Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine Trail(edit)

based on 79 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#83 hike out of 703 in White Mountain National Forest |

DIFFICULT

6.5 mi

Distance

2 hrs 27 min

Time

4,232 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is an out-and-back hike that goes to the peak of Mount Washington in White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire).

This trail goes by Crystal Cascade Falls, Hermit Lake, and Mount Washington. As well as the Hermit Lake Hut.

The summit is home to the Mount Washington Observatory, and also offers a gift shop and cafeteria.

This is a difficult hike with moderate to severe elevation gain. About 1/2 of the hike is above the tree line, exposing hikers to sun, wind, rain, and snow depending on the time of year.

Mount Washington is known to have some of the most severe weather in the world. It is important that hikers thoroughly research weather reports before heading out, and are prepared for sudden changes.

Expect this hike to take greater than 7-9 hours round-trip.

Getting Started

Park at the Pinkham Notch Visitors center. An early arrival is suggested, as the lot can easily fill up by 7am on peak weekends.

Follow signs from the visitors center to get onto the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

The first half of the trail follows a moderate incline and is suitable for more hikers.

The Hermit Lake Hut marks roughly the halfway point. Hikers can rest here. Water and restrooms are typically available in the Summer months.

It is also possible to book an overnight stay at this hut. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Read more about AMC managed huts and reservations here.

After leaving the hut, the Tuckerman Ravine trail quickly ascends beyond treeline. From here, the ascent becomes difficult to severe, and the trail rocky and exposed. This portion may not be suitable for all hikers.

The views from this point are increasingly sweeping. About 0.7 miles from the top, you will crest the shoulder of the mountain and get your best viewpoint of the valley below.

Taking Children

This hike is very difficult and may not be suitable for children.

This is an alternate route for Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine Trail and Boott Spur Trail.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

ashli 6 years, 2 months ago

Did this hike on 8/25. There are some trail closures on the lower sections of this hike that take you off the main trail and up some steep ski slopes. It extends the total distance by less than a mile I'd say. The slopes can be muddy, but we went on a day where it hadn't rained in a while and were lucky. The trail was crowded as is typical for a warm Saturday. We brought our dogs and kept them on leash the whole time, which I'd recommend for such a popular and crowded trail. The shelter was open and they had a water pump available about 100 yards further up the trail. We brought 2L of water per person, and 1 for each dog. Filled up at the shelter and again at the summit. Definitely a rigorous hike. The last 2 miles to the top took us probably twice the amount of time that the first two miles took. Don't forget sunscreen :)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★