was nerve racking and I couldn't wait to come back down - at some points it was really scary but hey - you have to live sooner or later. We made it to the top and couldn't really see much - but I really enjyed being able to say we got 6200 ft up and did it. ************PUT YOUR CAR IN LOW GEAR ON THE WAY DOWN********* Some moron behind me came barreling down - I got out of the way, started smelling brakes, and then coming upon the moron outside his car with smoke pouring from the front of his car. read more

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Had a fun trip up to Mt Washington! So glad we chose the van trip. Lefty our driver was informative on the van ride and up on Mt Washington. Beautiful views along the ride. Amazing adventure!! read more

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Our driver/guide Ray was great. Very informative and engaging. My grandsons very first time in the north country and he loved the mountain read more

Mt. Washington Auto Road - Grandson at the top - Tours Near Me - Gorham, New Hampshire

On days it is so foggy there is NO VIEW AT ALL it should be closed or greatly discounted. It was hard to see which makes driving dangerous. It amazes me that this isn't a tour only because I saw a lot of inexperienced scared drivers up there which is dangerous when there are no guard rails and narrow roads. The tour buses were flying up & down the road though. The road looks dangerous in spots especially the gravel part but I'd hope someone inspects & maintains it. The food at top is cash only so be prepared but the stew & cookies were great. I think if you go on a sunny day this might be a beautiful view but all we had was high winds & fog. It's a little pricey though. I enjoyed the audio CD that came with it. The shop at the bottom has CD players to rent if your car doesn't have a player read more

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Sightseeing...hiking...museums!! can it get any better? I don't think so! This is a great stop when in new Hampshire in the White Mountains! It will give you an all around experience and you will get to learn some very interesting history. Overall, definitely worth the stop, especially if its your first time in the area. read more

Mt. Washington Auto Road - Tours Near Me - Gorham, New Hampshire

Ok, so its a little bit expensive but still a must do if you are in the area. It is after all the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi! Your other option is the cog railroad (also expensive I imagine.....and note it is on the OTHER side of the mountain so not accessible from here). Or I suppose you could hike if you are a little bit wacky (haha). The road is well maintained but very winding and steep. I have driven on many mountainous roads in the Rockies and Sierras and this rivals those definitely (I was shocked). There are a few places to park and get out along the way so stop and take a break and enjoy the scenery. Just take your time and you'll be fine. At the top be prepared for some stairs to get from the parking lot to the buildings (not bad but maybe not what you would be expecting after your long drive). If you have time, take the weather station tour. read more

Awesome experience. The drive up the road has great views all along the way. The road is in great shape, almost totally paved and multiple turn out areas to enjoy the views along the way or cool your brakes on the way down! The views off Washington are amazing especially on a clear day. The staff is always friendly and helpful! The auto road is a great experience and if you do not want to take yourself up they offer van tours. The museum across from the auto road entrance is very interesting. read more

$45 to drive up to the summit?! Seems like a lot. I can understand being charged for every car that goes up to the summit, but adding on the cost of each passenger is a bit much in my opinion. Apart from this issue, the auto road does have great views, and there are stops along the way. The road does feel narrow and steep the closer you get to the summit, but it's best to not even look down, if you're afraid of heights!! Be prepared to dress warm because even if it's 80 degrees at the base, when you get to the summit, it will be 35 degrees. read more

Last time we came to Mt Washington, we took the cog train to the top. This time we decided to drive to the top ourselves! It was definitely worth doing in our opinion. The views were incredible and the drive itself up and down the mountain is an adventure all in itself! Wouldn't recommend doing if you're afraid of heights or a nervous driver/passenger. The roads have drop offs to the side, they are narrow and windy. Certainly not for everyone, but we enjoyed it! read more

We had a great driver and clear weather. The driver made us comfortable, but I wouldn't have wanted to drive the road myself if it were free. We stopped half way up for great views and we had an hour on top to see the museum, railway and gift shops. This trip is fun, educational, and the best way to see the mountain in my opinion. read more

What a Beautiful place!! So much to do and so much to see. Great customer service! Tobey is #1!

What an absolutely amazing trip. Paul, our driver and super knowledgeable guide, made the trip!! His insight into the whole mountain from the bottom to the top was remarkable. He made it a point to make sure everyone got to see all the sights and was more than willing to snap photos and help us create memories. Once we were done, he made it a point to walk us through the Red Barn museum and let us look at the at the different modes of transportation that have made the climb up the mountain. Just can't say enough about everyone there...well worth the money!! read more

Mt. Washington Auto Road - Tours Near Me - Gorham, New Hampshire

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My husband and I went up to the summit of Mt. Washington in a tour van for the first time. We've been up there before, but never in a tour van. We were very happy we did! It was well worth the money! Our guide, Kevin, was excellent, very knowledgeable telling us all about the mountain, and just had the best personality ever! He also was very experienced in driving on that long road up!! We would definitely recommend this tour! read more

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This was one of the best tours my family and I have been on. Our driver and guide Marc was great. Learning about the history of the auto road and many interesting facts about the mountain made for a great educational experience. Getting to explore the summit is an opportunity we'll never forget. I can't recommend this enough to everyone! read more

Wow! Grabbed a few buddies and headed out to Laconia on Our two wheeled death machines. After getting a couple T-shirts and partying a touch in Laconia we headed north to the White Mountains. After a Few Fat Tires, some good food, and a nights rest, We made it to the mountain about 9:30 in the morning. Slightly pricey getting in, I think it was about 20 bucks per motorcycle to use the road. Someone told us we better bundle up it's gonna be cold on the top. Was about 75° at the bottom and we were putting on winter riding clothes. Once dressed we started our track of this steep incline. We were cruising along making good time zigging and a zagging up the mountain. Carving the turns like a masterchef carves a turkey on Thanksgiving. Sometimes the edge of the tires were clipping the cliffs edge as we raced ever higher. Occasionally a car would come down the mountain, obviously fearful of the Road, and be half in our lane. That did not slow us down, Until we finally got behind a car doing 3 mph. It was hard to keep the bikes upright they were going so slow on such a steep incline. We could not have this. Just as we were prepared to Zoom by this car at ridiculous ludicrous speed's, the driver pulled over in to one Of the many pull offs designed for drivers to cool their brakes. As we climbed higher and higher views were amazing. Unfortunately hard to look at the views while climbing this mountain. Just when you thought you were getting near the top, you go around the corner and find out there's still a long way to go to reach the summit. Now the wind is picking up I would estimate some of the gusts at 60+ miles an hour. Hard to stay on this road on your awesome motorcycle with wind speeds that high. It was like a huge hand pushing you around. One time I thought it was going to blow me over the cliff. But I found the faster you go the less interference it causes so we sped up. As we got to the point where we can see the top of the mountain the winds are whipping and the temperature has dropped almost 40°. It is now in the 30s as we crest to the summit. The winds were blowing so hard when we parked our hard-core motorcycles we had to turn them into the wind to ensure the wind would not blow them over. As we dismounted our steel horses We noticed how beautiful scenery was. From the Rocky and treeless Summit to the lush green trees thousands of feet below us. We climbed by foot to the top observation building. Now we could see even further and the winds picked up even more. At one point the winds were whipping so hard we could almost lean at a 45° angle into the wind without falling down. This was a pretty awesome experience. After having a cup of hot cocoa, and checking out the steam train that brings passengers to the top of the mountain we decided it's time to head down. The downward track was actually much easier than heading up the mountain. It also afforded us the luxury of the scenery as we drove down. The road is narrow but well-maintained which made for easy travels on a difficult pass. Overall it was well worth the cost to Go to the top of Mount Washington. I'm glad we had this experience, and glad I got to do it with my awesome motorcycle. Just another bonding session for us two. If you get a chance you have to do Mount Washington, if the drive scares you take the train. read more

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Drove up the Auto Road last Sunday - very cool! I was staying in North Conway and it was a bit of a drive to get over there.. but man was it worth the drive. I'd recommend doing this if you have an afternoon to commit too it. I definitely spent a fee hours here in total. At check in, it was 45$ for a passenger car with 2 people. There are numerous turnouts you can stop at on the way up and down to hop out and take pictures and take in the views... but more importantly to cool off your breaks on the way down. If you are afraid of tight roads and heights... I probably wouldn't recommend it for you. Otherwise, it's a must while your in the area. read more

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Nothing like it ! Gun for the whole family . Great cafeteria at the top with nice chicken soup . American History and spectacular views. Bring a sweater ! read more

Holy crap! Check the summit conditions before setting out. We encountered rolling fog whipping wind and rain with zero visibility. Talk about getting yourself nerved up! Am I glad I did it - yes! I earned that bumper sticker - would I check the summit conditions first, next time ?! Yeah!! That was a little too scary for my liking!! read more

Our tour guide Marc was amazing!! Super safe driver as well as awesome at giving a detailed tour of everything around us!!