Top things to do in White Mountains
Whether you want to be adventurous and explore the Lost River, peacefully soak in nature as you ride to the summit of Mount Washington on the Cog Railway, or treat the kids to some fairy tale fun at Story Land, there is truly something for everyone in the White Mountains! Below you will find a list of the wide variety of activities and attractions in the White Mountain region of New Hampshire.
Auto Road, Pinkham Notch
You can drive your own car or take a guided tour along the 8-mile Mt. Washington Auto Road.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch
“An 80-passenger cable car brings visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states and Canada! At the summit, you’ll find spectacular scenic walking paths, a 360-degree observation deck, a cafeteria, bar, and restrooms.”
Clark’s Trading Post, Lincoln
Clark’s Trading Post is home to Clark’s Trained Bears, the White Mountain Central Railroad, 5 Museums, the Victorian Main Street where you can visit their specialty shops and so much more.
Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway
The Railroad runs train rides daily and has July visits from Thomas the Tank Engine.
The Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch
The Flume Gorge is “a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. A trip into the Flume begins and ends at the Flume Visitor’s Center. Guests can choose to walk through just the Gorge or do a two-mile loop. The walk includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns, and mosses found here.”
Hobo Railroad, Lincoln
On the Hobo Railroad, you will “travel through a natural woodsy setting along the twisting ‘Pemi’ River, just minutes away from Franconia Notch.” This was voted the best ride for kids by NH Magazine. “Not just a train ride, it’s a family fun attraction with scheduled entertainment, picnic facilities as well as the ‘Hobo Jungle’ Playground.” There is also the Winnipesaukee Railroad on which you ride along the shores of the lake.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, North Woodstock
At the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, “you’ll explore steep-walled gorges and rugged boulder caves still lit by lanterns and guided by boardwalks. You’ll marvel at the colors and delicate beauty of over one hundred species of native flowers, ferns, and shrubs in our nature garden. Along your ¾ mile journey, the river will keep you company along the way, playing hide and seek among the huge boulders and deep crevasses.”
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Bretton Woods
The Cog Railway “carries passengers up a 3-mile-long trestle and the steepest railroad tracks in North America to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. There, visitors can take in the spectacular panoramic view, spanning the mountains and valleys of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, north into Canada, and east to the Atlantic Ocean.”
The Polar Caves, Rumney
The Polar Caves “were formed about fifty thousand years ago as the third continental glacier descended over New Hampshire’s the White Mountains. When the ice retreated, it left behind an amazing series of caves and passageways for visitors to explore. Self-guided tours take you to the rock garden and nature trails and through the caves.”
Santa’s Village, Jefferson
Santa’s Village Amusement Park offers rides and entertainment and, of course, Santa and his elves are there year-round!
Fort Jefferson Fun Park, Jefferson
Six Gun City and Fort Splash is an Old West-themed amusement and water park.
Story Land, Glen
Story Land offers rides, entertainment, water play, games and meet and greets with your favorite fairy tale characters!
Whale’s Tale Water Park, Lincoln: Whale’s Tale Park boasts the only wave pool in the White Mountains, water slides, flume slides and a 360-foot tube ride!
Mountains and Resorts
These Mountain Resorts offer seasonal activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and alpine slides, to name a few. Check each Resort’s respective website for detailed information.
- Attitash Mountain Resort
- Loon Mountain
- Wildcat Mountain
For additional information, you may also want to visit the White Mountains Attractions Association’s website at www.VisitWhiteMountains.com