Mt. Washington
"STOP: THE AREA AHEAD HAS THE WORST WEATHER IN AMERICA. MANY HAVE DIED THERE FROM EXPOSURE, EVEN IN THE SUMMER. TURN BACK NOW IF THE WEATHER IS BAD. WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST." This warning is no joke. I have been up there in the summer when it was 40 degrees and raining out. There are usually snow pockets on the trails in June. Don't let this discourage you from running on or near Mt. Washington; just use caution. Tuckerman Ravine Trail The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is probably better in the winter than the other 4 seasons. During the summer there are a lot of exposed rocks, but it is runnable. In the winter the trail is either groomed or packed out by skiers headed up to The Bowl. The trail steadily climbs the whole way to the Hermit Lake Shelter. Running past the shelter is a little tougher and can be dangerous due to avalanche danger in the bowl. Directions: Drive up Rt. 16 from North Conway to the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. The trail head is right behind the visitors center. Auto Road I would not recommend running the auto road during the year except for the months leading up to the race in June. The staff at the auto road has been very courteous to me and others who train on the road before the race, but I imagine they don't like having a lot of people on the road throughout the year dodging cars. Nonetheless, there are some spectacular views form the auto road in almost all directions. Directions: Drive past the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center on Rt. 16 about 2 miles. You will see the auto road on the left. Crawford Path The Crawford Path is the oldest, continuously maintained foot trail in the U.S. This trail runs along the Southern Presidential ridge line and has some of the most amazing views you will ever see anywhere. the trail is rocky in spots, but not much worse than most trails you'll find in the White Mountains. Use caution though as much of this trail is above tree line, and is exposed to the elements. Directions: Take Rt. 302 to Crawford Notch. Take a right onto Mt. Clinton Rd. and park in the lot on left. Huntington Ravine Trail The Huntington Ravine Trail is one of the most technical trails in the White Mountains. If you are afraid of heights you might want to stay away from this trail. Huntington is a pretty cool place in the summer though, when the weather is nice. When climbing up the headwall great care must be taken because it could be a potentially long drop. Once you crest the headwall though you enter the Alpine Garden, a fragile plant ecosystem. From here you can take the Nelson Crag Trail to the summit or take the auto road from there. |
