Yes, thank you for the info. Just replanned the stops I’ll be taking, so will only be reaching artists bluff around noon.

>I just want to be sure because it always makes me sad when out of staters are hurt or die because they don't know what they're getting into :(

I totally understand that - you have convinced me to book the 2-hour guided tour I found here: https://mt-washington.com/guided-tours/2-hour-guided-tours

>Have fun, read today's Boston Globe for info on being prepared for hiking. Fall is no joke, bring layers, food, etc even on a simple hike like Artists Bluff.

Thank you! Yes, planning to do that quite early in the morning - hoping we reach before it gets crowded as it is an hour and a half drive from where I will be staying.

>The best easy view of the Presidentials is from Mt. Eisenhower
>
>My protip is to check out Mt. Willard. Easy hike with an outstanding view

Thank you for these! I will start looking into these.

>I don't recommend that you hike Mt. Washington

Oh no, I wouldn't try that. I think for a hike, I am only looking at easy/moderate hikes (chose Artists Bluff for that reason). And yes I was thinking tour guides van - the Auto road drive has some scary reviews on TripAdvisor which is why I wanted to know what people thought of those. Thank you for the detailed response.