Washington-Monroe

Trip Summary:
Mt. Monroe Elevation: 5,372 ft
Mt. Washington Elevation: 6,288 ft
Views: Excellent; 360 degrees
Total Distance: 8.6 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Estimated Time: 7-8hrs

There are many trails up Washington, but taking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail allows you to tack on Monroe with just a little 0.8mi spur. Take I-93N to exit 35 for Rt 3N. At the stop light in Twin Mountain, turn right onto Rt 302E. In about 4.5 miles, you will see a large sign for the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Turn left here onto Base Station Rd.

Now you could turn off to the right at 5.5mi for the official Ammonoosic Ravine Trailhead parking lot. This lot costs only a $5 day pass fee (bring cash or check for the self-service envelope), but it will add 1.4mi to your hike. I would rather suggest going all the way to the end (past even the "Hiker's Lot") and parking at the Marshfield Station parking lot. This lot will cost you a $10 day pass fee (can get change in the station coffeeshop if it's open), but saves you that extra 1.4mi. That's totally worth it if you ask me!

Marshfield Train Station	Mt Washington Cog Railway

Via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

The Ammonoosuc Ravine Connector Trail starts behind the train station on the parking lot side. There is a little trail sign pointing you up past a little cabin to the trailhead.

You'll follow the Ammonoosuc River on your left for 0.3mi, then the main trail will join in from the right.

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail joining in from the right. Continue straight.

Continue straight along the trail following the blue swatches with the Ammonoosuc River to your left. It's a fairly gradual incline and the whole trail is pretty rocky, occasionally crossing little tributaries. After about 1.1mi, you'll come to a small "gem pool" with a lovely waterfall.

From here the trail turns to steep, rock stairs. About 0.2mi up, you will hear another waterfall off to your right. There is a short little unmarked spur trail over to a viewpoint for the falls.

Take the Falls Spur on the right to the falls

Waterfall on Ammonoosuc tributary

Continuing up the rock staircase, a little further and you will see arrow signs directing you to cross over the brook above some falls. You will continue climbing up rock faces and criss-crossing the brook at places. Once you break above the tree line, there's a nice viewpoint and you can see the Lakes of the Clouds Hut up above you. Just follow the cairns marking the last stretch to the Hut. Here you can top up your water and use the restrooms, although it's only open June through mid-Sept.

Viewpoint to the West

Lakes of the Clouds Hut (closed for the season)

Mount Monroe

You can leave your backpack at the Hut because you will return this same way. It's only a short 0.8 spur round trip. Out the front of the Hut, head to the right along the Crawford Path.

Follow the Crawford Path off the right side of the Hut

This section is well-made trail, almost using stones as pavers. You will quickly come to the Mt Monroe Loop trail which takes you up to the summit.

The first section is an easy to follow rock stairway. Then it turns into some little switchbacks and climbing over rocks, but there are cairns for you to follow. Then it levels out across the top to the peak with lovely 360 degree views.

Follow the cairns to the summit

Just a little nub for a summit marker

Views to the south and east (click to enlarge)

Views to the north and west (click to enlarge)

But this is not the ultimate prize for the day. Return down to the Hut to collect your pack.

Mount Washington

Straight in front of the Hut, you can take the Dry River Trail out to the larger Lake of the Clouds for a nice pic up to Washington.

Continuing out the left side of the Hut, the Crawford Path will take you all the way to the summit. This is part of the Appalachian Trail, so it may be fairly busy. Also, since you're above the tree line, it's basically climbing rocks the whole way. But it is a well made trail and there are cairns to follow the whole way, many with a nice white granite stone on top.

Follow the Crawford Path 1.4 miles to the summit

You'll pass right next to the smaller Lake of the Clouds.

At the junction with the Tuckerman Crossover and the Camel Path, you want to stay to the left on the Crawford Path.

Tuckerman Crossover and Camel Path split off to the right

After another 0.9mi, the Davis Path joins in from the right. Then a few steps further, the Westside Trail splits off to the left. But you will continue straight up the mountain along the Crawford Path.

Davis Path joins in from the right

Westside Trail splits off to the left

At the point where it levels off a bit, the Gulfside Trail will continue straight, but you will turn right up the Crawford Path for the home stretch to the summit.

Gulfside Trail continues on straight around the peak

Crawford Path turns right up to the summit

During prime tourist season, you will see loads of people who have taken the Auto Road or the Cog Railway to the top. But don't be discouraged, you've earned it! You may have to stand in line to nab your photo with the official summit sign.

Snap a photo with the summit sign

Official summit marker

In addition to the weather stations, there are viewing platforms, a lodge with food, restrooms, and water, and even a gift shop and museum. Make sure to take your time meandering the summit to find well earned views in every direction.

Views to the west, north and east from the viewing platform (click to enlarge)

Views to the east, south and southwest over the parking lot (click to enlarge)

Views to the southwest, west and north (click to enlarge)

You could descend down the Jewell Trail for some variety if you like, but it's slightly longer overall and has a longer descent through the rocks above the tree line. I (and many other reviewers) would recommend descending back down Crawford Path to the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail returning the way you came.

Official Trail Map: (click to enlarge)