Mount Washington Auto Road facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Washington Auto Road
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Route information
Length	7.6 mi (12.2 km)
Existed	1861–present
Major junctions
East end	NH 16 in Green's Grant
West end	Mount Washington summit
Location
Counties:	Coos
Highway system
New Hampshire Routes

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a special road in New Hampshire, USA. It's a toll road, which means you pay to use it. This road is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) long and leads right to the top of Mount Washington. This mountain is part of the White Mountains.

The road starts near New Hampshire Route 16 in a place called Green's Grant. It then winds its way up through different areas to reach the very top of Mount Washington. The road climbs a huge 4,618 ft (1,408 m) from its start to the summit. That's like climbing over 4,600 feet! It's a very steep climb, with an average slope of 11.6%. The Mount Washington Auto Road was finished and opened to the public in 1861.

Driving Up the Mountain

You can drive your own car up the Mount Washington Auto Road. Many people enjoy this unique experience. There are also special guided tours available in vans. These vans are sometimes called "stages." When you pay the toll for your private car, you get a cool bumper sticker. It says, "THIS CAR CLIMBED MT. WASHINGTON."

Normally, bicycles are not allowed on the road. However, there are special events where cyclists can ride up. These events are exciting races and challenges for bike riders.

Weather on the Road

Mount Washington is famous for its extreme weather. To help people understand the conditions, the Auto Road has special sensors. These sensors are placed at different heights along the road. They collect information about the weather. The sensors then send this weather data using a solar-powered radio link. This helps everyone know what the weather is like at different points on the mountain.

Exciting Events and Races

The Mount Washington Auto Road is home to many exciting events. Some of the oldest and toughest races in the United States happen here.

Auto Races

The very first auto race in the United States took place on this road. It was called the Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race. This historic race happened way back in 1904. It was a big challenge for early cars.

Running and Bicycle Races

Every year in June, hundreds of runners come for the Mount Washington Road Race. It's a tough race that goes all the way to the summit.

In July and August, the road hosts bicycle races. These include Newton's Revenge and the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. These races follow the same route as the running race. The climb is known as one of the hardest in the world for cyclists. It's even steeper than some famous climbs in the Tour de France! A famous cyclist named Tyler Hamilton once won the bicycle hillclimb.

MINIs On Top Event

Another popular event is called MINIs On Top (or MOT). This event happens every June on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend. It's a special drive for owners of BMW MINI Cooper cars. It started with 73 MINIs driving to the summit. Now, more than 200 cars participate! The only reason more don't join is because there isn't enough space at the top for all the cars.

Images for kids

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  A sign at the start of the road, with Mount Washington in the background.

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  Fred Marriott driving a Stanley Steamer car during a race in 1905.

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  The entrance to the Mount Washington Auto Road.

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  A bumper sticker you get after driving up Mount Washington.

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  The official logo of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

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  A view looking along the roadway as it climbs the mountain.