Town
Where to Stay in Pinkham Notch
Pinkham Notch is a mountain pass on Route 16 between Jackson and Gorham, at the eastern base of Mount Washington. There is no village. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center stands at 2,032 feet, and the Tuckerman Ravine Trail starts behind it, about 4 miles from the summit. Joe Dodge Lodge, beside the visitor center, has private rooms and bunk rooms, with optional meal plans, and it is open year-round. The visitor center has trail information and the day's mountain forecast, and Wildcat's ski area is about a mile north on Route 16.
Why Stay in Pinkham Notch
- •The Tuckerman Ravine Trail starts at the lodge and climbs about 4 miles to the summit of Mount Washington.
- •The AMC visitor center beside the lodge posts current trail conditions and the day's summit forecast.
- •In April and May, backcountry skiers climb into Tuckerman Ravine to ski its headwall, starting from the lodge.
- •Wildcat Mountain's ski area is about a mile north on Route 16.
What Makes This Area Interesting
- •Tuckerman Ravine: the trail starts at the lodge; the Hermit Lake shelters, below the ravine's headwall, are about 2.4 miles up, and the summit about 4.
- •Wildcat Mountain: the ski area about a mile north on Route 16, facing Mount Washington across the notch.
- •Glen Ellis Falls: about a mile south on Route 16, a waterfall on the Ellis River reached by a short path that passes under the highway.
- •Carter Notch Hut: the AMC hut in Carter Notch, 3.8 miles up the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail from Route 16, a few miles north of the lodge.
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Frequently Asked
Summer hiking (July–September) is the peak window — Tuckerman Ravine is accessible and Mount Washington's summit road is open. Spring (April–May) draws backcountry skiers hiking into Tuckerman's bowl. The notch is open year-round, but winter access requires serious experience and gear.
About 3 hours, mostly on Route 16 through Conway and Jackson. From New York City, about 6 hours.
Yes, and book early for summer weekends — the lodge fills up. The AMC reservation system opens months in advance. Walk-ins are occasionally available but not reliable for popular weekends.