Rising to 6,288 feet, Mt. Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern U.S.—a mountain known for its extreme elevation, intense weather, and historic significance. From alpine tundra at the summit to glacial plateaus and scenic mountain roads, its elevation shapes every aspect of this New Hampshire landmark.

Table of Contents

Where is Mt. Washington?

Mountain Profile

  • Prominence: Mt. Washington has the highest prominence east of the Mississippi River.
  • Native name: Known as Agiocochook by Native American tribes.
  • First ascent: Recorded in 1642 by Darby Field.
  • Tourism growth: Boosted by the opening of the Auto Road and Cog Railway.
  • Nearby activities: Includes hiking, skiing, gliding, and visiting Lakes of the Clouds and scenic huts.

Elevation Basics

  • Elevation vs. prominence:
    • Elevation = height above sea level.
    • Prominence = height from base to summit.
  • Elevation of Mt. Washington: 6,288.2 feet (1,916.6 m).
  • Prominence: 6,148 feet (1,874 m).
  • Access methods: Reachable via hiking trails, the Cog Railway, the Auto Road, and the Appalachian Trail.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Snowfall: The summit receives over 280 inches of snow annually.
  • Base & summit access:
    • Auto Road: Elevation gain of 4,618 feet (1,408 m) from 1,527 feet (465 m) to 6,145 feet (1,873 m).
    • Cog Railway: Starts at 2,700 feet (820 m), ends at 6,288 feet (1,917 m).
  • Key plateaus:
    • Alpine Gardens: Begins at 5,200 feet (1,600 m).
    • Bigelow Lawn: Elevation: 5,000–5,500 feet (1,500–1,700 m).
  • Hiking start point: Most hikes begin at Pinkham Notch – 2,032 feet (619 m).

Climate and Comparison

  • Summit climate: Alpine or tundra, with extreme low temperatures and high winds.
  • Lower elevations: Subarctic climate—slightly warmer but still harsh.
  • Wind speed record: Highest non-hurricane wind speed ever recorded was measured here in the 1930s.
  • New Hampshire mean elevation: 1,000 feet (300 m).
  • New Hampshire extremes:
    • Highest point: Mt. Washington – 6,288 ft (1,916.6 m)
    • Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean – sea level
  • Highest town in New Hampshire: Clarksville – 1,980 feet (604 m)
  • Major city elevations:
    • Manchester: 210 ft (64 m)
    • Nashua: 151 ft (46 m)
    • Concord: 288 ft (88 m)
    • Derry: 282 ft (86 m)

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