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.

Explore White Mountains

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Top attractions

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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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;…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • State Park

    Weeks State Park

    Sitting atop Mt Prospect, this park is named for US senator John Weeks, a Lancaster native who introduced legislation in 1909 that helped to stem the…

  • State Park

    Milan Hill State Park

    How often do you get to spend the night in a purple yurt? Yep, that’s an option at this park, also known for its cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails…

  • Museum

    Old Man of the Mountain Museum

    All New Hampshirites mourn the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation resembling a man's face in profile that remains the state symbol despite its…

  • State Park

    Echo Lake State Park

    Two miles west of North Conway via River Rd and West Side Rd, this placid mountain lake lies at the foot of White Horse Ledge, a sheer rock wall. A scenic…

  • Amusement Park

    Santa's Village

    Just west of mountain-ringed Jefferson is this theme park. Look for Santa’s 26 elves as you enjoy the kiddie-focused rides, a Ferris wheel and the Jingle…

  • Beach

    Echo Lake Beach

    Despite its proximity to the highway, this little lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain is a pleasant place to pass an afternoon swimming, kayaking or…

  • Amusement Park

    Whale's Tale Waterpark

    This razzle-dazzle water park looks out of place in the staid White Mountains, but you know what? If the kids are cranky after all the hiking and scenic…

  • Waterfall

    Jackson Falls

    One of the best ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon in Jackson is to take a swim in these falls on the Wildcat River just outside of town. You'll have…

  • Memorial

    Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

    Franconia Notch was long the residence of the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural granite formation shaped like a man's face that became New Hampshire's…

  • Statue

    Pollyanna Statue

    Alright cynics, pessimists and grouches, give it up a minute for the joyous Pollyanna statue on the lawn of the library. The children's book character, an…

  • Museum

    New England Ski Museum

    Bode Miller's Olympic medals are on display at this tiny museum near the base station for the aerial tram. The permanent exhibit traces the history of…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in White Mountains.

  • Activities