Hiking Mount Washington

During the summer months, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is also the most popular route to the summit of Mount Washington (that is, if you ignore all of those tenderfeet on the Cog Railway [1] and the Auto Road [2]). The trail rises for 4.1 strenuous miles from Pinkham Notch Visitors Center (Rte. 16), straight up the middle of the ravine.

Two other trails, the Boott Spur Trail (5.4 miles) and Lion Head Trail (4.5 miles), also climb Tuckerman [3] along the south and north sides of the ravine respectively. They are both longer, but also more moderate in incline.

The most difficult trail of all is the Huntington Ravine Trail, which branches off from Tuckerman to ascend an even steeper cirque to the northeast. All of these trails meet at the top of the ravines along the Tuckerman Crossover Trail for the final steep climb to the summit.

There are also several approaches from Crawford Notch [4] on the west face of the mountain. Just before the entrance to the Cog Railway is the trailhead for two routes, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, a steep 3.9-mile scramble to the aptly named Lakes of the Clouds, where an AMC hut (603/466-2727, www.outdoors.org [5]) base lodge allows hikers to rest their legs and admire the view before taking the more moderate Crawford Path to the peak. Plan ahead if you want to snag one of the 90 bunkroom accommodations in the hut for an unforgettable night in the sky.

Also leaving from Crawford Notch, the Jewell Trail (4.6 miles) climbs to a ridge on the north side of the mountain, where it then parallels a 1,500-foot cliff on a ridgeline hike to the top.

Hear live music every Thursday night year-round at Wild Boar Tavern (3465 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway, 603/356-3466), a cozy watering hole with incredible views of Mount Washington.

Musicals and dramatic classics are offered in the summertime by Mt. Washington Valley Theater Company (Eastern Slope Playhouse, Main St., North Conway, 603/356-5776).

Community Theater Productions are put on by MD Prductions (Red Barn Outlet Center, 1976 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway, 603/356-4449).

Pine-paneled and filled with moose antlers, the cozy Muddy Moose Pub (2344 White Mountain Hwy., 603/356-7696) is a pleasant place to while away an evening over brews and good local company.