So You Wanna Hike Up a Highway? Conquering Mount Washington... by Foot?
Ever looked at Mount Washington, that burly peak presiding over New Hampshire, and thought, "hiking sounds quaint, but can't I just walk up the road?" Well, my friend, you're not alone. The question of tackling Mount Washington Auto Road on foot is a curious one, and the answer, well, it depends on your definition of a good time (and maybe your sanity).
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| Can You Walk Up The Mount Washington Auto Road |
It's Technically Possible, But...
Yes, you can walk up the Mount Washington Auto Road. The bold and underlined truth is, there's no official rule against it. But here's the thing: this ain't your scenic Sunday stroll through the park.
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Imagine this: you're sharing a narrow, winding road with cars (some piloted by vacationing dads with questionable map-reading skills). The weather can change faster than your grandma's mood swings, with fog rolling in and visibility dropping to zero. And let's not forget the whole "world's worst weather" reputation Mount Washington holds dear.
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So, is it Advisable? Let's Weigh the "Pros" (Lightly)
- The Views (Maybe): If you manage to dodge cars and avoid hypothermia, you might get some glimpses of stunning mountain vistas.
- Bragging Rights: Dropping a casual, "Oh yeah, I just walked up Mount Washington... no big deal" is sure to impress... someone, maybe.
Now for the "Cons" (The Slightly More Substantial List)
- Safety First (and Second, and Third): Cars and pedestrians don't exactly mix on a narrow mountain road.
- Weather Roulette: You might be met with sunshine and rainbows, or you could be battling hurricane-force winds and snow in July.
- The Scenery? Debatable: Most of your view will be the back of a minivan with a bumper sticker that says "Don't Tread on Me."
- Where's the Challenge?: Conquering a mountain is about the journey, not just the destination. This walk feels more like a highway shoulder shuffle.
The Verdict: Hike the Appalachian Trail Instead
Look, there are much better ways to experience the majesty of Mount Washington. The Appalachian Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning scenery. You'll get your exercise, commune with nature, and avoid the existential dread of being flattened by a Subaru.
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Burning Questions: Your Mount Washington Auto Road Walking FAQ
- How to avoid cars? Walk very early in the morning before traffic picks up. But remember, even a rogue sunrise jogger could pose a hazard.
- How to dress for the weather? Layers, my friend, layers. Be prepared for anything from sunshine to a full-blown blizzard.
- How long does it take to walk the Auto Road? Plan for a full day, especially if you factor in dodging cars and existential contemplation.
- How much water should I bring? Lots. Like, way more than you think you'll need. Dehydration is no joke on a mountain, even if you're technically walking on a road.
- How do I get back down? Hitchhiking is not recommended. The Mount Washington Auto Road offers a hiker shuttle from the summit, but space is limited and first-come, first-served.
So there you have it. While walking the Mount Washington Auto Road is technically possible, it's probably best left to the most adventurous (or slightly foolhardy) souls. There's a whole mountain out there waiting to be explored, and it's much more enjoyable on foot (the right kind of foot path, that is).
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
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