The combination of high wind and low temperatures has such a cooling effect that the worst conditions on Mt. Extremely severe storms can develop suddenly and unexpectedly, especially above treeline. Winter hiking anywhere in the White Mountains requires specialized equipment and skills, and experience in coping with weather, navigation, and winter gear. For complete coverage of weather and mountain safety issues, see the White Mountain Guide. Washington a great deal more if you build up to it with easier climbs in areas of less exposure to potentially severe weather. If you are not an experienced hiker or trained athlete, you will almost certainly enjoy the ascent of Mt. The most important factor in the difficulty of the trip is the altitude gain of around 4,000 feet from base to summit. Washington by placing too much emphasis on the relatively short distance from the trailheads to the summit. Note: Inexperienced hikers sometimes misjudge the difficulty of climbing Mt. For recommendations on how to plan a safe hike in the White Mountains, see: The 10 essentials for a safe and pleasant hike. The AMC recommends all hikers check weather conditions in advance, carry a current map and guidebook, along with a compass and knowledge of how to use it. The Lion Head Trail is about the same length as the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and also offers better views, but it has steeper sections and is generally rougher for most people, it is probably a better route for the ascent than for descent. In good weather the Boott Spur Trail offers better views, and though it is longer it is not substantially more difficult one can ascend by this trail and then descend through Tuckerman Ravine with the crowds, or make the easier, faster ascent through Tuckerman Ravine and then make a leisurely descent via Boott Spur. There are many other routes available, and though all of them are substantially less crowded, they are also either longer or more strenuous. Strenuous: From the east side, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is the easiest and most popular route to the summit.

The upper part of the mountain has a climate similar to that of northern Labrador and supports a variety of alpine flora and fauna. Washington (6,288 feet) is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and north of the Carolinas.

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