Top of Mount Washington, New Hampshire

In addition to having some of the worst weather in the world--the weather station has recorded a surface wind speed of 231 mph, the second highest anywhere, and annual snowfalls of over 500 inches--the summit of Mount Washington has a gift shop and snack bar for tourists. The 6,288 foot granite-topped summit of the Northeast's tallest mountain is a popular hiking destination, though it is considered a fairly lengthy day's hike. Visitors can also drive to the summit, or take the old-fashioned, steam-powered, cog railway.