Hiking New England

Hiking Mount Washington - Six Tips to Survive to the Summit

Every year on Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a hiker gets into difficulties and needs rescuing. Some year there's more than others. On occasions the outcome is tragic.

Since 1847, 146 deaths have been reported on and around the mountain - more lives claimed than on Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. Mount Washington is one of my favorite destinations in New England. But I've learned not only to enjoy the mountain but respect it as well.

At 6,288 feet Mount Washington is no giant. And the fact many people do hike to the summit successfully without any prior major climbing experience belies the danger lurking on its slopes.

This mountain is in the direct path of three major storm tracks in the Northeast of North America, and its exposure means the difference in temperature between base and the summit can be 30 degrees. Snow has fallen in all twelve months of the year.

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