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This remarkable 7.6-mile climb, accessible to cyclists only twice each year, commences in the town of Glen House. From there, the Mt. Washington Auto Road winds its way upward like a a two-lane ribbon. As you climb, you pass through forests and ultimately above the treeline. The views will pay you back when you reach the 6,288-foot summit of Mt. Washington!

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

Jackson Falls is a cool set of cascades on the Wildcat River. You can see the falls from the side of the road both above and below the cascades.

The Highland Center at Crawford Notch is an AMC-managed information center, lodge, and archive complex. Built on the site of the historic Crawford House hotel, the Highland Center is just a few hundred yards from the historic Crawford Depot, which houses the Macomber Family Information Center. Open during the summer and fall seasons, there are interpretive displays, an information desk, and a small gift shop where you can also purchase last minute hiking items like whistles and compasses. The Highland Center houses the official AMC Library and Archives and offers full-service lodging for those who wish to stay in the heart of the White Mountains. There is a full meal service, shuttles to nearby trailheads, and activities, like guided day hikes, instructional talks on topics like outdoor skills, and evening programs like films and guest lectures.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is only open to bicycles 2 days each year: for the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. Other than the Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race in June (an uphill-only running race), the road is privately owned and operated to support only paying vehicles. This is a grueling climb with an average grade of 12% that is not for the faint of heart.

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple of days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. A gravel bike can be handy since some of the road grades get so steep that you need that bigger cassette. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!

Kilkenny Loop Road serves as one of the ultimate gravel riding loops in White Mountain National Forest. There are a number of other trails and double-track roads that branch off of this main path, but just sticking to the Kilkenny Loop Road creates a pretty sweet 15-mile loop on dirt and gravel forest roads.