Activities in New Hampshire
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Mt Washington Cog Railway
Purists walk, the lazy drive, but certainly the quaintest way to reach the summit of Mt Washington is to take this cog railway. Since 1869 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotives have followed a 3.5-mile track up a steep mountainside trestle for a three-hour round-trip scenic ride, with two daily departures (weekend departures only from late April to late May). Reservations are highly recommended. On weekends from late November through March the train runs a shorter, one-hour round-trip up to Kroflite Kamp at 4100ft (adult/child $31/26). Instead of having drive wheels, a cog locomotive applies power to a cogwheel (gear wheel) on its undercarriage. The gears engage pins moun…
reviewed
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Wildcat Mountain
With a vertical drop of 2112ft, Wildcat Mountain tops out at 4415ft. Just north of Jackson, Wildcat’s 225 acres include 47 downhill ski trails (25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% expert), four lifts and 90% snowmaking capacity. The longest run is 2.75 miles. The cirque at Tuckerman Ravine has several ski trails for purists. What’s pure about it? No lifts. You climb up the mountain then ski down. Purists posit that, if you climb up, you will have strong legs that won’t break easily in a fall on the way down. Tuckerman is perhaps best in spring, when most ski resorts are struggling to keep their snow cover, since nature conspires to keep the ravine in shadow much of the …
reviewed
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Mt Sunapee Resort
Lake Sunapee is a worthwhile detour any time of year. In winter, alpine skiing is the attraction at Mt Sunapee Resort. Mt Sunapee boasts a vertical drop of 1510ft – the biggest in southern New Hampshire. It’s not much to compete with Cannon or Loon Mountain, but offers some challenging skiing all the same. Other facilities including rental, lessons and childcare are available. Coming from Hanover or Concord, take exit 12A off I-89 and turn right on Rte 11. In the town of Sunapee, turn left onto Route 103B. Coming from the south, take exit 9 and follow NH 103 through Bradford and Newbury to Mt Sunapee.
reviewed
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Gunstock
When the snow covers the ground, Belknap Mountain becomes Gunstock, a ski area with 45 downhill runs on a vertical drop of 1400ft. There are seven lifts, as well as a ski school, day-care facilities and night skiing between 4pm and 9pm Tuesday to Thursday, and 4pm and 10pm Friday and Saturday. Most mountain trails are intermediate, with more advanced than beginner trails. A few hills are dedicated to tubing (two/four hours $15/20) – no equipment and no skill required! Over 30 miles of cross-country trails follow the wooded paths around Gilford. Rental skis are available, as are snowboards and snowshoes.
reviewed
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Adventure Center
In summer, Snow’s Mountain offers cross-country and downhill mountain biking trails (for hiking too). You can take a chairlift to the mountaintop from the Adventure Center, which also rents bikes. There are 30 miles of other trails in the valley, but you’ll need to buy a trail pass ($6 per day). Mountain bikes cost $32 per day ($57 for a full suspension bike). Waterville’s Ice Arena is a good place to practice your triple axles. It’s open most of the year. Hours change frequently; check www.watervillevalley.org/wvnh_icearenas.html for current schedules.
reviewed
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Cannon Mountain Ski Area
The slopes at Cannon Mountain Ski Area enjoy a prime geographic position to receive and retain the 150in of snow that falls annually. It has 55 runs (nine novice, 26 intermediate and 20 expert) making up 22 miles of trails (it’s longest run is 2.3 miles), with a vertical drop of 2146ft. The slopes are equipped with an aerial tramway, three triple and two quad chairlifts, two rope tows and a wonder carpet (a moving walkway for beginners). Other facilities include three cafeterias, a nursery, a ski school and a ski shop with rental equipment.
reviewed
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Mountain Lake
Two miles west of North Conway via River Rd, this placid mountain lake lies at the foot of White Horse Ledge, a sheer rock wall. A scenic trail circles the lake. There is also a mile-long auto road and hiking trail leading to the 700ft-high Cathedral Ledge, with panoramic White Mountains views. Both Cathedral Ledge and nearby White Horse Ledge are excellent for rock climbing. This is also a fine spot for swimming and picknicking, but there’s no camping.
reviewed
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Mt Washington Summit Road Company
The Mt Washington Summit Road Company operates an 8-mile-long alpine toll road from Pinkham Notch to the summit of Mt Washington. The entrance is off NH 16, 2.5 miles north of Pinkham Notch Camp. The toll includes an audio tour on CD. If you'd rather not drive, you can take a 1½-hour guided tour (adult/child/senior around US$26/around US$11/around US$23; 08:30-17:00), which allows you 30 minutes on the summit. In severe weather the road may be closed (even in summer).
reviewed
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Hiking Trails
At 2384ft, Belknap Mountain is the highest peak in the Belknap Range, with numerous hiking trails. The most direct route to the summit is from the Belknap Carriage Rd in Gilford. From NH 11A, take Cherry Valley Rd and follow the signs for the Belknap Fire Tower. Three marked trails lead from the parking lot to the summit of Belknap Mountain, a one-hour trek. The white-blazed trail leads to the summit of nearby Piper Mountain (2030ft).
reviewed
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Portsmouth Kayak Adventures
Portsmouth Kayak Adventures offers a range of peaceful kayaking tours out on the harbors near Portsmouth, including a sunset tour, a moonlight tour and a combined kayaking-yoga-on-the-beach experience. Those with experience can rent a kayak and explore the waterways on their own. To get there, take Miller Ave (1A) south and turn left onto Wentworth Rd. It’s the first building on the left.
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Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School
Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School sells maps and guides to the WMNF, and rents camping equipment, cross-country skis and snowshoes. Year-round, the climbing school offers classes and tours, including one-day ascents of Mt Washington, and the grueling Presidential Range traverse. Climbing lessons cost between $150 and $220 per day, depending on how many are in a group (three maximum).
reviewed
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Alpine Slide
From mid-June to mid-October the chairlifts at Attitash whisk you to the top of the Alpine Slide, a long track that you schuss down on a little cart. It’s an exhilarating ride safe for all ages. It also has a climbing wall, mountain-bike rental & trails and (for anyone over 8 years old) guided horseback riding from mid-June to mid-October.
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Gorham
You’ll have an even better chance of spotting the land-roaming behemoths on one of the Moose Tours sponsored by the town of Gorham. These three-hour, 21-passenger van tours are led by naturalist guides, who claim a 96% success rate at spotting moose. Tours leave twice weekly at 5.30am and three or four times weekly at 6.30pm. Call for the latest schedule.
reviewed
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Mt Cranmore Resort
Mt Cranmore Resort, on the outskirts of North Conway, has a vertical drop of 1200ft, 40 trails (36% beginner, 44% intermediate and 20% expert), nine lifts and 100% snowmaking ability. There’s also a terrain park, tubing and abundant facilities for non-skiers (including a Jacuzzi, swimming pool, climbing wall and indoor and outdoor tennis courts).
reviewed
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MS Mount Washington
The classic MS Mount Washington steams out of Weirs Beach on relaxing 2½-hour scenic lake cruises at 10am and 12:30pm from mid-May to mid-October. Special events include the Sunday champagne brunch cruise and Friday Theme Cruises (’70s Dance Fever, Lobsterfest, etc) running throughout the summer ($40 to $50 per person).
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Pemi Valley Excursions
Located across from McDonald’s. Tours include a twilight Moose Tour (adult/child $20/14), which runs from June to October and tracks moose and other wildlife with a 95% success rate, albeit in a 33-passenger bus. Various Horseback Trail Rides (one hour $40 to $50, two hours $80) along the banks of the Pemigewasset River are also offered.
reviewed
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Dartmouth Skiway
With two challenging mountains, minimal crowds and reasonable prices, Dartmouth Skiway is one of New Hampshire’s best skiing value areas. Take NH 10 north to Lyme. Fork right at the white church and continue 3 miles to the Skiway. You can also take a shuttle bus from campus to the Skiway ($4 one way).
reviewed
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Lake Sunapee State Park
Lake Sunapee is a worthwhile detour any time of year. In summer, head to Lake Sunapee State Park, off NH 103, for hiking, picnicking, swimming and fishing. The wide sandy beach has a pleasant grassy sitting area. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. From I-89 take exit 9, NH 103 to Newbury.
reviewed
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Scenic Railroad
The touristy scenic railroad departs Weirs Beach and Meredith for a one- or two-hour lakeside ride aboard ’20s and ’30s train cars. The train travels to Lake Winnipesaukee’s southern tip at Alton Bay before making a U-turn. Kids might wish to ride in the ice-cream parlor car.
reviewed
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Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company provides cruises aboard a replica 1900s ferry that harkens back to more leisurely times. Its Shoals and Harbor Cruise takes in three lighthouses, nine islands and countless harbor sights. On Fridays, the cruise includes a lobster clambake (adult/child $66/36).
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Red Hook Brewery
For the chance to see the crafting of a fine ale, book one of Red Hook’s free daily tours. On site is also the Cataqua Public House (open from noon to 10pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 8pm on Sunday), which serves pub fare alongside the signature brews. Call for tour schedule and directions.
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Northern Forest Heritage Park
Assuming you’re out at dawn or dusk, you should be able to catch a glimpse of a moose in the Northern Forest Heritage Park. The park currently offers 90-minute boat tours along the Androscoggin River, departing at 3pm and 5pm Tuesday to Saturday from late May to mid-October.
reviewed
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Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
The touristy Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad departs Weirs Beach and Meredith for a one- or two-hour lakeside ride aboard '20s and '30s train cars. The train travels to Lake Winnipesaukee's southern tip at Alton Bay before making a U-turn. Kids might wish to ride in the ice-cream parlor car.
reviewed
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Ellacoya State Park
Many lakeshore lodgings have water access, but if your place does not, head for Ellacoya State Park, which has a 600ft-wide beach with lovely views across to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. This is an excellent place for swimming, fishing and canoeing.
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Mt Major Summit Trail
Within the Belknap Mountain State Forest, the Mt Major Summit Trail is a good 2-mile trek up that 1780ft peak. The summit offers spectacular views of all corners of Lake Winnipesaukee. The trailhead is a few miles south of West Alton on NH 11; park just off the road.
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