The auto road, which is the site of annual foot, bicycle and automobile races, begins in Gorham on Route 16 on the east side of the mountain. The three-mile route remains one of the steepest railway tracks in the world. The cog railway base station is located off Route 302 near Bretton Woods on the west flank of the mountain. Both the cog railway and auto road are privately owned and operated. When visiting the park in the summer it is important to remember that the weather at the summit will be much colder and windier than at the base.
Snow can fall any month of the year.
To make the most of a visit, even if you are riding to the summit, bring extra clothing and sturdy footwear. There are at least fifteen long, rough hiking trails up Mt. Washington. In addition, it is traversed by the Appalachian Trail, the 2,000-mile footpath that extends from Maine to Georgia. For those planning to hike remember the weather changes suddenly in the mountains, and is usually much worse at higher elevations. If planning to hike from mid-October to late May be aware that there are no facilities open and no shelter available on the summit.