Huntington Ravine facts for kids

Huntington Ravine is a special bowl-shaped area on Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was carved out by glaciers a very long time ago. This amazing spot is named after Joshua H. Huntington. He was an important assistant to Charles H. Hitchcock, who led the Geological Survey of New Hampshire.

What is Huntington Ravine?

Huntington Ravine is a type of landform called a cirque. Think of it like a huge, natural amphitheater or a giant scoop taken out of the side of a mountain. It was formed by glaciers slowly grinding away the rock.

Where is it located?

Huntington Ravine is one of four main cirques on Mount Washington. The others are Tuckerman Ravine, Oakes Gulf, and the Great Gulf. Huntington Ravine stands out because it has the steepest and highest "headwall." The headwall is the very steep back wall of the cirque.

Exploring the Huntington Ravine Trail

Only one hiking trail goes up Huntington Ravine towards the top of Mount Washington. This trail is called the Huntington Ravine Trail. It's a challenging path! Hikers first cross a field of large boulders. Then, they climb up a "talus fan," which is a slope made of loose rocks and broken pieces of cliff.

The trail then winds steeply up the center of the headwall. This part requires some tricky climbing moves where you might need to use your hands and feet. These sections can be a bit scary for hikers who are not used to climbing or who are afraid of heights (this is called being acrophobic).

Climbing Challenges

Most other parts of the headwall are too steep to climb safely without special climbing gear. You also need to be an expert climber. However, many popular rock-climbing routes exist in the ravine. These include famous paths like the Pinnacle route and the Henderson Ridge.

Rock Climbing Routes

During the warmer months, rock climbers test their skills on the steep cliffs. They use ropes, harnesses, and other equipment to safely ascend the rock faces. It's a thrilling sport that requires strength, skill, and careful planning.

Ice Climbing Adventures

In winter, the Pinnacle Gully in Huntington Ravine becomes a very popular spot for ice-climbing. Imagine climbing up frozen waterfalls and icy slopes using ice axes and special crampons on your boots! It's a very exciting and challenging winter sport.

Staying Safe in the Ravine

Huntington Ravine is much higher up and more exposed to harsh weather than most other climbing areas in the eastern United States. Because of this, rock climbing, ice climbing, and even hiking here can be risky. The weather can change very quickly.

Dangers like avalanches (large slides of snow and ice) and icefalls (falling chunks of ice) can happen. Hikers and climbers also risk getting hypothermia, which is when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. It's very important to be prepared and check the weather forecast before visiting. The hiking path is usually not safe to use until late May or early June each year due to snow and ice.