Conway to Mt. Washington

Conway to Mount Washington Summit

White Mountains · New Hampshire · United States

Key measurements

Distance

111.7 miles

Elevation gain

12,049 ft

Elevation loss

6,267 ft

High point

6,259 ft

Low point

460 ft

Net change

5,783 ft (475 ft to 6,259 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This 111.7-mile route executes an expansive tour of New Hampshire’s White Mountains before culminating in the steep, alpine climb to the summit of Mount Washington. Starting in the Saco River basin at Conway (elev. 460 ft), the trip crosses three major mountain passes—Kancamagus Pass, Franconia Notch, and Crawford Notch—before climbing through Pinkham Notch to reach the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

The route accumulates over 12,000 feet of vertical elevation gain as it circles the high peaks of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Presidential Range. It transitions from low-elevation river valleys through dense hardwoods, ascends into subalpine evergreen forests, and ultimately tops out above the treeline at 6,258.7 feet.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Conway Launch & Saco River Basin — Miles 0.0–0.8

The trip begins in Conway village near the lowest point of the entire route (460.1 ft). This brief introductory spur along NH-113 and NH-16 handles local valley traffic and positions the vehicle for the turn west toward the interior mountains.

Kancamagus Highway Pass — Miles 1.0–31.0

Turning onto NH-112—the Kancamagus Highway—the route enters a 30-mile stretch of uninterrupted mountain wilderness within the White Mountain National Forest. Following the Swift River west, the road climbs steadily through sweeping turns before making a sharper, steeper push up to Kancamagus Pass (elev. 2,850 ft). Beyond the summit, a series of hairpins and steep drop-offs leads down into the East Branch Pemigewasset River valley near Lincoln. There are no gas stations or commercial services along this entire segment.

Franconia Notch Parkway — Miles 36.3–48.5

After bypassing the town of Lincoln, the route joins I-93 North through Franconia Notch State Park. This multi-lane, divided mountain parkway cuts directly through a narrow glacial trough bounded by Cannon Mountain to the west and the high peaks of the Franconia Range to the east. Gradient changes are moderate, but the terrain is tight and mountainous.

North Country Foothills & Twin Mountain Approach — Miles 49.1–58.4

Exiting I-93 north of the notch onto US-3, the road transitions into open, rolling valley terrain. This segment heads northeast through the small mountain hubs of Whitefield and Twin Mountain, serving as the northern bypass around the high peaks to align with the approach corridor for Crawford Notch.

Crawford Notch & Highland Valley — Miles 64.6–84.6

Picking up US-302 East at Twin Mountain, the route passes the historic Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods before plunging southeast into Crawford Notch State Park. The road squeezes through a dramatic gap between Mount Webster and Mount Willey, dropping sharply alongside the young Saco River. After exiting the notch, the road flattens into a gentle valley run through Hart's Location, Bartlett, and Glen.

Pinkham Notch & Mount Washington Valley — Miles 91.0–103.9

At Glen, the route turns north onto NH-16, climbing steadily along the Ellis River into Pinkham Notch. This segment climbs into the high pass separating the Carter-Moriah Range on the east from the Presidential Range on the west, arriving at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road across from the Glen House.

Mount Washington Auto Road Ascent — Miles 104.5–111.5

The final 7.02 miles climb more than 4,600 vertical feet from the valley floor to the summit station. The toll road averages a 12% grade with sections reaching 22%. It ascends through dense forest, crosses a unpaved dirt section, negotiates exposed switchbacks with no guardrails, and emerges into extreme alpine tundra above the treeline, terminating at the summit stage office at 6,258.7 feet.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Elevation changes drastically on this trip, bringing severe environmental variations from valley floor to summit. The Mount Washington Auto Road is seasonal, generally operating from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting.

Mount Washington is home to some of the world's most severe weather. Summit conditions can feature freezing temperatures, dense fog, gale-force winds, and sudden ice or snow at any time of year, even when valley temperatures in Conway or Lincoln exceed 80°F. Autumn foliage (typically late September through early October) brings extreme vehicle congestion along NH-112 and US-302, requiring significantly increased travel times.

Logistics & Services

Fuel, food, and mechanical services are readily available at major waypoints: Conway (mile 0), Lincoln (mile 32.0–36.0), Twin Mountain (mile 58), and Glen/Jackson (mile 85.0–91.0).

The 30-mile stretch of the Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) is completely devoid of fuel stations, cell reception, and commercial outlets. Ensure full fuel reserves before leaving Conway or Lincoln.

Access to the Mount Washington Auto Road requires a paid toll fee at the base toll house. The Auto Road authority enforces strict vehicle limitations: heavy vehicles, RVs, dual-rear-wheel trucks, and vehicles with specific mechanical issues or automatic transmissions that cannot be locked into low gear may be turned away.

Important Considerations

Brake Management: Long continuous descents down Kancamagus Pass, Crawford Notch, and especially the Mount Washington Auto Road require low-gear engine braking. Excessive reliance on foot brakes will cause brake overheating and fade. * Engine Strain: Climbing over 12,000 cumulative vertical feet places heavy demand on vehicle cooling systems, transmissions, and powerplants. Monitor engine temperatures closely on the Auto Road climb. * Summit Gear: Always carry heavy winter outer layers, windproof clothing, and gloves in the vehicle regardless of mid-summer valley weather, as summit conditions are frequently severe and cold.