There is nothing quite like the untouched, natural beauty found in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. There is so much to see and do all year round in this part of the Granite State. Pitching a tent in the White Mountain National Forest. Wandering past the waterfalls at Flume Gorge in the summer. Hiking along the many trails during the glorious colorful fall season. Hitting the slopes in winter,
Do a search online or peruse any guidebook about the area and one place will always pop up:
Mount Washington Resort. Located in Bretton Woods, this Grand Dame property of Mount Washington has been a favorite of presidents and celebrities for decades. From scenic gondola rides, guided rock climbs, fly fishing, cross-country mountain biking, disc golf and canopy tours in summer to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter, this resort has served as a beloved basecamp for generations of families.
Here are some of the top things to do in the area, no matter where you rest your head at night.
MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS
New England’s tallest peak has a breathtaking elevation of 6,288 feet. Mount Washington is popular with rock climbers, mountain bikers, experienced hikers and backcountry skiers. Along the Auto Road there is a toll at the base where you can take a ride aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The railway goes to the summit, where you can check out the observatory. This is where some of the world’s most extreme temperatures have been recorded. The Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, has 370 skiable acres with 61 trails, but in the warmer months, you can take a 1.3-mile gondola skyride to Loon Peak for amazing views or jump on a bungee trampoline at its Adventure Center. Other activities include hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and more.
PARKS & FORESTS
One of the easiest ways to take in the beauty of the White Mountains is with an eight-mile drive through Franconia Notch State Park. The mountain pass meanders through the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges from Echo Lake on the north side to Flume Gorge on the south. Cannon Cliff is where the former home of the famous “Old Man of the Mountain,” aka the “Great Stone Face,” a jagged granite profile. Although the beloved rock formation collapsed in 2003, its legacy lives on.In the White Mountain National Forest, hiking trails, state parks, scenic waterfalls and mountain ranges can be found in its 800,000 acres that cross from Mount Washington into western Maine with plenty of spots to fish, bike and hike. A ride throughout the forest during fall foliage season offers spectacular color-filled views and is well worth the visit.
WATERY WONDERS
Flume Gorge, an 800-foot natural gorge, rises to a breathtaking 90 feet in some spots. You can walk a two-mile loop that takes about an hour traversing through a covered bridge (one of the state’s oldest) and past the cascading waterfalls. In addition, if you’d rather take a dip, one of the most popular swimming spots during the summer months is along the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway (an American Scenic Byway) on Route 112. At the Lower Falls of the Kanc, as locals call it, you can enjoy the calm beauty of the 25.6-mile, crystal clear Swift River. There is a picnic area here with grills to enjoy a barbecue.
HIKING & BIKING
Do you enjoy biking, walking, jogging or just taking in the beautiful mountain views? The Mount Washington Valley Rec Path offers something for everyone. Along East Conway Road, you can enjoy views of the Saco River. You can head to Whitaker Woods for a mountainous hike. Here and there are numerous hiking trails throughout Mount Washington Valley, but the most popular (and steepest) ones can be found along the Appalachian Trail. The 160.9-mile route through New Hampshire offers spectacular views and more miles soaring above the trees than any other state on the trail. Hiking can be dangerous as the weather can quickly change, so be sure to plan accordingly.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Located in Jefferson, Santa’s Village,a Christmas-themed amusement park offers seasonal family fun from May to December. There is a spot for kids to feed Santa’s reindeer and cool off during the summer months on the fun log flume ride or at Santa’s Water Park. While Attitash Mountain Resort features68 ski trails, this popular winter destination also offers a Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide and ZipTour for year-round outdoor adventures.
Another family favorite is Story Land, where little ones will love the opportunity to dine with Cinderella, ride on a pirate ship and enjoy than 30 other kid-friendly attractions in Glen. The park is open from May to October. Alpine Adventures, located in Lincoln, is an outdoor adventure park with exhilarating zipline tours, off-road adventure tours and an aerial challenge course throughout its 300 acres.
Where to Camp
White Mountain National Forest
Saco River Camping Area
1550 White Mountain Highway, North Conway
Jigger Johnson Campground
12 miles west of Conway
fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain
Barnes Field Group Campground
(open year-round)
Dolly Copp Road, Gorham
fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain
This article by Kellie Speed was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
Connect with us!
[emailprotected]
girlcamper.com
Girl Camper Magazine: Subscribe to Girl Camper Magazine here! Girl Camper Magazine
Events: Check out upcoming Girl Camper Events – you can attend events in any chapter!
Main GC Facebook Group – Join over 430,000 like-minded women in our public Facebook group! Girl Camper FB Group
Facebook Page – This is our public Facebook page, where we will share Girl Camper news. Girl Camper
