The safety practices for hiking safely on Mount Washington are the same as for hiking in general, with extra attention to be paid to the risks associated with the potential for rapid weather changes and for the ruggedness of the terrain. Here are some ways to prepare for a safe and enjoyable hike.
- Very important: prepare yourself mentally, before the hike, to turn back if conditions become dangerous. Once on the trail, with the summit in sight, it can be hard to make that call. It is easier if you begin the hike knowing that the dangers are real and can be life-threatening. If driving rain, sleet, snow, ice, or any other unplanned dangers arise, think safety first. Enjoy the hike the mountain gives you, and return to hike another day.
- Check weather reports. While Mount Washington weather can change quickly, it is still important to check the Mount Washington Observatory current conditions and summit forecast.
- Study the trails on your intended route, especially the trail crossings and junctions where there is potential to take a wrong turn. Know in advance the trail junctions along the way. Realizing on the mountain that you aren’t sure how to read the map is a bad feeling.
- Many hiking preparation lists suggest bringing a map and compass. If you can read a map and compass, that is great advice. If you can’t, it is virtually useless. In that case, stick to well-traffic trails where you know there will be others around, and keep others in sight. Doing this can be a lot easier is hiking as part of group, especially a group with someone who knows the route well. Which brings us the next point…
- Hike with a partner or as part of a group, especially if you are not proficient at reading a map or using a compass. If something goes awry, it is great to have someone on hand to assist.
- Bring proper clothing and equipment.
- Bring a basic first aid kit.
- Prepare yourself mentally to turn back if conditions worsen.
Further reading on Mount Washington day hikes
Looking for more information about day hiking Mount Washington? Here are some pages to check out.
-
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking Mount Washington
Mount Washington is shrouded in mystery, but the answers to your questions about the great mountain don’t need to be. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the highest mountain in the Northeast. Learn about our annual Mount Washington HIKE for Mental Health Interested in joining a great hike, for a great cause?…
-
Mount Washington Day Hiking Trails
Mount Washington State Park is home to a network in intertwined and interconnecting trails, but there are five primary trails used to day hike Mount Washington: Each trail offers a slightly different hiking experience, both in terms of scenery and degree of difficulty. For an up-and-back hike, several options for combining multiple trails into a…
-
Safety Precautions Before Your Mount Washington Day Hike
The safety practices for hiking safely on Mount Washington are the same as for hiking in general, with extra attention to be paid to the risks associated with the potential for rapid weather changes and for the ruggedness of the terrain. Here are some ways to prepare for a safe and enjoyable hike. Further reading…
-
Preparing Mentally to Hike Mount Washington
While most hikers pay attention to physical training when preparing for a long or strenuous hike, the mental and emotional challenges of hiking can be just as important in one’s ability to complete a difficult trail. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Or so goes the saying. But in reality, knowing when to…
-
Getting in Shape to Hike Mount Washington
Make no mistake – no matter which trail you choose, hiking to the summit of Mount Washington is a serious challenge that requires a certain level of physical conditioning. Much of the route involves hopping from rock to rock or quad-busting giant steps or hand-over-hand crawling up lichen-covered boulders. And the descent can be even…
-
Clothing and Equipment for a Mount Washington Day Hike
Hiking Mount Washington is not a simple walk in the woods, at least not for long. So bringing proper clothing and equipment is important for comfort and safety, even on a day hike. The gear list can vary a lot depending on the season and on personal preference, but following are some things to consider strongly…
-
Mt Washington
Mount Washington, with its 6,288 foot summit often poking into the clouds, provides one of the most exhilarating and challenging hiking experiences east of the Mississippi. While there are taller peaks in the eastern US, most notably in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and the Black Mountains of North Carolina, none provides the diversity of climate and…
-
Summit Mt. Washington
15th Annual Summit Mt. Washington August 22, 2026 • Bretton Woods, NH Summit Mt Washington, organized by HIKE for Mental Health, is our largest annual hiking event dedicated to raising awareness and resources for mental health research and trail conservation. Each year, hikers from all backgrounds come together to summit the iconic Mount Washington via the Jewell Trail,…
