Embark on an unforgettable car drive up the historic Mt. Washington Auto Road, where breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of adventure await. This iconic journey to the summit of New England’s highest peak is a must-do for any driving enthusiast and nature lover. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or embarking on a family road trip, understanding the ins and outs of this unique drive is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Planning Your Mt. Washington Auto Road Drive
Before you begin your ascent, it’s important to plan your visit to ensure a smooth and hassle-free car drive.
Parking at the Base and Summit
Upon arrival, you’ll find three main parking areas at the base of the Auto Road. These lots provide convenient access to the start of your summit adventure. From these parking areas, a short walk will lead you to the base and the beginning of the Auto Road.
For visitors requiring handicapped accessible parking, designated spots are available at the summit itself. Simply follow the signs directing you to the top to access these parking facilities.
Summit Attractions: What to Explore After Your Car Drive
Reaching the summit of Mt. Washington is just the beginning of your experience. The summit area is brimming with attractions, offering something for everyone:
- Summit Stage Gift Shop: Discover unique mementos and gifts at this special store. Run by the Auto Road team, this mile-high shop offers souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else, perfect for commemorating your car drive to the top.
- New Hampshire State Park Sherman Adams Building: Step into the Sherman Adams Building for visitor information and a cafeteria. This state park facility is a great place to learn more about the mountain and grab a bite to eat. For more information, visit the New Hampshire State Parks website.
- Mount Washington Observatory Museum: Your toll for the Auto Road includes admission to the Mount Washington Observatory Museum. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the extreme weather conditions and fascinating science that make Mt. Washington so renowned. It’s an educational and engaging experience for all ages after your car drive.
- Tip Top House: Explore the Tip Top House, the oldest surviving building on the summit. Built in 1853 and maintained by NH State Parks, this historic structure offers a glimpse into the mountain’s past and is free to enter.
- Cog Railway Terminus: Witness the terminus of the Cog Railway, an engineering marvel operating on the western side of Mt. Washington. Observing this unique railway adds another dimension to your summit visit.
Essential Driving Tips for a Safe Car Drive on Mt. Washington
The Mt. Washington Auto Road presents a unique driving experience. Follow these tips to ensure safety and maximize your enjoyment during your car drive:
Scenic Pull-offs and Hiking
Take advantage of the numerous scenic pull-offs along the Auto Road. These designated areas are perfect for capturing stunning photos and soaking in the panoramic vistas. For those looking to stretch their legs, short hikes are available. However, it’s crucial to only walk on marked hiking trails as the alpine vegetation is extremely fragile. Always be mindful not to obstruct the roadway for other vehicles when using pull-offs. These pull-offs are also useful on your descent to allow your brakes to cool down.
Gear and Braking Techniques for Your Car Drive
For a safe car drive, especially on the descent, proper gear selection and braking techniques are essential.
- Ascending: Drive up the Auto Road in your vehicle’s normal drive gear (“D”).
- Descending: Shift to your lowest gear (“1”, “L”, or “L1”) for the descent. Utilizing a lower gear allows your engine to assist with braking, reducing strain on your brakes and ensuring a controlled car drive down the mountain.
When braking, avoid “riding” your brakes continuously. Instead, use a pumping action on the brake pedal. This technique allows your brakes to cool more effectively than applying steady pressure, minimizing the risk of overheating. If you do notice your brakes overheating, use the plentiful pull-offs to stop and let them cool down completely before continuing your car drive.
Vehicle Weight Restrictions
Safety is paramount on the Auto Road. A critical safety guideline is the interior vehicle weight limit. Do NOT exceed 1,000 lbs of interior weight inside your vehicle. Exceeding this limit puts excessive strain on your vehicle’s transmission, particularly on the steep grades. Overweight vehicles can lead to excessive brake use, increasing the risk of brake overheating or failure. Please adhere to this weight restriction for a safe car drive. For a comprehensive list of vehicle restrictions, consult the Vehicle Restrictions page.
Vehicle Restrictions for a Safe Car Drive
Certain vehicles are not permitted on the Auto Road due to safety considerations. Always check the Vehicle Restrictions page before your visit to confirm your vehicle is suitable for the Auto Road and to ensure a safe journey.
Car Drive in an Electric Vehicle (EV) on Mt. Washington
Driving an Electric Vehicle up Mt. Washington offers a unique perspective. Here’s what to expect for your EV car drive:
EV Performance and Regenerative Braking
The performance of your EV on the descent largely depends on the model. While some EVs, like the Smart Electric Drive, may still require using conventional brakes to maintain a safe speed downhill, models like Tesla and Polestar, and many others, often descend safely using primarily regenerative braking. Regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration, enhancing efficiency.
Similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles consuming more fuel on the ascent, EVs also use more energy going uphill. However, the advantage of regenerative braking in EVs allows you to recoup a significant amount of energy during the descent, making your car drive more energy-efficient overall. Unlike ICE vehicles which often require stops to cool brakes on the way down, this is typically unnecessary in an EV due to regenerative braking.
EV Charging at the Base
For EV drivers, charging stations (standard and Tesla) are conveniently located at the Base Lodge, just across Route 16 from the Auto Road base. You can charge up before or after your car drive.
Additional Considerations for Your Car Drive
Hitchhiking is Prohibited
Picking up hitchhikers on the Mount Washington Auto Road is strictly prohibited. Adding extra passengers can cause a vehicle to exceed its safe load limit, potentially leading to brake problems and increasing accident risk. Please adhere to this rule for everyone’s safety.
Pets are Welcome
You are welcome to bring your furry friends along for your car drive! Pets are permitted on the Auto Road. Kindly keep them on a leash and ensure you clean up after them appropriately. Please note that pets are not allowed inside the New Hampshire State Park buildings. There is no additional fee for bringing pets in your vehicle.
ATV Car Drive Reservations
For those seeking an adventurous ATV car drive on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, advance reservations are required. Tickets are limited daily. Make your reservation online to secure your spot and experience the Auto Road in a unique way.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mt. Washington Auto Road Car Drive
A car drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Road is an extraordinary experience, offering stunning scenery and a memorable adventure. By planning ahead, understanding driving guidelines, and taking necessary safety precautions, you’re set for an incredible journey to the summit. Prepare for breathtaking views and an unparalleled driving experience on the iconic Mt. Washington Auto Road!
