The highest peak of Northeastern United States with an elevation of merely 1917 m, Mount Washington is known as the most dangerous mountain in the world.
Snowbound throughout the year, the summit of this range usually experiences winds blowing at over 200 KM/hour.
Just to tell you that wind speed of 80 KM/hour is sufficient to blow away small homes. Mount Washington reserves a special place in the heart of Adventure-seekers all over the world. Just 25 KMs short of North Conway, the Native American tribes call this mountain Agiocochook which stands for Home of the Great Spirit.
What makes Mount Washington the Most Dangerous Mountain in the World
The mountain range got its notorious name of the Most Dangerous Mountain due to the collision of several weather patterns across the range resulting in erratic weather, fast-moving and chilling winds blowing throughout the year. Tourists often drive up to the peak of Mount Washington to experience and chase the winds. Famous for magnificent sunset and sunrise views, the Mountain Summit also houses Mount Washington Observatory for responsible for recording weather across the range. The highest wind speed recorded on Mount Washington is 372 KMs/hour.
While some of the world’s most dangerous mountains, such as Mount Everest and K2, are known for their treacherous terrain and high altitude, this isn’t always the case with Mount Washington. The mountain’s peak is relatively low, but it still contains dangers that have earned it the title of the world’s deadliest small mountain.
While there are other ways to reach Mount Washington’s summit, such as taking a ride on the mountain’s cog railway, hiking remains a popular option. This, however, is the most common way to be taken aback by the mountain’s most dangerous feature: its unpredictable and terrifying weather.
Located in the Presidential Range of White Mountains in New Hampshire, Mount Washington offers various adventure activities from hiking to bicycling, skiing gliding etc. Most of the Mountain is a National Reserve. The Appalachian Trail is the most popular trek leading to the summit the tourists opt for. The park also organizes several bicycling competitions round the year. A ride in the Cog Railway which operates Toy Train up to the Summit is the best way experience the beauty of the Mount Washington.
Wind speeds of 231 miles per hour have been measured on Mount Washington, making it the highest wind speed in the world. These winds could have been even stronger, but the equipment measuring them stopped working after this just registered. Furthermore, temperatures at the summit (6,288 feet) differ significantly from those at the mountain’s base. Hypothermia can strike quickly, especially for those who have not dressed appropriately. Temperatures of -35 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded on the mountain, which is comparable to the South Pole; in fact, Mount Washington is the second-coldest place on the planet, after Antarctica. This can result in a wind chill of up to -100 degrees below zero.
Best time to hike at Mt. Washington :
Expert-level hikers climb Mt. Washington all year, but they pay close attention to the weather forecast, pack for success, and have trained for winter hiking. Frostbite can occur quickly on Mount Washington as temperatures drop and winds pick up without warning, so those who attempt to hike the mountain in the winter dress in layers, use full face protection, and have proper hiking gear such as ice axes, full crampons, and emergency shelter materials.
Even those who hike Mount Washington during the calmer summer months should be prepared with emergency shelter materials and layers that are easy to put on and take off as the weather on Mount Washington changes unexpectedly, and the only way to hike safely is to be prepared!
Also Read – Top 10 most exotic destinations in America
