About This Route
Mount Washington (6,288 ft), the Appalachian Trail's highest point in the Presidential Range, New Hampshire, via Webster Cliff Trail to Crawford Path is a 15-mile traverse from Appalachia to Crawford Notch. Expect relentless 3,000-foot climbs, rocky scrambles, and the alpine zone's fury. Overseen by USFS and ATC, it's world-famous for extreme weather records: 231 mph winds.
Safety Considerations
Over 150 fatalities; wind chill drops to -50F in summer per Mount Washington Observatory data. Mandatory gear checks at trailheads. Avalanches rare but possible in gullies; stick to AT corridors. Tuckerman Ravine views tempt off-trail, but crevasses lurk in snowfields. Hypothermia #1 killer: recognize stumbling, slurred speech. Lightning: ridges are bullseyes; descend pre-noon. Wildlife minimal; focus on rock stability, test holds. ATC urges satellite communicators; cell dead above 4,000 ft.
Essential Gear
Gaiters (REI Co-op), ice axe (Black Diamond Raven winter), goggles, heavy gloves (Black Diamond Absolute Mitts), 40L pack (Gregory Zulu). Food: 3,500 cal/day.