This is Ice Castles a celebration with locations throughout the United States, but every year they come back to North Woodstock, just west of Lincoln. And that's just the start of free public offerings year-round. Located in the heart of the majestic White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire, Marshfield Base Station is 6 miles east of Route 302 on the western face of Mount Washington. You can visit, harvest your own Christmas tree, enjoy a sleigh ride, and stay at a nearby hotel overnight. There are many travelers who plan a big all-of-New-England road trip, and when they do that, they only give a day or two to the White Mountains. There's so much spectacular scenery and so many quintessential New England towns and villages where there are great inns, eateries, shops, activities, and lots of little wooden white churches. Kids under 5 are free. No lines! Indeed, there are many similarities, like the wooden boardwalks that take you through the gorge, moist air and lush greenery surrounding you. Fall brings leaf-peepers and international visitors, and this is the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit the White Mountains. According to tradition, the mountains were first sighted from shipboard off the coast near the Piscataqua estuary. Both the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Hobo Railroad offer Christmas trains. White Mountains, New Hampshire Hotel Deals. In fact, in just one day, you could grab some beach time along the 18 miles of coastline, hike in the magnificent White Mountains, and take a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee. We were prepared to laugh at the place, but found we laughed at ourselves having a great time watching families have a blast. Henry Railroad offers winter wonderland views. Shelburne Is A Quiet White Mountains Town Made For Adventure The NH 48 is the ultimate challenge for New Hampshire hikers climbing all 48 of the Granite States 4000-footers! Seven Birches Winery is located at the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, and they offer a popular wine tasting experience. The path was in excellent condition. Read More: The Best New Hampshire Breweries. BEST BIKE PATHS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS CROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE ADVENTURE TRAIL/XNHAT (Woodsville, NH to Gorham, NH) The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (XNHAT) is an impressive path. Then there's Tuckerman Ravine: in a daredevil class all its own. The Flume Gorge, Lost River Reservation and Polar Caves Park all provide moderate hikes that one can complete in a few hours. Frequently Asked Questions about White Mountains. There are so many cool things to do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire! The range also includes a natural feature dubbed "The Basin", consisting of a granite bowl, 20 feet (6m) in diameter, fed by a waterfall, worn smooth by the Pemigewasset River. There are plenty of cabins with hot tubs in the White Mountains, most of them clustered around North Conway and Jackson. The best glamping spot in the country is just 2.5 hours from Boston As fun as ziplining is, theres nothing like doing it underneath the red, orange, and yellow colors of New Hampshire fall foliage! Summer is great for hiking and winter is fun, too. Announces the Final Results of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. and WM Hinson (Bermuda) Ltd.'s Tender Offer for up to 5,916,816 Shares of Class A Common Stock of MediaAlpha, Inc. June 30, 2023 at 8:00 AM EDT. There are three kinds of train rides: the one-hour Conway Valley Train, two-hour Sawyer River Valley Train, and four-hour Mountaineer Train. We at New Hampshire Way know your kids will enjoy it just as much. This is home to another famous scenic train ride in the White Mountains: the Conway Scenic Railroad. You can also connect to hiking paths taking you down the mountain and beyond. Friendly staff. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway offers one of the most beautiful routes through New Hampshire's White Mountains, especially during the fall foliage season. Once youre back at the bottom, visit the Old Man of the Mountain museum on site, head next door to the free New England Ski Museum or head downhill to pay tribute to the Old Man of the Mountain at the memorial that re-creates the profile-shaped rock following its 2003 collapse. Hikes are available for all levels of fitness. Open to resort guests only, this water park is a fun-filled family resort with wave pools, water slides, and more! But Lost River Gorge has something else boulder caves! No worries. Fall foliage is the busiest and most expensive time of year in the White Mountains (as well as the only time the region gets lots of international tourism), and small inns tend to book out immediately. Read More: 27 Epic Things to Do in Lincoln, NH. Bike The Whites In White Mountains, NH - New Hampshire's White Mountains Read More: Is the Conway Scenic Railroad Worth It? LockA locked padlock Every single cave is optional and you can skip them entirely while staying on the trail.). Its world-class hiking, mountain biking, cycling, and fishingnot to mention Mount Washington, the Northeast's tallest peakdraw visitors from around the world. Take time to grab a to-go lunch at the J Town Deli and take your picnic here by the falls. A year later, the fairytale-inspired Story Land debuted. Find indoor and outdoor, year-round fun for children and families at ski areas, farms, caves, living history museums, and more; with maps Head to New Hampshire. to Mother Goose Manor. They also offer off-road tours, a giant slide, and Thrillsville, a self-guided adventure course located right at their headquarters in downtown Lincoln. Don't miss North Conway Village, the prettiest part of town with a . While you can safely drive the Kanc year-round, theres nothing like driving it during peak foliage in early October. The range is heavily visited due to its proximity to Boston, New York City, and Montreal. We love experiencing Jacksons small-town charm any time of year Jackson Falls, the Museum of White Mountain Art, White Mountain Puzzles but we especially love visiting this White Mountain town in the winter. There is no record of what Native Americans called the range, although pre-Colonial names for many individual peaks are known. But the absolute must-do in Sugar Hill is to stop at Pollys Pancake Parlor, where theyve been dishing up pancakes from scratch for more than 75 years. The White Mountains have long been known for natural splendor, cultural richness, historical charm and stimulating recreation-as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern USA. Planning a visit to New Hampshire's White Mountains? Kahuna Laguna is tropical year-round, with a wave pool, slides, water cannons, a tipping bucket and more fun for all ages. Poseidon's Voyage is a tall vertical slide that literally drops the floor out from under your feet! Not much of a camper yet? part of the epic trail. We are a team of New Hampshire travel experts sharing our knowledge on the best things to do in the Granite State. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a wonderful place to escape, explore and create unforgettable memories. You can enjoy their hot tub and heated pool, as well as many fireplaces. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Your kids will delight in discovering secret hideaways where adults cant fit! Overall fun time with family and friends. We recommend timing your trip just before sunset so you can see how the Ice Castles look in both light and darkness. . Were big fans of the Little Village Toy and Book Shop, with tons to browse for both kids and adults; Chutters Candy Shop is home to the Guinness record-breaking longest candy shop in the world, and Schilling Beer Company brews up fantastic European-style beers. The range is crossed northsouth by U.S. Route 3 and Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch and New Hampshire Route 16 through Pinkham Notch, and eastwest by the Kancamagus Highway (part of New Hampshire Route 112) through Kancamagus Pass and U.S. Route 302 through Crawford Notch. Hit up the Polar Pub for a boozy beverage that gives new meaning to the expression on the rocks., Read More: 26 Things to Do in New Hampshire in the Winter. Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train - Scenic Dining in the White Mountains, NH Stick around after the tour to enjoy another glass and beautiful views over the landscape. The White Mountains are a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine in the United States. Some of them are tight spaces but if you don't like that just don't go through that cave. But our favorite downtown area in the White Mountains is the town of Littleton. 71 White Mountain Drive On the front lawn, you'll find a high-powered telescope that allows for solar observations by day and stargazing when the skies go ink dark at night. A Beautiful Family-Owned North Conway Hotel. Others dispute the notion that these painters were a "school", since they did not all paint in the same style as, for example, those artists of the Hudson River School. Other White Mountain tales by Hawthorne include "The Ambitious Guest", "Sketches from Memory" and "The Great Stone Face". A trip across the "Kanc" is a highlight for most visitors to the White Mountain National Forest. We love the brewery scene in New Hampshire! Lodging Options Theres nothing like seeing a moose in the wild. In the winter, trains travel halfway up the mountain to Waumbek Wonderland. In all, there are 48 peaks within New Hampshire as well as one (Old Speck Mountain) in Maine over 4,000 feet (1,200m), known as the four-thousand footers. Youre going to love it here. An estimated six million visitors visit the region yearly. Head to the White Mountains. The Appalachian Trail runs 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, but many Appalachian Trail hikers share that the White Mountains are the most beautiful (and most challenging!) The fourth version, printed in 1871, was printed at Boston and carried a retail price of one dollar. You walk through a tunnel under the freeway & then the adventure begins. Once youre at the summit, get that photo in front of the Mount Washington sign and take in the views. Members of the Rainbow Family of Living Light have started to arrive in the White Mountain National Forest for their annual gathering, but their decision to meet in New Hampshire is creating a stir. Fall Color in driving the White Mountains, New Hampshire. White Mountains | Map, New Hampshire, Maine, & Facts - Britannica 3 beautiful hikes in New Hampshire's White Mountains One of our favorite New Hampshire waterfall hikes is to Arethusa Falls, a 2.8-mile out-and-back moderate hike that makes an excellent afternoon excursion. And if thats not an option, you can have a really great long weekend getaway here. White Mountains, segment of the Appalachian Mountains, U.S., extending for 87 miles (140 km) across north-central New Hampshire and slightly into western Maine. Concord, NH (June 27, 2023) - For the 5 th straight year, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) is freezing its tuition rate as part of its continued commitment to provide a high-quality education that is affordable for New Hampshire students and families. . Diana's Baths. Either place is fun for an afternoon of scrambling through the woods. Speaking personally hi, editor Kate here! Lives in an old cave or cabin and has been an "old" Clark's tradition for over 40 years. The loftiest peaks, mostly between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 metres), occur in a linear series of distinct summits that are named for U.S. presidents . The Flume Gorge, located near Lincoln in Franconia Notch State Park, is one of the most popular places to visit in the White Mountains and for good reason. One is in Franconia, the one you see from Artist Bluff, but Echo Lake State Park is located in Bartlett. White Mountain National Forest: The Complete Guide White Mountain National Forest - Camping & Cabins:Campground Camping New England is renowned for its forestlands, which shelter wildlife and burn bright with autumnal colors during an annual spectacle that never fails to attract visitors. The White Mountain region also figures prominently in the writings of Louisa May Alcott, including the novel Eight Cousins and its sequel, Rose in Bloom. The White Mountains are a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine in the United States. (Spring is mud season. It was beautiful and although still too early for the bright fall colors that leaf peepers yearn to see, the temps were cool & crowds were small. They offer tastings of their spirits (we especially love their horseradish vodka and maple liqueur) and they offer distillery tours if you book in advance. Great Place for the Family in New Hampshire. Have a Festive Christmas Season in the White Mountains, Eat All the Pancakes at Pollys Pancake Parlor, Hike the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, Try Local Spirits at White Mountains Distilleries. Whether youre looking to learn to ski, bring the whole family, or tear down the mountain solo, theres a resort for you. Located in North Woodstock, NH Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. The Kancamagus Highway is home to several campsites within the White Mountain National Forest, including Passaconaway Campground and Blueberry Crossing Campground. Now its time for us to share our favorite places with you. Could even ride a second time if no one was waiting in line! Hiking for days on end, camping, getting covered with mud and coming home in need of a shower. Santa's Village even reopens on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas for frosty fun. They make fantastic gifts, too especially their quintessential New England blends. The most popular of New Hampshire's alpine ski areas are here in the White Mountains, so whether you're a black diamond skier or a bunny hill beginner, consider spending time in the exhilarating outdoors if you're visiting in the winter. Find your way to Littleton and check out all the interesting shops and restaurants on offer. Discovered more than a century ago, this natural wonder is open seasonally for self-guided tours by day and guided lantern tours at night. Maps; Newsletter; State: NH. Here are the best things to do in the White Mountains, NH! Another option is Franconia Falls, a longer but mostly flat 6.8-mile out-and-back hike with a natural swimming hole that is beautifully framed by fall foliage in early October. There are plenty of ski resorts in the White Mountains! This winery tasting room is in the new complex in Lincoln. There are tons of these caves along the trail, from the Bear Crawl to the Judgement Hall of Pluto and some of happen to be perfectly kid-sized, like the Lemon Squeezer. Vacation in White Mountains, New Hampshire | Bluegreen Vacations What are the top attractions to visit in White Mountains? A network of trails for hiking or snowshoeing is accessible from the lodge, and you can participate in a variety of guided adventures and educational programs. But adding on an extra day or two wouldnt do much harm! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A beloved roadside attraction for more than 90 years, Clark's Trading Post is a multifaceted destination best known for its humor-filled trained black bear shows. A Canopy Tour is the ideal adventure. Wonderful drive with several different places to pull over for great views! Widespread evidence of glaciation may be seen in the U-shaped form of various notches, or mountain passes. Clean. Looking for a great scenic drive in New Hampshire? These two resorts arent the fanciest ones around, but they deliver some of the most hardcore slopes in the Granite State. Great fun for adults & kids! Get your VNH swag on! Check In / / . Head straight to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia, where you can take a gondola to the top of Cannon Mountain. Read More: Guide to Riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Eventually youll get to the top of the gorge, where Avalanche Falls greet you thunderously. The White Mountains | Information on the White Mountains of NH If that sounds good to you, youll want to hike the Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia, where youll be rewarded with one of the most famous views in the White Mountains. If you're looking for the best glamping spot in the country, look no farther than the state whose residents "live free or die." New Hampshire's White Mountains is host to what Outside . Vegetation sprouts out of every square inch here, mosses and tiny ferns dotting the landscape, and everything is between two giant slabs of granite. Scenic vistas, interpretive signs, leisurely strolls, and quaint towns offer a little something for everyone. The White Mountains are a physiographic section of the larger New England province, which in turn is part of the larger Appalachian physiographic division.[2]. Brand new in spring 2012, the Weeks Act Legacy Driving Tour was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Weeks Acts in 2011. You could spend weeks in the White Mountains and never get tired of it. They will deliver a thousand times over. They are majestic creatures and so peaceful. menu. It gets pretty cold in the White Mountains at night, even during the summer. In the White Mountains of NH, climbing to the peak of Mount Washington. One would think an adult traveling sol would feel completely out of place in a fantasy-themed amusement park geared towards children but despite the lousy weather, I was having too much fun to care. Read More: Best Bed and Breakfasts in North Conway. search. This actual or virtual history tour includes 40 sites along a 100-mile loop in the White Mountains region. Love this place! White Mountain National Forest sits near the New Hampshire and Maine border. Jackson is another excellent B&B destination, and we love how it feels like a quieter, more adult-oriented getaway from North Conway. White Mountains New Hampshire Family Activities and fun things to do with the kids. 71 White Mountain Dr, Campton, NH 03223, USA. We climbed through several. The White Mountain National Forest is one of New Hampshire's most beloved outdoor playgrounds. Didn't rain all day so it was perfect. Glacial striations are visible at numerous locations, including on the exposed rocks at the summit of Pine Mountain in Gorham. The White Mountains region is also home to numerous hiking attractions through the various river gorges, ravines, and caves in the area. This American scenic byway takes you through the White Mountain National Forest, with Lincoln at one end and Conway on the other. Prices range from $72 and $89, depending on the seat chosen. more, Things to Do in White Mountains, NH - White Mountains Attractions, Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip, Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide, Full Day Tour to Lincoln New Hampshire Ice Castles from Boston, New Hampshire White Mountains Tour from Portland, A unique name Native American in origin meaning The Fearless One and named for the grandson of the legendary Indian, Historic Walking Areas Geologic Formations, The Flume Gorge is a natural feature where the Flume Brook has spent 200 million years cutting through 80 foot granite, The series of small waterfalls (total drop of about 75 feet) was once the location of an old sawmill operation in the. You can enjoy yourself year-round, even if its snowing outside. As you climb up the boardwalks, youll hear the rushing waters of Flume Brook grow louder and louder. Share sensitive information only Highly recommend this gem! Its most famous mountain is 6,288-foot (1,917m) Mount Washington, which is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. and for 76 years held the record for fastest surface wind gust in the world (231 miles per hour (372km/h) in 1934). Its the perfect way to try out camping if you dont have any equipment! The experience features two sky bridges, three rappels and 10 ziplines, and the fact that this three-and-a-half-hour course is open year-round makes it an adventure you'll return to as the seasons change. The pizza was lackluster (there are likely a lot of other and better places to eat in nearby tows) but other than that, I couldn't find much to complain about. The converse is true, too. While you're on Mount Washington, you'll have a panoramic view spanning the mountains and valleys of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, and, on clear days, you can see north into Canada and east to the Atlantic Ocean. The White Mountains are full of gorgeous waterfalls! Skiing is a popular attraction in the area. At the top of the mountain are walking paths through the pine-scented forest that lead you to more viewpoints. The freeze was unanimously approved by the Finance Committee of the CCSNH Board of Trustees, preceding a vote by the full . Read More: 16 Best Things to Do in Jackson, NH. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. 3 to . Your email address will not be published. An award-winning travel writer who has lived around the world, Kate started New Hampshire Way to turn her New Hampshire knowledge into an easy-to-navigate resource for travelers in the Granite State. You can learn more in our fall foliage guide here. Mount Washington is the highest point in New England and the highest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The White Mountains also include the Franconia Range, Sandwich Range, Carter-Moriah Range and Kinsman Range in New Hampshire, and the Mahoosuc Range straddling the border between it and Maine. It might be significantly cheaper or easier for you to fly into Logan. This is the kind of small town that people dont think exists anymore so go and enjoy it! From mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks. 20 years ago, decent wineries in New Hampshire, period, would have been unthinkable. Caves are still a ton of fun. Since then, shes spent nearly every summer in New Hampshire and has criss-crossed the state dozens of times, from moose-spotting in the Great North Woods to brewery-hopping along the Seacoast. [4] Leavitt's hand-drawn map, today in the collection of Harvard University, is largely folk art, but does convey some of the region's features. If hiking is a priority, we highly recommend coming during the summer, especially if youre from a warmer climate. To avoid the peak crowds, we recommend hitting up Pollys for lunch rather than breakfast, ideally on a weekday. The Franconia Mountains, as well as the Carter-Moriah and Sandwich ranges, are also subranges. We were surprised to be charged at the entrance gate to visit here but I had not planned ahead. Bretton Woods is the state's largest ski area, Cannon Mountain its highest and arguably most challenging. As always, it depends on how much you want to do. Once the snow melts, these ski areas all reinvent themselves with summer attractions that range from Attitash's Mountain Coaster to Loon's Aerial Forest Adventure Park. Early October is generally your best bet for peak foliage in the White Mountains, though keep in mind this can vary from year to year. We especially love their Old Man of the Mountain Bourbon and Deer Slayer Venison-Flavored Whiskey. In North Conway, were big fans of the Cranmore Inn, an excellent luxury B&B with rich furnishings just a two-minute walk from North Conway Village. By Kristi Palma . The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in New Hampshire, USA - Read Travel Guides Culture Trips Rail Trips Bespoke Trips Offers Guides. Often called the most dangerous small mountain in the world, Mount Washington is recommended for experienced hikers and climbers who can handle significant elevation gain. Dont miss North Conway Village, the prettiest part of town with a classic New England feel. Attitash Mountain Resort is another great option for families with young kids. Read More: Guide to Driving the Kancamagus Highway, NH. Its open exclusively to hotel guests. The White Mountains are absolutely gorgeous, full of adventure, and have something for every kind of traveler. It depends entirely on how much you want to do but generally, we find that people dont spend long enough here. The series of small waterfalls (total drop of about 75 feet) was once the location of an old sawmill operation in the. Its incredible how much there is to see along this highway. (January 2023 update: Kahuna Laguna has been temporarily closed due to a massive fire at the resort in 2022, and we hope they will rebuild and reopen again soon.). New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam packed with attractions. Tuckerman's Ravine Trail from Pinkham Notch is the most popular route to the summit. You can learn more in our fall foliage guide here. And if youre up for an outdoor water park during the summer months, hit up Whales Tale Waterpark in Lincoln! New Hampshire is a great place to go on a moose safari! The 34 mile long scenic byway connects with the White Mountain Trail to make a loop. Connecting Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire, the winding, 34-mile road built in 1959 will take you longer to traverse than you might expect. We especially love the bed and breakfasts in Jackson, which know how to bring the romance for a winter getaway. 2023 4th of July fireworks dates, times in New Hampshire How Much Time Do You Need in the White Mountains? When you outlet shop along Route 16 in North Conway, you'll save twice. Welcome to Northern New England!). An official website of the . First of all, aim for the right time. If youre a skilled skier looking for a challenge, we recommend hitting up Cannon Mountain or Wildcat Mountain. If youve finished the NH 48, you can consider yourself in an elite club in the state of New Hampshire! ), has loads of charm and serves a fantastic breakfast. The Appalachian Mountain range is the oldest range on the planet. The Mount Washington Auto Road is a 7.6-mile journey, taking about 30 minutes to get to the summit, and around 30-45 to get down (its smart to take a few breaks to enjoy the scenery and give your car a rest). Its the perfect fuel for a day of mountain exploration. Great weather. Across the Granite State, there are so many innovative breweries churning out far more than just New England IPAs! Although it is smaller, the Hampton Inn & Suites in North Conway also has a year-round indoor water park for guests. Jackson puts on the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour in November and December, where you travel by Austrian sleigh to different small businesses around town and receive chocolate treasures from each of the owners. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Neat history to it and cool site to walk along. [3], Some of the earliest maps of the White Mountains were produced as tourist maps and not topographical maps. So how do you plan a trip around leaf-peeping in New Hampshire? If you have young kids and are visiting the White Mountains, you must take them to Story Land! From May through September, you can go searching for moose in the wilderness, thanks to a specially outfitted bus and guides that live for tracking them down! 10 EPIC Spots to Experience Fall in New Hampshire (+Spoiler Alert) Review of: The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park, Review of: Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, See all attractions in White Mountains on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in White Mountains on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in White Mountains on Tripadvisor. And be sure to pick up a Kancamagus Highway audio guide, which tracks you via GPS and narrates what youre seeing. A guide for New Hampshire's White Mountains travel featuring lodging, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, historic sites, and more. There are so many different places to stay in the White Mountains so much that it could (and soon will be) its own post. Here in New Hampshire's White Mountains, you. Address. White Mountains, NH | Hotels, Restaurants & Things To Do Several amusement parks lie in or near the White Mountains, including Story Land, Santa's Village, Whale's Tale Water Park and Clark's Trading Post.