The White Mountains, a northern segment of the Appalachian Mountains, host the highest elevations in the northeastern United States. This rugged range spans a considerable area, situated predominantly in New Hampshire, with a lesser portion extending into western Maine. The range’s maximum height is defined by its single most elevated point, Mount Washington, which reaches an elevation of 6,288 feet, providing a clear benchmark.
The Tallest Peak: Mount Washington
Mount Washington rises to 6,288 feet (1,917 meters) above sea level. This peak is the highest point in all of New England and the broader Northeast region of the United States. Its geological structure is composed of ancient crystalline rock, including granite and schist. The mountain’s size and exposure contribute to its notoriety for experiencing some of the most severe weather conditions on Earth.
Mount Washington is also classified as an ultra-prominent peak, possessing an exceptional measure of topographical prominence. Prominence is the height of a mountain relative to the surrounding terrain, distinct from its height above sea level. Mount Washington’s prominence measures 6,148 feet, making it the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. The mountain is the centerpiece of the Presidential Range, a collection of high summits named after U.S. presidents.
Defining the Range’s Geographic Scope
The White Mountains cover approximately one-quarter of New Hampshire. Although primarily identified with New Hampshire, the range extends eastward into western Maine. The range stretches about 87 miles in length and is characterized by a mix of steep, glaciated valleys and rounded, forested peaks.
A large portion of this mountainous terrain falls within the protected White Mountain National Forest, which covers nearly 800,000 acres. This federally managed area preserves the watersheds and forests of the region. The range is a sub-range of the larger Appalachian Mountains, and its geology shows extensive evidence of past glaciation, which carved out features like the U-shaped mountain passes known locally as “notches.”
Elevation Profile of Major Sub-Ranges
While Mount Washington is the apex, the overall height of the White Mountains is better described by the distribution of elevations across its many sub-ranges. The Presidential Range contains Mount Washington and the next four highest mountains in New England, including Mount Adams (5,774 feet) and Mount Jefferson (5,712 feet). This section maintains the highest average elevation, with multiple summits exceeding 5,000 feet.
A common metric for understanding the range’s height is the “Four-Thousand Footer” list, which tracks the 48 peaks in New Hampshire that rise to 4,000 feet or higher. This list includes significant mountain groups, illustrating the widespread high-altitude nature of the White Mountains. For example, the Franconia Range hosts Mount Lafayette (5,260 feet) and Mount Lincoln (5,089 feet).
The Carter-Moriah Range, situated further east, also contributes to the high-elevation profile, with peaks like Carter Dome at 4,832 feet. Other ranges, such as the Sandwich Range and the Kinsman Range, typically have summits ranging from just over 4,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet. This consistent presence of numerous high peaks demonstrates that the White Mountains maintain a substantial and widespread high-elevation environment. The sheer number of summits exceeding 4,000 feet provides a complete picture of the range’s impressive vertical scale.