Mount Washington Auto Road

Run, Cycle, Motorcycle, Automobile, Horse, Carriage, Electric Car, all have been used to reach the summit of Mount Washington.

The  first motorized ascent of the Mount Washington Auto Road was completed by Freelan O. Stanley in 1899, thirty eight years after the road was competed. There are countless tales of mishaps, tragedies and triumphs on the way to the summit of the northeast’s highest peaks. For twent-something bucks you can take your own car, drive right to the toll-house and on to the summit. About half of the road is paved, all of it is scenic and somewhat scary if you’re not used to wide open vistas 4 feet from your window. There are a bunch of pull-outs along the way to take inthe views and explore the alpine flowers, hiking trails, spectacular views, and often times rugged weather.

Each summer athletes, adventures and automobile collectors test their skills on the steep, winding road to the summit. In June there is the annual foot race to the top http://www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com/ then comes two cycling races Newtons Revenge – http://www.newtonsrevenge.com followed by the other Hillclimb http://www.mtwashingtonbicyclehillclimb.org usually there is also some sort of antique car rally and recently they have added an alternative energy car day.

If you’ve missed the race entry deadlines, or don’t feel up to training for either race, pack up the family, jump in the car and go explore the heights of New Hampshire.