If the skies are crystal clear, the lights will be visible from anywhere you can see the summit of Mt. Washington, a radius of about 130 miles from the mountain.
Your ability to see the lights with the naked eye will vary based on proximity to the mountain and light pollution surrounding you. For best results, view them from somewhere with little to no ambient light. Long exposure photos and night mode on your phone's camera will often reveal the beams even when your eyes can't see them.
The lights are placed in a north-south line on the summit. Viewing the lights from the east and west (examples: Pinkham Notch on the east, Bretton Woods on the west) will allow you to see both columns clearly. Viewing from the north and south, especially at distance, you may see the columns appear as one column.
Popular viewing spots in the Mt. Washington Valley will be:
The Intervale Scenic Vista Rest Area, Intervale, NH
This is a state rest area and visitor center with a beautiful view of Mt. Washington.
Hotel Indigo's Viewpoint Rooftop Eatery & Bar located across the street from the rest area has a panoramic view with Mt. Washington in the center. From September 9-12, first responders enjoy 25% off orders at the Viewpoint Eatery + Bar.
The Glen House Hotel, Pinkham Notch
Located at the northeast base of Mt. Washington near the Mt. Washington Auto Road, this magnificent lodging property features a restaurant and outdoor patio with views to the mountain. You will be able to see the lights from anywhere in this area. The Glen House Hotel is also running a special with The Mt. Washington Auto Road for guided tours to the summit to see the lights up close. Note: The Mt Washington Auto Road is closed to all other vehicles during these hour.
Conway and North Conway
The summit is visible from many locations including Main Street in North Conway Village just south of The Eastern Slope Inn, the North Conway Vista on Route 16 near Mineral Springs, and in Conway on Rte 16 just North of the intersection with The Kancamagus Highway
Jackson, NH
The summit is visible from several places near Jackson Village.
The 40 Restaurant at The Inn at Thorn Hill will have views of the lights from their wraparound porch and front lawn. For every entrée purchased from Sept 9-12, $9.11 will be donated to The Honor Summit.
Bretton Woods
Both the Omni Mount Washington Resort and the pull off across the street on Route 302 in Bretton Woods will be extraordinary viewpoints to see the lights on Mt. Washington.
The nearby Cog Railway is offering special train rides to the summit for viewing on select dates.
