elevation mountain pass north central new_hampshire united_states notch result extensive erosion ice sheet ice age eroded glacial shaped valley walls formed presidential carter ranges area climate rugged character terrain number rare endemic ecosystems developed notch notch discovered isolation prevented development years construction led increased accessibility rise tourism location makes hub hiking skiing geography notch separates presidential range forms western wall forms eastern wall rivers drain notch drains south end tributary drains north end tributary bulk western slope notch formed mount washington highest peak northeast united_states reaching feet sea level mount washington rises feet floor notch number glacial found notch great gulf tributary form largest south rocky renowned rock ice climbing slope non glacial shaped valley notable comes uniform known high quality skiing passing smaller lesser known notch opens continues jackson eastern slope notch consists slightly lower west range consists peaks named northeast southwest order height highest feet main ridge slopes drop floor notch mountain ski area occupies western slopes col peaks notch rounds peak slope extremely steep begins drop end notch carter range lies north forming eastern way south north peaks overlooking notch middle carter mountain mount environment climate result flora fauna varies greatly elevation elevations increase walls notch climate ecosystems change increasingly northern occurrence range low elevation northern hardwood forest base alpine arctic vegetation near summit comparable vegetation found latitude northern hardwood forest lowest elevations occupied northern hardwood forest forest type primarily deciduous consists sugar maple american beech yellow birch forest floor plants common examples include wild painted indian root northern hardwood forest contains greatest diversity animal life notch mammals include white tailed deer black bears large number birds forest frequently seen red eyed amphibians found northern hardwood forest red terrestrial stage development red spotted large numbers heavy rains present american spring wood frogs feet species higher forest zones begin mix northern known transition zone elevation zone increases species lower hardwood forest begin drop feet yellow birch deciduous species remains forest spruce fir forest spruce fir forest elevation increases forest subjected colder temperatures increased moisture acidic soils result conifers dominant species trees red spruce fir present zone paper birch striped maple mountain ash present lower levels like hardwood forest spruce fir forest holds plants commonly found wood indian pipes canada fungi common moist environment animals spruce fir forest ranges extend fir forest higher abundant species exist forest type common birds include brown capped spruce yellow capped mammals include red pine fir forest elevation continues increase trees remain forest composed exclusively fir plants animals upper spruce fir zone found forest moisture causes nutrients stripped soil brought lower elevations takes place rate slow upper reaches fir zone winds temperatures extreme force trees like shapes known german word wood trees area bent bizarre shapes combined effects wind temperature airborne ice particles branches perpendicular prevailing winds killed leaving flag trees point direction wind eventually conditions extreme prevent tree growth elevation occurs known tree line usually occurs depending wind exposure alpine zone highest slopes west wall notch trees unable grow alpine zone alpine arctic vegetation exists vegetation zone tends small low lying plants resist constant exposure wind plants area perennial growing season far short allow alpine plants usually occur communities spaced barren slopes shaped usually grows communities areas exposed sites heath alpine communities found history originally shaped valley shaped current form shaped valley shaping occurred years ago geology region greatly altered event weaker rock stripped region leaving highly resistant glaciers retreated layer glacial till deposited including glacial notable glacial erratic area mount washington notch appears recorded history expedition led camped notch ascending summit mount washington far isolated neighboring result came years built homestead area near stands today wife lived wilderness completed road notch finally providing link homestead civilization railroad built hotel constructed accommodate passengers mount washington main attraction area path constructed house hotels summit later improved completion road led massive increase tourism logging began area total created mount washington area added national forest preservation area emphasis shifted logging recreation converted logging camp near height land built visitor center making important ski trails began constructed ski resort opened recreation easily accessible numerous opportunities recreation exist area hiking mount washington common objective climbed numerous trail approaches visitor center trail distances short trip summit trail approaches involve vertical feet climbing including ascent rocky summit cone boulder upper slopes weather changes quickly prepared extreme conditions popular trail notch ascending summit widely considered difficult trail new_hampshire making way neighboring rock climbing opportunities notch popular objective reached ridge trail miles extremely difficult require skill short exposed rock trail frequently bypassed following ski area trail summit extends miles georgia maine runs presidential range crossing notch ascending challenging equally scenic better suited families young children popular objectives include impressive view modest effort skiing area opportunities alpine skiing bowl famous extremely steep skiing long lines common peak spring skiing season april offers ski trails lifts better choice experienced centerpiece ski area runs summer offers views expended effort skiing offers large trail system includes lower half warming scattered trail system including scenic views surrounding peaks permits trails summer mountain bike facility notch cross country trail system exists town jackson extending far summit
Pinkham Notch