White Mountain National Forest is a fabulous destination and one of the best places to visit in the state of New Hampshire, if not all of New England. In the following White Mountain National Forest guide, we hope to show you exactly why that is and how best to enjoy it.
From when to go and how to get there to where to stay and what to see, we will give you all you need to plan your perfect travel itinerary.
So, if you are planning to visit White Mountain National Forest yourself and want to make sure it is a dream vacation to remember, this is the article for you.
Facts & Figures About White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest is one of only two national forests in the New England region and the most easterly national forest in the United States. Located in the state of New Hampshire, it is also the larger of New England’s national forests, covering an area of more than 750,000 acres.
It is home to most of the highest peaks in the northeast United States, in an area known as the Presidential Range, which features mountains named after many U.S presidents, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson.
Mount Washington is the highest point in the region, with an elevation of 6,288.3 feet (1,916.7 metres). It also has the greatest prominence anywhere east of the Mississippi River at 6,148 feet (1,874 metres).
White Mountain National Forest Weather
Due to the wide range of elevations, the White Mountain National Forest weather and climate can vary wildly from place to place. It generally boasts a similar experience to the rest of New England, with extremely harsh winters and fairly mild, pleasant summers.
The mountain summits in White Mountain National Forest are widely believed to have “the worst weather in America”, with extremely bitter, high speed winds. This is even clearly stated on official US Forest Service signs, as at least 169 people have died in the Presidential Range due to the wind.
The Wildlife & Landscape Of White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest is defined by an iconic landscape that is full of towering mountains covered by forests, rivers, waterfalls, and wilderness areas. Hiking and climbing routes are abundant in the area for most of the year, while ski areas and snow mobile trails open each winter.
It is also home to a fabulous array of wildlife and boasts a collection of species such as beavers, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, fishers, grey and red foxes, Canadian lynx, mink, moose, river otters, porcupine, racoons, and white tailed deer, plus birds like bald eagles and peregrine falcons.
How To Get To White Mountain National Forest
The nearest major airport to White Mountain National Forest is Boston Logan International Airport, which is 130 miles (210 km) away, in Boston, Massachusetts, and takes 2 and ½ hours to drive to.
While smaller regional airports in Manchester New Hampshire and Portland Maine are closer, the cities that they have flights to are limited, so Boston is the best choice for most people.
How Many Days To Spend In White Mountain National Forest
The average person will be able to see most of what they want in two full days in White Mountain National Forest. This will be enough time to see all of the most notable attractions, drive the scenic byway, and enjoy a few hikes to appreciate the diversity of the landscape.
Those interested in climbing or intensive hiking may then want to add days, depending on how many of the peaks they hope to scale. Similarly, winter sports enthusiasts will need to decide just how many days they want to spend enjoying the seasonal activities in the ice and snow.
Best Time To Visit White Mountain National Forest
The best time to visit White Mountain National Forest will vary based on what you plan to do during your trip.
The best time to visit for those who simply want to enjoy the landscape and explore the great outdoors is from the beginning of June to mid-September, as this is when the region experiences its warmest, driest conditions.
Those wanting to see the infamous New England fall season should visit from mid-September to late October, as this is when the leaves and colours will be at their most colourful.
Finally, visitors hoping to enjoy some winter sports should visit between mid-December and early March, as there is sure to be enough snow to do any activities you have in mind at this time.
Top Attractions In White Mountain National Forest
Now you know a little more about the area, it is time to get to our list of the top attractions in White Mountain National Forest. This will give you all you need to plan a perfect travel itinerary for your dream vacation to one of the top destinations in New Hampshire.
Take In The Views From Atop Mount Washington
With the summit of Mount Washington being the highest point in the northeast United States, it makes a great location for those seeking to take in some truly breathtaking panoramic views.
The Mount Washington Auto Road goes most of the way to the top, for those who want to enjoy the views in the most relaxing way possible. Meanwhile, there are various hiking trails and climbing routes for those who want a more rugged experience or to reach The Pinnacle of the mountain.
1598 Mt Washington Auto Road, Sargent's Purchase, New Hampshire, 03589, United States
Make A Stop At The Bartlett Covered Bridge
New England is famous for its iconic covered bridges, and you may not find any more unique than the Bartlett Covered Bridge.
Featuring its very own gift store, you can enjoy its historic architecture, take in the beautiful river views it offers, and then purchase some souvenirs dedicated to the region, so you can continue your trip in style.
29 Birch Lea, Crawford Notch Road, Bartlett, New Hampshire, 03845, United States
Sample The Wares Of The White Mountain Cider Co
The White Mountain Cider Co is a wonderful, stylish American restaurant set in a restored New England farmhouse that is known for its fabulous cider and various other apple products.
Those who want a quick pick me up on their travels can enjoy fresh cider and baked goods like cider donuts, pies, muffins, cookies, scones, and more in the bar and deli.
Meanwhile, those looking for something more substantial can sit down to some gourmet New England dishes and wash them down with a cider of your choice.
207 US Route 302, Bartlett, New Hampshire, 03838, United States
Drive The Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a 32 mile (51 km) stretch of New Hampshire Route 112 that runs between the towns of Conway and Lincoln. Considered one of the most scenic routes in the state, more than 80% of it has been designated the Kancamagus National Scenic Byway.
Running past various scenic overlooks, vista points, trails, waterfalls, rivers, and more, one of the absolute best ways to experience as much of the beautiful White Mountain National Forest landscape as possible in a single afternoon is to drive the Kancamagus Highway.
New Hampshire Route 112, Lincoln, New Hampshire, 03251, United States
Open Your Mind At The Betty & Barney Hill Historical Marker
The Betty & Barney Hill Historical Marker is a unique attraction that marks the spot where this infamous local couple are alleged to have been abducted by aliens in 1961.
While many may write their story off out of hand, the marker allows you to read their story and see the views they did at the time of the event. This allows you to make your mind up for yourself or, at the very least, see an attraction you are unlikely to find anywhere else, outside of maybe Roswell.
Daniel Webster Highway & Shadow Lake Lane, Lincoln, New Hampshire, 03251, United States
See The Collection Of Stunning Waterfalls
An often overlooked geographical feature of White Mountain National Forest is the stunning collection of waterfalls it has to offer. While it might not quite compare to Yosemite, it still has falls of varying heights and styles, all of which add to the natural beauty of the area.
Sabbaday Falls and Arethusa Falls are the most popular, but there are plenty of other options like Ripley Falls, Beede Falls, Georgiana Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Thirteen Falls, Triple Falls, Winniweta Falls, Zealand Falls, Hermit Falls, Waternomee Falls, Thoreau Falls, and Peboamauk Fall.
Plan to stop at as many or as few as you like but try and make sure to see at least one if you want to get a real appreciation for the landscape of White Mountain National Forest.
Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, 03259, United States
Indulge In Some Winter Sports
With White Mountain National Forest filled with towering mountains that get covered in snow each year, it should come as no surprise that it has some fabulous winter sports to offer. Even then though, the amount of choice you will find is beyond what most people will expect.
There are plenty of ski resorts in the area, like Bear Notch, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain, King Pine, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, and Wildcat Mountain.
These provide plenty of options whether you want to hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard, while also offering things like cross country skiing, snowshoe trekking, and children’s activities.
Those looking for something a little faster paced can even find places to rent snowmobiles and bikes to explore the landscape on. However you want to get your kicks this winter, White Mountain National Forest is sure to have options perfectly suited for you.
Northern Extremes Snowmobile Rentals, 1328 Main Street, Bartlett, New Hampshire, 03812, United States
Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, 1573 US Route 302, Bartlett, New Hampshire, 03812, United States
Explore The Incredible Ice Castles
Another seasonal attraction, the New Hampshire Ice Castles are usually erected in early January and open to visitors until early March each year, although this does depend on the weather. During this time, the entire area is converted into a magical winter wonderland.
You can explore towering fortresses built from ice, race down ice slides, tube down snow covered slopes, hike through beautifully lit stretches of snow covered forest, crawl through tunnels carved into the ice, relax in private arctic alcoves, or take rides in horse drawn sleighs.
No matter your age, this is an attraction that allows you to enjoy the snowy conditions like a kid.
24 Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock, New Hampshire, 03262, United States
Things To See And Do Near White Mountain National Forest
While White Mountain National Forest is filled with things to do, there are plenty of great locations surrounding it as well.
We will therefore now look at the best things to see and do near White Mountain National Forest, to help you plan the most comprehensive travel itinerary possible.
Escape The Great Vermont Corn Maze
The Great Vermont Corn Maze covers 24 acres and boasts multiple routes and various features, such as bridges. Offering a full maze that takes around 3 hours and a shorter option that averages around 40 minutes, it gives visitors of all abilities, ages, and fitness levels the chance to have fun.
They even offer a Dead North Farmland Of Terror event each October, where the maze is converted into a horror attraction, perfect for testing both your skills and nerves each fall.
Visit Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont but, with only 8,000 permanent residents, it is the least populous state capital in the United States. As a city well known for its industry, that population can almost triple during the daytime though, due to the huge number of commuters working in the city.
With other attractions like the Vermont State House and Vermont History Museum, it is perhaps the best city to visit for those wanting to learn about the state of Vermont and its place in the New England region.
Best Place To Stay Near White Mountain National Forest – Maple Lodge Cabins
Maple Lodge Cabins provides a beautiful selection of 4 star cabins, on the edge of both one of White Mountain National Forest’s largest towns (Lincoln) and the Kancamagus Highway, making it a perfect base to explore from while embracing the rustic feel of your destination.
The cabins all boast a fabulous, traditional style, while being filled with comfortable furnishings, modern amenities like a satellite TV, and features like a well equipped kitchen and outdoor dining area. They are all pet friendly as well.
In the communal areas you will find things like BBQ facilities, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground to enjoy as you take in the views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas, while free parking is also available for all guests.
Conclusion
As our White Mountain National Forest guide draws to a close, you should now have all the info you need to plan your own perfect travel itinerary, including things like where to stay, when to go, what to see, and how best to get there.
All you have left to do now then is start getting everything booked for your trip to one of New England’s best natural destinations. That way you can begin looking forward to when you visit White Mountain National Forest for yourself.