So You Think You Can Walk Up Mt. Washington? Auto Road Edition
Let's be honest, everyone's got a little Rocky Balboa in them, right? You see that mountain in the distance, all majestic and imposing, and a primal urge whispers, "I should climb that!" But hold on there, Rocky wannabe, before you lace up your hiking boots and channel your inner Sylvester Stallone, there are a few things to consider about scaling Mt. Washington's not-so-secret secret weapon: the auto road.
Can You Walk Up The Mt Washington Auto Road |
Yes, You Can Walk (but Here's the Catch)
That's right, folks! The Mt. Washington Auto Road isn't just for fancy cars and folks who are terrified of inclines (although, no judgment there). Pedestrians are welcome too! Just be prepared for an adventure (emphasis on venture).
Here's the thing: You're not exactly strolling through a scenic nature park. This is a road, a narrow, winding road with cars going up and down.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Translation: Pedestrians do not have the right of way. So you better be ready to dodge minivans full of screaming kids and audacious tourists who forgot the whole "stay in your lane" rule.
But hey, if dodging rogue vehicles and questionable driving skills is your idea of a good time, then by all means, lace up and walk on!
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
Bonus points for:
- Wearing a bright orange jumpsuit: Safety first, people! Make sure those drivers see you coming (or going, depending on your level of crazy).
- Carrying a disco ball: Because, why not? Let's add a little razzle-dazzle to this potentially terrifying situation.
- Yelling motivational Rocky quotes at the top of your lungs: "Adrian!" Wait, wrong mountain. But the sentiment holds true!
Just remember: There's a perfectly good hiking trail next door specifically designed for...well, hiking.
But Wait, There's More! (The Less Crazy Option)
Alright, alright, so maybe dodging cars isn't your cup of tea. There is a much saner way to conquer Mt. Washington on foot: the hiking trails. There are several options, each with their own level of difficulty, but all offering stunning views and a true sense of accomplishment (without the near-death experience).
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Pro-tip: Check the weather conditions before you head out. Mt. Washington is notorious for its unpredictable and sometimes downright scary weather.
How To FAQs:
How to channel your inner Rocky Balboa without actually walking the auto road?
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
- Run up and down your stairs repeatedly while yelling motivational quotes.
How to convince your friends you climbed Mt. Washington (without actually doing it)?
- Buy a Mt. Washington sweatshirt. Bam! Instant cred.
How to prepare for the Mt. Washington weather (the crazy kind)?
- Pack layers, like, seriously, layers. Mt. Washington weather can change faster than your mind on what to eat for dinner.
How to avoid rogue vehicles on the auto road (if you're still set on walking)?
- Go early in the morning before the tourist hordes descend.
How to find the actual hiking trails?
- Do a quick internet search. There are plenty of resources available to help you choose the perfect trail for your skill level.
So there you have it! The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (well, mostly) about walking up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Now get out there and conquer that mountain (safely, of course)!