Mount Washington Auto Road
1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH
603-466-3988
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Located just 25 minutes north of North Conway, NH on scenic NH Route 16, the Mt. Washington Auto Road's unique location in Pinkham Notch provides spectacular views into the Great Gulf Wilderness and the Presidential Mountain Range as you drive yourself or take a guided tour to the summit of Mt Washington.
Your vehicle should be in good mechanical condition with good brakes and able to be put into 1st gear. There are vehicle weight limits and no dual wheeled vehicles are allowed. Check website for specs.
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Not for the faint of heart. The road is at times very narrow with steep drop offs, but it's all worth it if you get a clear day. The views are sensational.
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Bring a jacket! It is much colder than the bottom and very windy. "The highest wind ever observed by man was recorded here"
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There is an Extreme Mt. Washington Exhibit at the top.
Admission is included in the cost of your Auto Road ticket. Your sticker is your admission pass.
If you get to the top and experience foggy conditions, this exhibit has panoramic screens to show you what the view would have been if it had been clear.
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PRO TIP: Check the weather before you go. Choose a day that will be sunny/no clouds. Even if sun is forecasted, it's best to plan to be at the mountain as soon as it opens. The top often becomes obscured by clouds later in the day.
Latitude : 44.246788, Longitude : -71.254227
Jackson, NH
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As you exit of the Mount Washington Auto Road, turn Right onto NH-16 S. About 5 min (3.7 miles), Glen Ellis Falls parking area will be on your right. There is a small recreational fee charged to park (aprox. $3.00) make sure you bring cash.
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The trail starts by going under the highway and leads visitors down a series of granite steps to the 64-foot tall falls. (In total, the path is about 600 feet long / 0.4 miles) Here, visitors will see the Ellis River beautifully cascade down the cliffside forming Glen Ellis Falls. There are a lot of steps here and will really get your blood pumping on the way back up. ​
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White Mountain Cider Company
207 US 302, Bartlett, NH
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About 30 minutes from Mount Washington, 15 Minutes from Glen Ellis Falls. Check your gas tank. You might want to fill up before lunch. You won't see many stations for a while.
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Sophisticated New American dining in a restored 1890's farmhouse with a rustic yet modern appeal. Country Store, Cider Mill, Hot Cider Doughnuts. Dine-in or Take-out. Lots of great reviews.
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The Market (red barn) is open for lunch. Wed - Sun 8am-5pm. Sandwiches, Paninis, Wraps, Handpies, Salads, Sides and Desserts. Indoor or Outdoor seating.
Bear Notch Road
Turn left out of the parking lot and head west on (NH-302). In about 5 miles, turn left onto Bear Notch Road.
A road less traveled, connecting the Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) and the White Mountain Trail (NH-302), Bear Notch Road climbs through the White Mountains. More than a century ago, the Bartlett and Albany Railroad brought supplies to a logging camp and departed with goods from the sawmill in Bartlett. The railroad is long gone, but the road passes through the unspoiled forest that reclaimed the land. There are many spectacular views. This road is closed during the winter.
The Kank
Go about 8 miles until Bear Notch Road dead ends and turn right onto The Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH-112) affectionately known as The Kank. One of the most scenic roads in America.
Sabbaday FAlls
Parking area GPS coordinates are: N43° 59.838 | W071° 23.568
A brief, relatively easy hike (.7 mile hike) to my favorite waterfall. You'll be glad you stopped.
(My favorite waterfall. Never gets old)
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Turn right out of Sabbaday Falls and continue on the 'Kank' to Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
Parking area GPS coordinates are: N44° 00.127 | W071° 16.656
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Rocky Gorge is a powerful narrow gorge where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Carved by glaciers, you will find Rocky Gorge a breathtaking scenic area. Rocky Gorge offers a 10′ drop and rapids through the gorge.
Getting to Rocky Gorge is simple and accessible to those with disabilities.
From the parking lot, it is a short and easy walk along the Swift River that takes you over a over a foot bridge across the Swift River. You can stand directly above the gorge for viewing and photos.
Be sure to continue on the path after viewing Rocky Gorge for yet an entirely different experience. Just up the trail from the footbridge is Falls pond. Falls Pond is a picturesque pond surrounded by the dense White Mountain National Forest. There is a nice viewing area there. This part of the path is not as well maintained at the time of the posting. Anyone with disabilities may have a hard time getting to this area.
Note: Swimming is not allowed at Rocky Gorge. Picnic area and bathrooms located near parking area.
Lower Falls
This is a beautiful spot where the Swift River drops many feet over smooth granite rocks into a large pool. It is a very popular place to picnic, sun bathe, and swim. There is an 80 car parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables with charcoal grills. Visitors should be aware that the rocks can be quite slippery and during high water extreme caution should be exercised while visiting the falls and the river.
Albany Covered Bridge
Mt Washington Observatory
For information about the observatory located at the top of Mount Washington
and for current weather conditions, check their website (link below)