The 10 Best Free Things to do in White Mountains, White Mountains

May 31, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam packed with attractions. Scenic roads make driving between them a delight. Trundle along Conway's Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway, sally upwards on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loon Mountain Skyride, plunge down in Polar Caves Park and Flume Gorge, and reach top speeds at Attitash ski resort and summer playground. Offering a wealth of outdoors wonders both in winter and summer, the White Mountains are a thrill for all seasons.
Restaurants in White Mountains

1. Connecticut Lakes Region

Main St, Pittsburg, NH 03592 http://nhconnlakes.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
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5.0 based on 121 reviews

Connecticut Lakes Region

Reviewed By varneykr - Hancock, United States

Kayaking in East Inlet heading towards the Second Connecticut Lake is heaven. Quiet. Birds to see. Moose to watch. And we saw not a soul. Just us.

2. West Rattlesnake Mountain

Rt. 113, Holderness, NH 03245 +1 603-271-2215 http://www.hikenewengland.com/RattlesnakeWestGen1.html
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
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0%
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5.0 based on 212 reviews

West Rattlesnake Mountain

Reviewed By JeanineB992

We did west and East on a late afternoon and it’s a beautiful hike with spectacular views! Well worth the effort!

3. Glen Ellis Falls

Jackson, NH
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 343 reviews

Glen Ellis Falls

Reviewed By TNKaz

When we visited in October, 64 ft high Glen Ellis Falls was quite impressive with a great amount of water flow. The Falls are reached by just a very short walk (0.3-mile) from the parking lot. There is a pit toilet available near the parking area. You start the walk by going through a tunnel which goes under NH Route 16. Over 100 stone steps will lead you down to the base of the falls for the best viewing of the entire falls. When we visited, these stone steps were still wet from a rain the night before, so we had to use extra caution. The round trip walk took us 20 minutes. The location and description of the walk to this Falls was listed in the book, “AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountain's” which we purchased prior to our trip. The book mentions that this is a very popular walk, so we are glad that we visited early in the morning. At that time of day it was not crowded at all. We were told by the White Mountains Visitor Center to display our Senior National Park Pass so that it could be seen through our car window. Otherwise, in the parking lots, there is usually a box for a fee for day use of White Mountains National Forest areas.

4. Cascade Falls

96 Main St Behind Truant's Tavern, Woodstock, NH 03262-2303
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Cascade Falls

5. Mount Pemigewasset

Lincoln, NH
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Mount Pemigewasset

Reviewed By 778tracyv - Springfield, United States

Great moderate-difficulty hike with an awesome view at the top. The trail was easy to follow but has a decent elevation change. Wear hiking boots. Pack a lunch and eat at the top while enjoying the views. Park in the upper lot at the Gorge exit and follow the bike path/trail under the highway.

6. Kancamagus Highway

Route 112, North Conway, Conway, NH https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/scenicdrivinginfo
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
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4.5 based on 3,459 reviews

Kancamagus Highway

Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.

Reviewed By harpazhadar - Haifa, Israel

We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were: 1. Albany Covered Bridge 2. Lower Falls Scenic Area 3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area 4. Sabbaday Falls We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect! Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!

7. Cathedral Ledge

Cathedral ledge, North Conway, Conway, NH +1 603-356-6335 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/cathedral-ledge-state-park
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
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4.5 based on 1,003 reviews

Cathedral Ledge

A rock cliff that is popular with climbers.

Reviewed By kafiagirl - Woonsocket, United States

After viewing the ledge from Echo lake we took the short drive up to the ledge. It was a beautiful clear day - views were beautiful, mountains in the distance, Echo lake from the top, rock climbers making their way up.

8. Settlers Green

Route 16, North Conway, Conway, NH 03860 +1 603-356-7031 [email protected] http://www.settlersgreen.com
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 436 reviews

Settlers Green

Located in tax-free North Conway, New Hampshire, a year-round New England tourist destination, Settlers Green features a solid mix of 60-plus national retailers including J. Crew Factory, New Balance Factory, American Eagle Outfitters and Brooks Brothers Factory. Save 30-60% every day! More shopping at Settlers Crossing, located 1/4-mile south of the Settlers Green. Stores include Clarks Bostonian, Eastern Mountain Sports and L. L. Bean Outlet. New Hampshire is a tax-free sales state and North Conway is within a few hours drive of all five New England states as well as the Canadian province of Quebec.

Reviewed By NBGROWN - Fredericton, Canada

We have visited Conway many times on family vacations. Settlers Green is always an important part of the trip. Great bargains always - kids love to get outfitted for back to school and tax free! Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Conway and be treated to a great shopping experience! ????????

9. Sabbaday Falls

Conway, NH http://www.nhtourguide.com/waterfalls/sabbaday_falls.htm
Excellent
63%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
2%
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4.5 based on 258 reviews

Sabbaday Falls

This hiking area is perfect for beginners to enjoy marvels of nature.

Reviewed By 724miac - Nahant, United States

I come here when visiting the area as often as possible (over the past 40 years) and love to take visitors here. It's an easy hike, a well-maintained trail, and a beautiful waterfall. I never tire of taking pictures here. It is uphill of course and much of the path is gravel.

10. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 990 reviews

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.

Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States

Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!

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