<P> The most popular hiking trail approach to the summit is via the 4.1 - mile (6.6 km) Tuckerman Ravine Trail . It starts at the Pinkham Notch camp area and gains 4,280 feet (1,300 m), leading straight up the bowl of Tuckerman Ravine via a series of steep rock steps which afford spectacular views of the ravine and across the notch to Wildcat Mountain . Fatalities have occurred on the trail, both from ski accidents and hypothermia . Water bottles may be refilled at the base of the bowl 2.1 miles (3.4 km) up the trail at a well pump near a small hiker's store which offers snacks, toilets and shelter . At the summit is a center with a museum, gift shop, observation area, and cafeteria . Other routes up the eastern slopes of the mountain include the Lion Head, Boott Spur, Huntington Ravine and Nelson Crag trails, as well as the Great Gulf Trail ascending from the northeast . Routes from the western slopes include the Ammonoosuc Ravine and Jewell trails and the Crawford Path and Gulfside Trail (coincident with the Appalachian Trail from the southwest and from the north, respectively). </P> <P> There are many differences between climbing Mount Washington in summer and climbing it in winter . There are no public facilities on the summit in winter . In the winter months, the most popular route is the Lion Head Winter Route, which begins on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail but then turns north to ascend up to Lion Head at elevation 5,033 feet (1,534 m). The winter route variation is recommended to help climbers avoid avalanche danger . Exactly where the route turns from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail depends on the snow conditions . If the amount of snowfall has not been significant, the Lion Head Summer Route may be open . After hiking 2.3 miles (3.7 km) from the visitor center in Pinkham Notch, the trail will take a right turn onto the Lion Head Summer Route . If there has been enough snow accumulation on the summer Lion Head Trail, the Forest Service will open the Lion Head Winter Route, which turns off after approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km). </P> <P> Since 1869, the Mount Washington Cog Railway has provided tourists with a train journey to the summit of Mount Washington . It uses a Marsh rack system and was the first successful rack railway in the US . </P> <P> Every June, the mountain is the site of the Mount Washington Road Race, an event which attracts hundreds of runners . In August the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, a bicycle race, takes place along the same route as the road race . The hillclimb's notable contestants include former Tour de France contender Tyler Hamilton . </P>

Is mount washington the highest mountain in the united states