White Mountain National Forest

The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and western Maine is a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering everything from rugged mountain hikes to peaceful scenic drives and cascading waterfalls. With its dense woodlands, towering peaks, and alpine lakes, the forest is one of the most visited national forests in the eastern United States. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, leaf-peeper, or just here for a weekend retreat, this guide is your perfect starting point to explore the best of White Mountain National Forest as a first-time visitor.

Overview:

White Mountain National Forest spans over 750,000 acres, covering much of northern New Hampshire and dipping into western Maine. It’s home to the Presidential Range, including the iconic Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, as well as deep valleys, wilderness areas, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and provides year-round recreation including hiking, skiing, scenic driving, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.

Photos:

Best Times to Visit:

Fall (Late September to mid-October): Peak foliage draws thousands, don’t miss the Kancamagus Highway!
Summer (June to August): Ideal for hiking, camping, and swimming in alpine lakes.
Spring (Late April to early June): Quieter trails, but be prepared for muddy conditions.
Winter (December to March): Snowshoeing, skiing, and winter hiking are popular, though conditions can be harsh.

10 Best Things to Do:

Drive the Kancamagus Highway – A scenic 34.5-mile route offering sweeping mountain views and fall foliage.
Visit Mount Washington – Drive, hike, or take the cog railway to the summit for epic vistas.
Hike to Arethusa Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Explore Franconia Notch State Park – Home to Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and the Cannon Mountain tramway.
Camp at Lafayette Campground – A scenic base for exploring nearby trails and lakes.
Climb Welch-Dickey Loop – A popular moderate loop with panoramic summit views.
Photograph Sabbaday Falls – An easy walk leads to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the forest.
Stargaze at a wilderness campsite – Enjoy dark skies far from city lights.
Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad – A nostalgic train ride through the heart of the mountains.
Swim or kayak at Lower Falls or White Lake – Great for families and a refreshing summer activity.

Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)

Beginner:

Sabbaday Falls Trail – 0.7-mile round trip with wooden stairs and waterfalls.
Lincoln Woods Trail – A flat, riverside walk that’s great for casual hikers and families.

Moderate:

Welch-Dickey Loop – 4.5 miles with ledges, views, and a mix of terrain.
Arethusa Falls Trail – 2.8 miles round trip to a stunning waterfall.
Mount Willard Trail – 3.2 miles round trip with a big payoff: a cliff-edge view of Crawford Notch.

Advanced:

Franconia Ridge Loop – 8.5 miles, includes Mount Lafayette, with some of the best alpine views in New England.
Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine – 7.6 miles round trip, steep and exposed, not for beginners.
Bonds Traverse – 19+ miles through remote wilderness with sweeping ridgeline views.

Packing List:

Sturdy hiking boots (my top gear)
Weather-appropriate layers (it gets cold at elevation even in summer)
Rain gear
Daypack with water, snacks, and a trail map
Bug spray and sunscreen
Trekking poles (especially for steeper hikes)
First aid kit
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera or binoculars for wildlife and views
Winter gear (snowshoes, microspikes) if visiting in colder months

Where to Stay:

Campgrounds:

Lafayette Campground (Franconia Notch) – Popular and scenic.
Hancock Campground (near Lincoln) – First-come, first-served.
Covered Bridge Campground (near the Kancamagus) – Quiet and close to hiking trails.

Lodges & Inns:

Highland Center Lodge (AMC) – Family-friendly with guided trips and meals.
Joe Dodge Lodge – Located at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, perfect for Mount Washington hikers.
White Mountain Hotel & Resort – Great for travelers looking for comfort and amenities.

Towns with Accommodations:

North Conway – Tourist-friendly with shopping, dining, and ski resorts.
Lincoln/Woodstock – Ideal base for Kancamagus access and Franconia Notch.

Things to Know Before You Go

Weather changes fast. Always check the forecast, especially on higher elevation hikes.
Parking passes are required at many trailheads ($5/day or $30/year via the WMNF Recreation Pass).
Cell service is limited. Download maps or carry a GPS device for backcountry hikes.
Bears and wildlife are active. Store food properly and observe animals from a distance.
Snow can linger on some high trails well into June—be prepared if hiking early in the season.

Final Thoughts:

White Mountain National Forest offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for first-time visitors. With its accessible scenic drives, challenging peaks, peaceful campgrounds, and awe-inspiring vistas, it’s a destination that captures the wild spirit of New England. Whether you’re road-tripping the Kancamagus Highway, chasing waterfalls, or taking your first summit hike, this forest is full of moments that will inspire your sense of adventure, and keep you coming back season after season.

White Mountain National Forest: 1st Time Visitor Guide