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Columbus to Mt Washington

From the Buckeye State to the highest peak in the Northeast, this route swaps cornfields for massive granite peaks and glacial gorges.

5days
13stops
DAY01

Columbus → Presque Isle

Overnight in Presque Isle
  1. 09:00
    Columbus· start
  3. 11:30
    Brandywine Falls
  5. 16:00
    Presque Isle· overnight
Roadside Eats
  • Slyman's Deli · Massive corned beef sandwiches in Cleveland. A total local legend.
  • Sara's Restaurant · Classic Erie drive-in vibes right by the park entrance.
Day 1 Budget
Gas & Snacks
$45
Erie Hotel
$140
DAY02

Watkins Glen → Ithaca

Overnight in Ithaca
  1. 11:00
    Watkins Glen· start
  3. 15:00
    Taughannock Falls
  5. 17:30
    Ithaca· overnight
Finger Lakes Flavors
  • Moosewood · World-famous vegetarian spot in Ithaca. Even meat-lovers dig it.
  • Glen Mountain Market · Grab a massive deli sub for your hike in the gorge.
Today's Spend
Park Entry
$10
Ithaca B&B
$180
DAY03

Ithaca → Mirror Lake

Overnight in Mirror Lake
  1. 08:30
    Ithaca· start
  3. 14:00
    Lake Placid
  5. 16:30
    Mirror Lake· overnight
Mountain Fuel
  • Big Slide Brewery · Farm-to-table vibes and great local IPAs in Lake Placid.
  • Origin Coffee Co. · Best caffeine kick in the mountains to keep you moving.
Daily Budget
Gas
$55
Lake Placid Lodge
$220
DAY04

Burlington → North Conway

Overnight in North Conway
  1. 10:30
    Burlington· start
  3. 14:30
    Kancamagus Highway
  5. 17:30
    North Conway· overnight
Vermont Treats
  • Ben & Jerry's Factory · The Flavor Graveyard is a must-see. Get the Vermonster.
  • Black Cap Grille · Solid local food in North Conway after a long drive.
What to Budget
Ice Cream
$15
North Conway Hotel
$190
DAY05

Mt Washington Auto Road → Glen Ellis Falls

  1. 09:00
    Mt Washington Auto Road· start
  3. 13:00
    Glen Ellis Falls
Victory Meal
  • Polly's Pancake Parlor · Legendary pancakes with a view. Worth the wait, trust me.
  • Moat Mountain Brewing · Celebrate the summit with a burger and a brew.
Final Day Costs
Auto Road Toll
$45
Souvenirs
$30
Heads Up
  • Book Mt Washington Auto Road in advance
  • Pack layers for the summit weather
  • NY state troopers are strict on speed