White Mountain National Forest

Attractions / Activities Food Final Comments

Considered a “Land of Many Uses,” White Mountain National Forest is New Hampshire’s pride and joy nature destination.

Boasting clear lakes, wonderful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery, it is one of the easiest to visit nature destinations on the east coast (about as easy as visiting Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park).

When you visit, make sure to follow this White Mountain National Forest Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.

Recommended Duration of Visit

6 – 12 hours (ideal), 4 – 6 hours (doable), 2 – 4 hours (difficult)

Recommendations: Before Arriving

Download an offline map of the entire White Mountain National Forest region, check the weather, prepare all your gear, and finalize nearby lodging.

Recommendations: Adventure Gear

Weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

Click for some interesting facts about White Mountain National Forest

There are over 1200 miles of trails in White Mountain National Forest.
Some animals commonly encountered in White Mountain National Forest are white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, and fox, among others. Of course, never approach the wild animals.
There are more than 100 waterfalls in the White Mountains.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST’S STORY

White Mountain has been drawing visitors since the 1860s and was officially established in 1918.

ATTRACTIONS

Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, and Flume Gorge, among others.

Ace and White Mountain National Forest Sign, New Hampshire, United States

LANDSCAPE

1225 miles² (3,173 km²) of rivers, waterfalls, forests, and alpine peaks.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Around mid-October heading into Fall, the deciduous plants’ leaves change color in spectacular fashion.

PLANNING

Although a very popular destination for locals and residents of nearby states, White Mountain National Forest is in a remote location. To make matters more complicated, New Hampshire is a relatively unpopular state, tucked away in the northeastern corner of the United States.

If you’re visiting from far away, consider White Mountain National Forest as part of an itinerary that perhaps includes places such as Portland (Maine) and Acadia National Park.

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST’S STORY

White Mountain has been drawing visitors since the 1860s and was officially established in 1918.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

LANDSCAPE

1225 miles² (3,173 km²) of rivers, waterfalls, forests, and alpine peaks.

ATTRACTIONS

Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, and Flume Gorge, among others.

PLANNING

If you’re visiting from far away, consider White Mountain National Forest as part of an itinerary that perhaps includes places such as Portland (Maine) and Acadia National Park.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Around mid-October heading into Fall, the deciduous plants’ leaves change color in spectacular fashion.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

Straightforward Fun: White Mountain National Forest is very easy to visit. There’s much to do, but you can pick and choose and drive to the exact place you prefer. The attractions listed are in a straight line from east to west, starting at Lower Falls.
The Water Problem: Although tempting, do not drink the water from streams, rivers, and waterfalls, among others.
Seasonal Issues: Similar to many nature destinations, White Mountain National Forest is very susceptible to the seasons. Winters can be brutally cold and are not ideal unless you specifically prefer winter activities.

Attractions Overview

Straightforward Fun: White Mountain National Forest is very easy to visit. There’s much to do, but you can pick and choose and drive to the exact place you prefer. The attractions listed are in a straight line from east to west, starting at Lower Falls.
The Water Problem: Although tempting, do not drink the water from streams, rivers, and waterfalls, among others.
Seasonal Issues: Similar to many nature destinations, White Mountain National Forest is very susceptible to the seasons. Winters can be brutally cold and are not ideal unless you specifically prefer winter activities.

Lower Falls: Lower Falls, located a short distance off the Kancamagus Highway, is one of the first and most popular attractions in White Mountain National Forest.

Unlike most water attractions in the park, Lower Falls is actually open to swimming (in the warmer months, of course). During the summers, this location is essentially a giant natural pool in the heart of nature. Easily accessed and offering a large amount of fun for minimal effort, Lower Falls is easily one of the most popular and cherished waterfalls in New England.

Nearby, there are pavilions with benches, bathrooms, and even a pier.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 minutes – 3 hours.

Rocky Gorge: River Gorge is easily one of the best attractions in the entire region.

About 10,000 years ago, a mile-high (1.6 kilometer-high) sheet of ice melted, sending torrents of glacial meltwater that started carving the area known as Rocky Gorge. The river below—known as the Swift River—has been deepening the Gorge ever since.

Nearby, across the bridge, there is a small hiking trail that runs along the river.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

The time spent at Lower Falls varies greatly. A quick visit can be done in a mere 15 minutes or so, but visitors sometimes spend an entire day here just swimming around and enjoying picnics.

The area is very slippery if you’re going during the winter season. Certainly be very careful, but the area is very fun as you stroll on top of the massive rocks.

Sabbaday Falls: According to legend, workers building a road from Albany Intervale to Waterville hid their tools under a nearby brook they named Sabbaday Brook (for the Sabbath Day). They had planned to return during the spring, but they never did. The name endured.

To reach the falls, visitors must hike approximately 10-15 minutes one way.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: .5 – 2 hours (depending on how much further you wish to hike).

Kancamagus Pass: Kancamagus (The Fearless One) was a Native American “Sagamore” (i.e. chief) who once ruled what is now southern New Hampshire.

This scenic highway running through White Mountain National Forest is the highest point on the Scenic Byway. Along the route, there are numerous overlooks and turnoffs that feature stunning scenery.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

The waterfall is frozen during the winter and the Sabbaday Falls trail will be closed due to icy conditions.

If you enter the exact name, Google Maps will take you near an area with an overlook (CL Graham Wangan Overlook).

Loon Mountain Resort: Loon Mountain Resort is one of the most highly-trafficked and festive attractions in White Mountain National Forest.

The resort has a lodge, gondola, adventure center, hotel, spa, restaurant, children’s center, rental shop, and an electric vehicle charging station, among others.

Fun Fact: Loon Mountain Resort’s chairlift (dubbed the Kanc 8) has high-tech, high-speed, heated chairs that transport 8 skiers to the mountaintop in less than 4.5 minutes, essentially transporting approximately 3,500 skiers per hour. It is considered one of the most technologically advanced chairlifts in the world.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 6 hours.

White Mountain Visitor Center: As the primary information center in the region, White Mountain Visitor Center, located in North Woodstock (toward the center of White Mountain National Park), is ideal as a rest stop and somewhat decent souvenir shop.

During the winter, the center is an essential information source on weather, lodging, activities, trail access, and events, among others.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

Naturally, the Loon Mountain Resort is mostly active during the winter months. However, unless you are a big winter sports fan, you won’t be missing out on much.

Unless you are driving from the west, it isn’t necessary to head to the visitor center first. The information in this guide is more than enough to maximize your time here.

Clark’s Bears: This seasonal amusement park’s highlights are steam train rides (White Mountain Central Railroad) and trained bears.

The amusement park also includes several museums (Americana Museum, Clark History Museum, and Avery’s Garage, among others.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Flume Gorge: This natural gorge extends 800 feet (244 meters) horizontally and features granite walls that rise to a height of 90 feet (27 meters) and span up to 20 feet apart (6 meters). The nearby trails extend for miles and there is even a bike trail that loops around the White Mountains.

And although slightly out of the way and usually closed during the winter, the Flume Gorge Visitor Center is massive and worth a visit.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.

The amusement park is basically closed during the winter season. The train ride covers 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The trail to Flume Gorge was closed for the winter because it was icy and dangerous, so the included photo was taken near the beginning of the trail (near the covered bridge).