25+ Incredible Things to Do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Note: Advertising is how we keep this site free for you to enjoy, and we earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Thank you for supporting Back Road Ramblers!
Picture yourself in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire.
You hike through the open hardwood forest, leaves crunching underfoot. Waterfalls appear as if by magic, and woodland trails give way to open vistas that convince you that nothing could be better than this fresh mountain air and these breathtaking views.
With scenic drives, family-friendly attractions, and more waterfalls than you can shake a hiking stick at, the White Mountains make an ideal destination for anyone craving a healthy dose of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, a fall foliage getaway, or a cozy winter weekend, read on to unlock some of the best experiences in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, from hiking trails and waterfalls to scenic train rides and a pretty epic grilled cheese sandwich. More on that later…
A note about hiking trails: We use AllTrails to find trails when we travel and AllTrails’ GPS feature to track our steps when we’re hiking. I recommend using AllTrails Plus or Peak to download trail maps before starting out. Cell service is notoriously spotty in the White Mountains, and this way, you can still find your way even without service. Use our referral link for 30% off your AllTrails subscription.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Franconia Notch State Park
This is the place that I keep coming back to. A place with scenic lakes, secret waterfalls, and beautiful mountain views. This is the heart of the White Mountains, former home of the ‘old man in the mountain’ — remember him? — and the perfect spot for unplugging.
Bringing your dog to Franconia Notch State Park? They’re allowed on hiking trails, but not in campgrounds. Here are some must-visit spots in Franconia Notch State Park.
Hike the Flume Gorge
Yes, this is one of the most popular spots in the White Mountains. Does that mean you shouldn’t visit? Of course not.
The Flume Gorge is an 800-foot natural chasm with cascading falls, mossy boulders, and boardwalks that snake through the gorge. Try to plan your hike in the early morning or late in the day, and avoid weekends if at all possible.
Bonus: snap a photo with the iconic red covered bridge near the gorge. This historic landmark was built in 1871.
Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Take in breathtaking panoramic views on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the first of its kind in North America.
It’s one of the best places to leaf-peep during peak foliage in early October, but we loved heading up in the winter and watching the skiers glide down the mountain.
This eight-minute scenic ride carries passengers in enclosed cable cars to the 4,080-foot summit, climbing 2,180 feet along the way. Each tram car holds up to 80 people (fair warning for those with claustrophobia).
At the top, visitors can explore walking trails, a summit observation tower, and even enjoy a bite at the summit cafeteria. On clear days, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and even Canada.
At the base, you’ll also find the New England Ski Museum, a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of alpine skiing in the region.
Discover so Many Waterfalls!
With multiple trails leading to some of New Hampshire’s most scenic cascades, it’s easy to turn your trip to Franconia Notch into a waterfall-hopping adventure. Aside from the falls in Flume Gorge, which we’ve already discussed, here are a few more beautiful cascades to check out.
Falling Waters Trail: Three Falls in One Hike
One of the most popular waterfall hikes in the park is the Falling Waters Trail, a 5.5-mile (round-trip) trek that leads to Little Haystack Mountain and a trio of picturesque waterfalls. You will reach the last waterfall at the 1.4-mile mark, and you can totally turn around if you’re not after the summit.
The Basin and Cascade Brook Trail
Heading south through the park, stop at The Basin, a natural granite pothole formed by glacial activity. This area features smaller cascades and bubbling pools, easily accessed via the Pemi Trail or Bike Path. Because this area is easy to access from the bike path and a nearby parking lot, expect crowds in the middle of the day.
From The Basin, take the Basin-Cascades Trail to several more waterfalls on your way to Lonesome Lake (5.8 miles round-trip). For an overnight adventure you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come, book an overnight at Lonesome Lake Hut run by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Just Outside the Park: Georgiana and Harvard Falls
Just beyond the southern border of Franconia Notch, Georgiana Falls offers a more secluded experience. A 1.2-mile hike leads you past Lower and Upper Georgiana Falls, with the trail continuing on to the Harvard Cascades. These falls are ideal for a summer visit as the pools at their base are perfect for wading or taking a refreshing dip.
Take the Scenic Route: Drive the Kancamagus Highway
You can’t visit the White Mountains without cruising the iconic Kancamagus Highway (call it the “Kanc” to impress the locals).
This beautiful stretch of pavement connects the small villages of Lincoln and North Conway (yes, we’ll explore them both), winding past several far-reaching overlooks, boulder caves, and pristine waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls and Champney Falls.
Bring your camera, pack a picnic, and purchase a National Forest parking pass for the day. Most trailheads have picnic tables, restrooms, and easy trails (there are a few hard ones, too).
Insider tip: The National Forest Service manages the parking areas on the Kancamagus Highway, which is part of the White Mountain National Forest. Most spots require a parking permit on your dashboard. You can use your credit card to pick one up for $5 at the Lincoln Woods stop and use it all day. If you choose to purchase a pass further down the line, you may be stuck using a cash-only kiosk.
Here are a few of our favorite spots on the Kanc, starting in Lincoln and going in order to North Conway.
Our Favorite Waterfalls, Scenic Overlooks, and Grilled Cheese
There are so many cool stops on the Kancamagus Highway, including many beautiful hikes to woodland ponds and mountain summits. For this itinerary, we’re sticking to the four major scenic overlooks and a couple of spectacular waterfalls.
Here are my recommended stops in order from west to east:
- Check out all four overlooks since they are right along the roadside: Hancock Overlook, Pemigewasset Overlook, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, and Sugar Hill Overlook.
- Sabbaday Falls: My favorite of the Kancamagus Highway waterfalls, Sabbaday Falls is also the busiest. It’s a picture-perfect waterfall on a short, easy trail, and while I really wanted to take a dip here, swimming isn’t permitted.
- Champney and Pitcher Falls: These falls require a three-mile (round-trip) hike on a moderate trail. Be sure to take the spur trail to Pitcher Falls, which is located in a dark little gorge. This was a beautiful wooded hike with several stream crossings.
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: Another roadside attraction with an optional one-mile hike around a pond.
- Lower Falls: A small collection of waterfalls, and it’s a nice place to cool off in the summer.
- Cheese Louise: As you leave the Kancamagus Highway toward Conway, you’ll see a little shack on the side of the road. Don’t pass it by. Cheese Louise claims to have the best grilled cheese in New Hampshire, so I had to check it out. Cheese Louise sources key ingredients locally and prepares everything in-house, including hand-crafted potato chips and a secret sauce that they were very protective of (it was so good).
For the Kiddos: Add These Family-Friendly Attractions to Your Itinerary
The White Mountains are packed with classic New England attractions for kids and the adults who love them. Put a few of these attractions on your itinerary to make the kids in your life smile.
Visit Santa’s Village in Jefferson
An imaginary winter wonderland in the summer and an actual wonderland in the winter, Santa’s Village in Jefferson is pure magic for younger kids, complete with reindeer, elves, and the jolliest guy in red. It’s a quirky little attraction that has been around since I was a kid (more years than I’d care to admit).
Santa’s Village is best for young kids, and there’s even a small water park to enjoy during the summer.
Check out Story Land in Glen
Located in Glen, NH, Story Land is a fairy-tale-themed amusement park that’s ideal for preschoolers and early elementary-age kids. It’s been entertaining generations of families in the White Mountains, NH, for more than 60 years.
There are rides, fairytale homes, shows, characters, and more. This is the perfect low-key adventure for the littlest kids in your family.
Play a Round of Mini Golf at Hobo Hills in Lincoln
Is it me, or is mini-golf only fun when you do it on vacation?
I love the course at Hobo Hills in Lincoln, NH. It’s within walking distance of downtown, and it features 18 holes surrounded by lush landscaping. There’s even a stream running through the course with waterfalls. We love relaxing at Hobo Hills after a day of hiking.
Also Read: The Most Incredible Things to Do in Lincoln, New Hampshire
Spend a Summer Afternoon at Whale’s Tale Waterpark in Lincoln
Between June and August, you can get wet and wild with your family at one of the best aquatic amusement parks in New England. Visit Whale’s Tale Waterpark, where you can play in the surf, defy gravity, or relax in the lazy river.
Whale’s Tale Waterpark has been providing family fun to New Hampshire visitors for more than 30 years.
In addition to the dozens of water rides and attractions for all ages, Whale’s Tale also offers dining in two restaurants, a changing area with lockers, a surf shop for purchasing towels, bathing suits, sunblock, and free parking.
Explore Loon Mountain in Lincoln
Loon Mountain is located right in Lincoln, New Hampshire, and is best known for Loon Mountain Ski Resort, which has become an all-season recreation area in the heart of the Western White Mountains.
Loon Mountain Resort maintains an aerial adventure park, a gondola ride to the summit, zip lines, disc golf, bike rentals, and a climbing wall. These adventures will keep you and your kiddos busy for days without having to venture too far from Lincoln.
Whether you’re visiting Lincoln with kids or not, I highly recommend taking the gondola ride to the top, as it offers up one of the best views in the Whites without breaking a sweat!
From the summit, you will see the Kinsmans and the Cannonballs, Moosilauke, Liberty, Flume, Lincoln, Lafayette, Big Coolidge, Whaleback, Owls Head, Guyot, Jefferson, Adams, and Tecumseh.
If you want more of a workout, you can hike up the Lower and Upper Walking Boss Trails — it’s about 2 miles to the top, and quite a climb!
Discover Lost River Gorge in Woodstock
Ready to squeeze through some boulders, climb into a giant bird’s nest, and get delightfully lost (but not really) in one of New Hampshire’s coolest natural attractions?
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch is a one-mile wonderland of waterfalls, jagged rock walls, and glacial caves. With 11 boulder caves, a forest adventure trail, a suspension bridge, and yes, a giant bird nest with a view, this place is nature’s jungle gym.
This place gets pretty busy on the weekends, but it’s a fun little adventure if you have time.
Indulge at Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, NH
This gem of a place was not even on my radar when I was planning my trip to the White Mountains. Thank goodness for a friend from New Hampshire who shared that Polly’s simply could not be skipped.
The advice was to call ahead and tell them we were on our way, so that’s what I did.
The hostess who answered the phone advised me that it was at least an hour’s wait, so we took the long way through the mountains.
Polly’s Pancake Parlor is an experience! Pancakes are made from flour ground in-house from the same recipes they’ve used since the place began in 1938.
You can choose from a few different batters and a few different additions.
The servers cook the pancakes and serve them up hot and quick with real maple syrup and a homemade maple spread.
There’s maple pepper for your eggs. Maple coffee drinks. And maple biscuits. Plus, you can buy all kinds of maple products to bring home to your dog sitters.
I ordered buckwheat blueberry (my favorite), gingerbread with coconut, and plain with walnuts. I should have ordered more! I admit that I don’t usually order restaurant pancakes, so I might not be the best judge, but it has been at least a decade since I’ve tasted such incredible pancakes.
Experience the Most Charming Mountain Town: North Conway
When traveling with kids, I often choose Lincoln as my home base, but when I want to hike, shop, eat, and adventure solo or with Eric, I choose North Conway.
I’m smitten with this little town, and even after a half-dozen visits, there’s still so much I haven’t explored.
Here are some of my favorite adventures in and around North Conway:
Also Read: The Best Things to Do in North Conway, NH
Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
Step back in time with a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Choose from short excursions or a round trip through the stunning Mt. Washington Valley and Crawford Notch. The Valley Train is a great pick for kids and railroad buffs alike.
Hike Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge
For a quick and rewarding hike, head up to Cathedral Ledge via car or trail and soak up views of Echo Lake, Pinkham Notch, and North Conway below. If you have more time, hike the loop to White Horse Ledge for another viewpoint worth the effort.
Take a Dip at Diana’s Baths
A short walk brings you to Diana’s Baths, a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that are ideal for a summer swim. It’s one of our favorite things to do when the temperature climbs.
Enjoy Local Bites
Don’t miss Cheese Louise for a decadent grilled cheese (the Godmother is a game-changer), or grab a patio table at Flatbread Company for wood-fired pizza. For dessert, stop by Mckaella’s Sweet Shop for homemade ice cream.
Visit Mount Washington: Highest Peak in the Northeast
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States, and it’s known for its famously wild weather.
There are three ways to get to the top:
- Drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road (open seasonally)
- Hike one of the many trails (for experienced hikers only)
- Take the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway
The Cog Railway is a guided tour like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and my favorite way to get to the top. It’s a steep climb via vintage rail cars with jaw-dropping views and a summit that often feels like another planet. Don’t skip the summit museum and gift shop at the top.
Where to Stay in the White Mountains
Whether you’re glamping, tenting, or resort-ing, the White Mountains offer unique ways to stay.
- Lumen Nature Retreat in North Woodstock is one of our favorite glamping spots: a cozy getaway with cabins, a barrel sauna, and views of the river or mountains.
- Sugar Hill Inn is a romantic mountain inn with top-notch dining and stunning mountain views. It’s a perfect place for couples.
- Eastern Slope Inn and the Village Place in North Conway is a great in-town location without a hefty price tag. There are dog-friendly rooms available.
No matter the season, the White Mountains region of New Hampshire makes an unforgettable New England getaway.
And while the mountains are the main attraction, it’s the mix of natural beauty, adorable towns, and epic experiences that will have you planning your next trip before you’ve even left.
Follow us on social media for more New England inspiration!
