Riding the Mount Washington Auto Road
Mount Washington Auto Road: a 7.6-mile mountain ride from Auto Road base on NH 16, Gorham, NH to Mount Washington summit. Plan on about 30 min each way of riding, plus stops.
This private toll road climbs 7.6 miles from NH 16, just north of Pinkham Notch, to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The Auto Road reports an average grade of 12 percent, with extended sections at 18 percent and a 22 percent pitch near the top, plus blind corners and hairpin turns. Plan on about 30 minutes up and 30 to 45 minutes down, and use a low gear on the descent.
High winds, wet roads and other conditions can close the road to motorcycles, so check the road status the morning you ride. The summit averages about 51°F in June, so bring a warm layer. A toll is charged.
Timing: About 30 minutes up and 30 to 45 minutes down.
Open the Mount Washington Auto Road in Google Maps before you leave, and check the National Weather Service forecast for the area on the day.
Highlights
- Average grade of 12 percent, with long sections at 18 percent
- Summit of the highest peak in the Northeast
- Historic toll road that opened in 1861
Route
Start
Auto Road base on NH 16, Gorham, NH
End
Mount Washington summit
Check road and weather conditions before you ride. Distances and times are approximate.
On the ground
Around Laconia
