The Heart of the Valley

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This is not a difficult hike, but it does get steep here and there; sure footing is essential. At the path for Diana's Baths is an area map, marking the trails, their length, and where they will take you. We hiked to the top of Cathedral Ledge, and had our lunch on one of the big rocks at the top. Looking out over the valley gave us a nice perspective of the area, seeing the foothills toward the south slowly turn to mountains as they crept their way north. From here you have a good view of Echo Lake, nestled in among the trees. This is a fantastic place for award-winning fall foliage photos, so bring plenty of film. From the top of Cathedral Ledge, you can decide to keep going on to Whitehorse, head back down the way you came up, or head down in between the two ledges.

We chose to get to the top of Whitehorse, and continued along our trail. If you do the same, you will be rewarded with more panoramic views, including a better view of the larger mountains to the north. The trail gets a bit narrow along the edge of the cliff, making the hike feel more daring than it would seem from the ground. We sat and rested at the top, enjoying a bit more privacy than we had at Cathedral Ledge, (no auto road here!) After a snack and blowing through another roll of film, we headed down to the White Mountain Hotel, and straight for the Jacuzzi.

It is hard to miss the King of the Valley himself, Mt. Washington, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The mountain stands just over 6200 ft. tall, which may seem small to some, but consider this: the strongest wind ever recorded, 231 miles per hour, was done so at the top of this mountain. This is where weather can change in the blink of an eye. While hiking Mount Washington myself one fine summer day in August, I experienced warm sun and breezes typical of the valley in the summer. By the time I was above tree line, only 3.5 miles up, I was layered in long underwear and fleece, scrambling over the craggy rocks to the summit, despite intermittent hail and a 12 degree wind-chill! On our way back down, the clouds parted and we were given sunshine for our descent back into the valley. If you choose to hike up, be sure you are prepared. People die on this mountain every year because they underestimate the power of nature, and overestimate the power of themselves. Know the weather conditions, hike in a group, and be sure to sign in at the Pinkham Notch visitor's center.

Hiking to the top of Mount Washington is only one of many options available to visitors. In the warmer months, the Mount Washington Auto Road is open to visitors who want to test their brakes and their stomachs! If you are not sure that your car will make the journey, there are many companies who will take you up in theirs for a fee, or you can take the Cog Railway up for a train's eye view of the mountain. Anyway you get there, the summit of Mount Washington offers great views, an observatory, and even a visitor's center complete with restrooms, pay phones, and a snack bar. Visit www.mt-washington.com for more information. If you are going to be trekking up on foot with your dog, remember that Mount Washington is not an easy climb, for people or their pets. The area above tree line is especially fragile, so keep your dog on leash at all times.