Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingIconicOutdoor Adventure

Mount Washington Auto Road

NH Route 16 · Gorham, NH

Why you should go…

Opened in 1861, this 7.6 mile toll road climbs from Pinkham Notch to the highest peak in the Northeast, gaining over 4,600 feet of elevation. Visitors can drive themselves or ride along on a guided van tour, and everyone who reaches the top can buy the famous 'This car climbed Mt. Washington' bumper sticker.

  • #mount washington
  • #scenic drive
  • #white mountains
  • #summit

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Mount Washington Auto Road, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Mount Washington Cog Railway

    $50+

    A historic cog railway that has climbed Mount Washington by steam and biodiesel since 1869.

    2.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    Nestlenook Farm

    $25–$50

    Horse-drawn sleigh rides and pond ice skating on a lit forest trail at a Victorian-era farm in Jackson, NH.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Stay
    Quirky Fun

    Adventure Suites

    $50+

    A themed hotel in North Conway with fantasy suites from pirate ships to medieval castles.

    18 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    White Mountains

    Free

    New Hampshire's mountain playground, home to Mount Washington, Franconia Notch, and the Kancamagus Highway.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Western White Mountains

    Free

    Visitor hub for the Lincoln, Woodstock and Franconia Notch region of New Hampshire's White Mountains.

    28 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Sandwich Fair

    Under $25

    A classic New Hampshire county fair with livestock, exhibits, and Columbus Day weekend crowds.

    34 mi awayMore like this