“The mountains are calling—and sometimes, they’re howling at 140 miles an hour.”
The Roof of New England
Towering at 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. From its summit, you can see into five states—and on the clearest days, even into Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.
But visit on a typical day, and instead of sweeping views, you might find yourself inside a freezing cloud, buffeted by winds strong enough to knock you off your feet.
The Infamous Record
On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind gust of 231 miles per hour—the fastest surface wind ever measured on Earth at the time. That record stood until 1996, when a typhoon topped it in Australia.
But the mountain’s reputation was secured:
“Home of the World’s Worst Weather.”
Why So Wild?
You might wonder: Why is this one mountain so extreme?
It all comes down to geography. Mount Washington sits at the intersection of:
- Cold Arctic air masses from the north
- Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico
- Storm tracks whipping along the jet stream
When these systems collide above the Presidential Range, chaos ensues:
- Sudden temperature drops
- White-out blizzards
- Rain, sleet, freezing fog—all in a single day
Tales from the Summit
Over the centuries, Mount Washington’s weather has:
- Frozen hikers in minutes
- Torn structures apart
- Created drifts tall enough to bury the Observatory buildings
Even in summer, wind chills can feel like winter. Some days, it’s nearly impossible to stand upright on the summit.
In the early days, stagecoaches and later the famous Cog Railway carried visitors who arrived wearing summer clothes—only to flee back down in search of dry socks and cocoa.
Not Just Hype
“World’s worst weather” isn’t just a tourist slogan. The Mount Washington Observatory operates a year-round weather station, where brave staffers record:
- Wind speeds
- Ice accumulation
- Extreme temperature swings
Meteorologists and scientists from around the world study its data to learn more about climate and atmospheric dynamics.
Why We Love It
At Of Moose & Mountain, we’re fascinated by Mount Washington because it’s a perfect symbol of:
- New England’s rugged beauty
- Nature’s raw power
- The adventurous spirit of those who call this region home
Whether you’re hiking Tuckerman Ravine, riding the Cog Railway, or simply gazing at the white summit from afar, Mount Washington stands as a reminder that the wilderness still rules the North Woods.
“So next time you see that distant snow-capped peak on the horizon, give a nod to the mountain that’s battered countless storms—and carries the title of the world’s worst weather with pride.”
Mount Washington Quick Facts
🗻 Elevation: 6,288 feet
💨 Fastest Recorded Wind: 231 mph (April 12, 1934)
🌨 Annual Snowfall Average: ~281 inches
🚂 First Cog Railway Trip: 1869
🎯 Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Planning a Visit?
✅ Check the Mount Washington Observatory website for current conditions.
✅ Dress for winter—even in July.
✅ Explore the auto road, cog railway, or hiking trails.
✅ Visit the summit museum to learn more about the mountain’s wild legacy!
Want to Learn More?
If you'd like to learn more about just how dangerous this mountain can be, I recommend you pick up a copy of Not Without Peril by Nicholas Howe recounting the stories of many of the lives lost on the mountain over the last 150 years.
