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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in White Mountains, White Mountains
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. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 637 reviews
Located at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center offers winter activities and events for families, friends and groups of all ages. From cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snow tubing, to winter tours on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach, family-owned Great Glen Trails has become a true White Mountain classic. We groom over 20 kilometers of trails and have an additional 25 kilometers of ungroomed off-track ski and snowshoe trails. We rent high quality equipment including skis, boots, and poles along with snowshoes and fatbikes. Our top-notch Ski School offers the best instruction for beginners to advanced skiers.
2. Caps Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
The hike along this 2.5-mile trail is a challenge, from an elevation of 3,008 feet to the top of Mt. Jefferson at 5,715 feet.
Reviewed By MsProfessorADK
This trail was a blast. Lots of rock scrambling, with excellent hand and footholds. Highly recommended!
3. Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By muktwo - East Elmhurst, United States
This is quite a challenging hike especially going up the smooth rocky surfaces uphill. The view at the top however is well worth it. Amazing 360 degree view of other mountaintops and early fall foliage (we went on 9/16). Downhill path is easy but could be a little better marked especially in the rocky areas (look for the cairns). Overall one of the best hikes I have done!
4. Bear Notch Ski Touring Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By VBoy31 - Auburn, United States
We snowshoed at Bear Notch three days ago and had an amazing experience. The trails were groomed to perfection and we were met by a staffer who was knowledgeable and attentive. We spent about three hours on the trails and really enjoyed the trails by the river. An added bonus was when we happened upon a moose, quietly munching on some local vegetation. We shoed quietly by and got some incredible photos. Just get out and experience the outdoors, folks. Getting your feet snowy is a great way to spend the day!
5. Ski Hearth Farm
6. Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By mountlombard - Sandown, United States
Just a great moderate hike. Go up Percival first and do the caves. Tight squeeze! Then take the Ridge to Morgan. Trails are well maintained. Parking is a challenge on weekends. Do get an early start and pack sturdy shoes. Great day!
7. Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop
8. Pemigewasset Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By mainemountainbear - Texas Gulf Coast, United States
This scenic overlook was in the White Mountains National Forest, on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH 112), a short drive from Lincoln. Designated parking required proof of having paid a day use fee. Engaging displays interpreted local history and ecology; I only wished they’d been in better condition. Clean rest facilities were onsite. For mountain scenery, with views to the west and the south, there may be no better stop on the Byway.
9. Kancamagus Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,459 reviews
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!!!
10. Cannon Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
Reviewed By frugalm0m - Swarthmore, United States
While we live in the Philadelphia area, Cannon Mountain is our favorite place to ski. Most of our family learned to ski at Cannon, and we have been going there for more than 15 years. It is by far the friendliest ski resort, where ski instructors, lift operators, ambassadors and guest service staff will smile, say hello and remember you. The mountain offers trails for a range of skills, so everyone can find a place to ski. There are rarely any lines of any note for the lift. Be forewarned, it can be cold on the mountain (it is New Hampshire after all!) and sometimes icy. But a great day at Cannon is the best skiing ever.
