©Sara Winter/Shutterstock

White Mountains

Covering one-quarter of New Hampshire (and part of Maine), the vast White Mountains area is a spectacular region of soaring peaks and lush valleys, and contains New England's most rugged mountains. There are numerous activities on offer, including hiking, camping, skiing and canoeing. Much of the area – 786,000 acres – is protected from overdevelopment as part of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), which celebrated its centennial in 2018. Note, however, that this wondrous place is popular: six million visitors flock here annually to use its 1200 miles of hiking trails, 23 campgrounds and eight Nordic and alpine ski areas.

Connected by scenic drives and rugged trails, there are four popular areas in the White Mountains for recreation: Mt Washington Valley to the east, Crawford Notch and Bretton Woods along US 302 in the center, the Kancamagus Hwy along the southern fringe and the Franconia Range to the west and northwest.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout White Mountains.

  • Observatory

    Mt Washington Observatory

    Perched atop New England's highest summit, this observatory is staffed year-round by scientists who measure the mountaintop's extreme weather conditions; the world's second-highest wind speed (231mph) was famously recorded here in 1934. Tours of the observatory, allowing visitors to meet and observe the scientists who work here, can be arranged with advance reservation and purchase of an observatory membership. It also runs a program of exclusive summit adventures, including summer and winter day trips and overnight stays at the observatory.

  • Historic Site

    Frost Place

    Robert Frost (1874–1963) was America's most renowned and best-loved poet in the mid-20th century. For several years he lived with his family on a farm near Franconia, now known as Frost Place. Many of his best and most famous poems describe life on this farm and the scenery surrounding it, including 'The Road Not Taken' and 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.' The years spent here were some of the most productive and inspired of his life.

  • Cable Car

    Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

    This tram shoots up the side of Cannon Mountain, offering a breathtaking view of Franconia Notch. You can also hike up the mountain and take the tramway down (adult/child $13/10). At the summit, take the 1500ft walk along the Rim Trail to the observatory deck for gorgeous 360-degree views – on clear days you can see as far as Maine and Canada. There's a snack bar and picnic tables at the tram building. Located off I-93, exit 34B.

  • State Park

    Mt Washington State Park

    The crescent-shaped Sherman Adams Summit Building is the nerve center for this 60-plus-acre park atop Mt Washington. Inside you'll find the private, nonprofit Mt Washington Observatory and its museum, as well as a cafeteria, gift shop, information desk, post office and restrooms. Passengers disembark from the cog railroad out front. The park also oversees the 1853 Tip Top House, which has served as a hotel, newspaper headquarters and weather observatory. Today it shares photos and artifacts from its past.

  • Cave

    Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

    Adventurous kids will enjoy exploring this network of caverns and crevices formed by glaciers millions of years ago. Each cave has its own title and story, from the Bear Crawl to the Dungeon. Climbing, crawling and squeezing is required. On Saturday evenings throughout the season, plus Wednesdays and Fridays in July and August, there are guided two-hour lantern tours, which culminate with s'mores and roasted marshmallows around the firepit. It's 6 miles west of North Woodstock on NH 112.

  • State Park

    Crawford Notch State Park

    This pretty park maintains an extensive system of hiking trails. From the Willey House visitor center, you can walk the easy 0.5-mile Pond Loop Trail, the 1-mile Sam Willey Trail and the Ripley Falls Trail, a 1-mile round-trip hike from US 302 via the Ethan Pond Trail. The trailhead for Arethusa Falls, a 1.5-mile one-way hike, is 0.5 miles south of the Dry River Campground on US 302. Serious hikers can also tackle the much longer trek up Mt Washington.

  • Museum

    Extreme Mt Washington

    Housed atop Mt Washington in the Sherman Adams Summit Building, this museum gives visitors a hands-on look at Mt Washington's claim as 'home of the world's worst weather.' Exhibits show how Mt Washington Observatory scientists track climate conditions year-round despite hurricane-force winds and Arctic temperatures. Other exhibits let visitors pilot a simulated snowcat and learn how rime ice is formed. Adjacent to the museum is a concession area selling souvenirs and refreshments.

  • Museum

    Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center

    If you don't have time to drive to the summit of Mt Washington, but you think wild weather is cool, take an hour to explore this small but fascinating weather museum instead. Shoot an air cannon, interrupt a mini-tornado and learn why temperatures are so extremely cold atop Mt Washington. What happens when you push the red button inside the mock observatory shack? All we'll say is, hold on tight.

  • Amusement Park

    Story Land

    This 30-acre theme and amusement park is aimed at the three- to nine-year-old crowd. The rides, activities and shows are small-scale and well done – a refreshing break from the mega-amusements in other places. Free parking too.