More than 20 summits topping 4,000 ft (1,200 m) define the rugged north country of New Hampshire, of which 1,200 sq miles (3,116 sq km) is set aside as the White Mountain National Forest. The area is ideal for some of the main outdoor activities of New England: summer hiking and climbing, fall foliage sightseeing, and winter skiing. Drive through the White Mountains to encounter soaring mountain ridges, tumbling waterfalls, deep glens, and dark forests. Wildlife abounds – be careful of deer and moose on the roads at dusk.
NEED TO KNOW
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge and Visitor Center • 603 745 8391
• open May–Oct: daily • adm
White Mountain National Forest Saco District Ranger Station • 33 Kancamagus Hwy • 603 447 5448
• open daily
Mount Washington Cog Railway • Marshfield Base Station, off Rte 302 • 603 278 5404
• open Apr–Nov • adm
Conway Scenic Railroad • Rte 16, North Conway • 603 356 5251
• mid-Apr–Dec • adm
Pinkham Notch Visitor Center • Joe Dodge Lodge, Rte 16, north of North Conway • 603 466 2727
• open daily
Whale’s Tale Waterpark • 491 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln • 603 745 8810
• open mid-Jun–Labor Day • adm
- In foliage season, drive the “Kanc” on a weekday, when there’s less traffic.
1. Franconia Notch State Park
Stop along this 8-mile (13-km) pass between the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges to hike the challenging trails of the narrow-cut Flume Gorge, with its steep rock walls and gushing waterfalls.
2. Kancamagus Highway
One of few roads across the spine of the White Mountains, the 34-mile (55-km) “Kanc” is among the state’s most thrilling drives. Park the car and get out at the designated scenic areas to picnic, hike, or explore Colonial history (for further details see K-1 Gondola, VT ).
Scenic spot by Kancamagus Highway
3. Mount Washington and the Cog Railway
New England’s highest peak at 6,288 ft (1,917 m), Mount Washington has lured climbers and sightseers since the 1840s. For the most picturesque ascent, take a 3-hour round trip on the Cog Railway, operating since 1869.
Mount Washington and the Cog Railway
4. Conway Scenic Railroad
See the scenery as earlier generations did – from a train. Go through Mount Washington Valley, or over the towering trestles of Crawford Notch.
5. Mount Washington Hotel and Resort
Legendary golfing and winter skiing are just two of the draws of this palatial, old-time White Mountain resort, which opened in 1902 (for further details see Mount Washington Hotel & Resort ).
Mount Washington Hotel and Resort
6. Ski Mountains
Sudden drops and heavy snowfall make the White Mountains a top ski destination. Cannon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain have lots of summer activities. Loon Mountain has great mountain-biking trails.
7. Pinkham Notch
This rocky pass is a hub for backcountry skiers and hikers. Hikes range from easy walking to challenging trails in Tuckerman Ravine.
8. Lincoln and Woodstock
With the Kancamagus Highway to the east and Franconia Notch to the north, Lincoln and Woodstock are the civilized little villages that serve as easy-going base camps for hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoors enthusiasts.
House in Woodstock village
9. North Conway
Gateway to the east side of the White Mountains, North Conway is a bustling commercial center. Spend the morning hiking, and the afternoon cruising for discounted designer goods at more than 200 outlet stores.
10. Whale’s Tale Waterpark
With water slides for every age group, wave pools, wading pools, and a river that snakes through the 17-acre (7-ha) park, Whale’s Tale is New Hampshire’s top aquatic attraction.
