The highest peaks in the Northeast, historic railways, and unmatched fall foliage – New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a four-season playground with adventure at every turn.
American tourism was born in New Hampshire’s White Mountains in the late 19th Century. People from New York and Boston travelled north seeking fresh air, open space, and wild places. The area is home to hundreds of mountains, the most famous being Mt. Washington, part of the Presidential Range and the highest peak in the Northeast.
It’s a four-season playground with autumn taking the crown due to the best fall foliage in New England. This one-week guide highlights some of the best adventures, lodging, and dining on offer.
DAY 1-2
Lincoln and Franconia Notch
Starts in the scenic town of Lincoln, just 2.5 hours from Boston and one hour from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Here, both natural and man-made structures command attention – the luxurious Riverwalk Resort seems to rise from the earth and is somehow as equally breathtaking as the mountain surrounding it. It’s a premier base for your mountain activities, and be sure to visit Solstice North Day Spa and Seven Birches Winery to relax and rejuvenate.
The gondola at nearby Loon Mountain Resort is the longest in New Hampshire, and a ride to the top will give you a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful area. Grab a coffee at the summit lodge, surrounded by the peaks of the White Mountains. Skiing, hiking, and biking are ideal ways to immerse yourself in nature at Loon – the challenge and thrill of ascending and descending a mountain never gets old, and neither does the experience of passing through it.
The glaciers that went through this area years ago sculpted wide valleys between mountains, called notches – Franconia Notch is one such pass and driving through it is riveting. It is hard to keep your eyes on the road when you only want to look up at the towering rock on either side of you.
But there are plenty of safer ways to take in the amazing views: Franconia Notch State Park is a hiker’s paradise with many different trails with varying levels of difficulty. Perennial favourites include the Franconia Ridge Loop for its ‘top of the world’ 360-degree views and the Flume Gorge Loop for dramatic waterfalls and deep chasm. Cannon Mountain, known for its steep skiing and hiking trails, is another nearby gem.
Biking the Franconia Notch Recreation Path allows you to pedal through the mountains without worrying about motorists. Meander around the twists and turns of this nine-mile route and enjoy the feeling of floating through the scenery. Elevate your experience by taking a dip in Echo Lake or the Pemigewasset River.
When you’re ready to refuel, start with Gypsy Cafe, an eclectic enclave that offers global dishes inspired by the chef’s world travels; dishes here are a unique juxtaposition of the familiar and the exotic.
More mainstream American cuisine can be enjoyed at Rhythm Cider Tap and Grill and Five Main on the River – Rhythm is an upscale dining destination at the Riverwalk Resort offering beautiful mountain views and homebrewed hard ciders, while Five Main has a warm, pub-style interior that overlooks the Lost River. For something casual, StrEats is a popular, award-winning food truck, with meats smoked on-site and house-made sauces.
DAY 3-4
Carroll, Bethlehem and Littleton
The town of Carroll is synonymous with east side of Mt. Washington and Bretton Woods, home to the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, as well as its ski resort and golf course. From the beginning, this luxurious resort was meant to be awe-inspiring – in 1902, 250 Italian artisans travelled to the United States to create its neo-renaissance architectural design.
Guests are mesmerised upon seeing the grand structure from the outside – The Great Hall, Conservatory, Princess Dining Room and other spaces impress with domed ceilings, stained glass, ornate plasterwork, white pillars and curved interiors. Recent renovations completely revived the guest rooms and public spaces while preserving the historic aesthetic – it’s an ideal place to stay for your mountain activities, starting with the west side of Mt. Washington.
Built in 1869, the Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain climbing railway. It’s an easy, historic way up Mount Washington; the hard way is to climb, snowshoe or ski. Hiking options abound in the area, but two that require low effort with great summit vistas are Mt. Willard and Middle Sugarloaf Mountain. Any of the trails is an extraordinary adventure, though keep in mind the weather system is notoriously fickle and can be harsh, even in the summer.
Next, head to Bretton Woods Mountain Resort for extensive alpine and Nordic skiing trails and snowshoeing in the winter, as well as the top golf course in New Hampshire during warmer weather. Visit nearby Bethlehem and Littleton when you’re ready to slow down and refresh. These two towns are the perfect way to experience small-town New England vibe: leisurely stroll down the main streets lined with restaurants, independent shops, cafés and antique stores.
This area has many spots to quench your thirst, starting with two standout breweries: Rek Lis Brewing Company and Schillings Beer Co. Rek Lis has an rotating list of craft beers and a great pub menu, its modern rustic setting featuring live music and trivia nights. Schillings strives – and succeeds – in creating unique, European-inspired lagers and ales in beautiful location on the Ammonoosuc River, paired with delicious wood-fired artisan pizzas.
For fine dining, 1902 showcases sophisticated New England cuisine at Omni Mount Washington Resort‘s voluptuously decorated and architecturally rich main dining room, while Sour’s Taverna offers Mediterranean small plates and creative cocktails in a speakeasy-like setting. And for something sweet, The Maia Papaya sells from-scratch baked goods while Super Secret Ice Cream scoops small-batch creative flavours and tasting flights.
DAY 5-7
Gorham, Jackson and North Conway
Gorham is home to the Mount Washington Auto Road, the oldest manmade tourist attraction in the United States. Built in 1861, it offers additional ways to summit the highest peak, though there are several self-drive, guided tours and snow coach options to choose from.
Right next store is The Glen House, a boutique hotel located on the west side of Mt. Washington. An elegant lodging accommodation that doesn’t try to compete with its grand surroundings, its lobby opening up into a welcoming space and floor-to-ceiling windows that extend the space to the mountain immediately beyond. Sitting on the deck or off a private guest room balcony puts you in the scenery, allowing for a truly remarkable experience.
This White Mountains area is known for its recreational trail systems, including Jericho Mountain State Park for ATV, UTV, trail bikes and snowmobiles, and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center for walking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Part of the Appalachian Trail also passed through here, so you can spend hours or days exploring the wilderness.
After, head to the quaint mountain village of Jackson, its storybook charm perfect for a quiet walk or to sip away the afternoon, before visiting the bustling town of North Conway. Featuring the Conway Scenic Railroad station and the New England Ski Museum among numerous retail and dining options the North Conway Grand hotel is a premier lodging choice to while away a few days.
Nearby, hike at Cathedral Ledge, Diana’s Baths, or Arethusa Falls, ski at Cranmore, Attitash, Black Mountain, and Wildcat, and don’t miss the Kancamagus Scenic Byway drive – a 34-mile stretch that connects Conway to Lincoln, running through the White Mountain National Forest, it’s an experience to cherish.
For a final meal, The Notch Grille offers dinner and brunch at The Glen House, while Barley and Salt is a lively eatery and taproom, and Red Fox Bar and Grille popular for its wood-fired oven and grill items. All will leave you happily satiated, the perfect end to your New Hampshire White Mountains trip.
Kathy Boufford is an author, travel writer and blogger at thirstywhitemountaintraveler.com, specialising in the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
