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White Mountains, NH, USA
 
  
  • Echo Lake, Franconia Notch
  • Winter at Franconia notch
  • Floating
  • Skiing down the White Mountains
  • Banks of Saco
  • Clark's trading post
  • Peaks - Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay
  • Green reflections
  • Merlin's mystical mansion
  • White birch
  • Snowy Mount Washington
  • Kissed by the sun
  • Mount Washington
  • Arethusa falls

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White Mountains Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

Famous for being the first colony to turn its back on the tyrant King George of England, New Hampshire's rugged spirit continues to manifest itself to this day. Though one of the smallest states, it boasts a rich history, a storied landscape and adventures for every season. And the White Mountains play a large part in this. Covering about a quarter of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine, The White Mountains are some of the oldest on the entire planet, with peaks that once reached higher than Everest. Its current peak - Mount Washington - stretches 6,288 feet into the heavens and is home to the fastest wind ever recorded in history - 231 mph. Alas, there is no need to fret – it was recorded back in 1934; and during the summer the drive to the summit is packed with cars vying to earn the bumper sticker, "This car climbed Mount
Washington."

Ironically, the White Mountains are most famous for their fall colors. And one of the best places to see them is the White Mountains National Forest. The ranger station in Laconia has volumes of information on hikes, drives, fishing spots and scenic overlooks. Then, venture over to Franconia Notch State Park and gaze off into rushing waters of the awe inspiring Flume Gorge or grab a fishing pole for a peaceful afternoon at Echo Lake.

And if skiing suits one's fancy, there are more than 10 resorts in the Whites, but a word to the wise, watch out for Bode Miller, the brash downhill skier who so honorably represented the United States at the 2008 Winter Olympic Games. Seriously, don't make him mad.

  • Family-friendly, Hiking, Mountain, Museums, Northeast, Relaxing, River, Rustic, Snow, Snowskiing, Wildlife

 
 
link44.22724-71.74780412White Mountains, NH, USA
link44.2857418-71.2964671White Mountain National Forrest
link44.22724-71.747804Franconia Notch State Park
link44.22724-71.747804New England Ski Museum
link44.2343765354-71.7345428467Skiing in the White Mountains
link44.2702798347-71.3012695313Mount Washington
link44.22724-71.74780412White Mountains, NH, USA
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Average flight time: 1 hour and 21 minutes (New York to Manchester)  
 
 
New Hampshire Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT ) or Pease  
International Airport (PSM)  
 
White Mountains airport - Mount Washington Regional Airport  
 
 
By car –I-93 North leads directly through the lower portion of the  
White Mountains.  

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond003

    Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
    Hi: 50° F, Low: 32° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond026
    Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 10 mph.
    Hi: 58° F, Low: 36° F.


    • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

Add Attraction
White Mountain National Forrest
 
  
  • Peaks - Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay
  • White white mountains
  • Driving through the White Mountains
  • Lilies
  • Reflections at Beaver Pond

White Mountain National Forrest

Six million is a large number. That's about the population of my home town of Houston, Texas. So when I first learned that over six million people visited the White Mountain National Forrest every year, I almost didn't believe it. Then I checked it out for myself. Wow – Spread out over 749, 827 gorgeous acres, The White Mountain National Forrest is any nature lovers dream – expect for the fact that dreams aren't real. The White Mountain National Forrest (WMNF) is very real! Initially established in 1918, WMNF contains over 1,200 miles of hiking trails, 23 campgrounds and countless of ski areas just perfect for a little winter carving. And with most of the major peeks reaching 4,000 feet or higher, the region is ideal for what's commonly referred to as peak-bagging – when hill walkers or mountaineers try to reach the summit of a collection of peaks in a particular region. And considering WMNF is the second most popular U.S. National Park next to only the Great Smoky Mountains, it's no wonder the entire population of Houston could visit there every year.

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Franconia Notch State Park
 
  
  • Echo Lake, Franconia Notch
  • Winter at Franconia notch

Franconia Notch State Park

Hoping to make a trip to White Mountains a bit more manageable? It's nearly impossible to see the whole thing in a few days, but thankfully there's Franconia Notch State Park. Located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forrest, Franconia Notch State Park (FNSP) is a breathtaking mountain pass encompassing some of the most serene and gorgeous lakes, falls, trails and wildlife in the world. It's perfect for the busy traveler getting a quick outdoors fix or the nature nut intent on spending a few weeks with the trees. Get some vital information at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and then walk through the awe inspiring Flume Gorge – a natural granite canyon extending over 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. Put on a swimsuit and a good pair of hiking boots and traverse the trails that lead to the secluded and appropriately named Lonesome Lake (don't go alone though). Or for those interested in a bit more strenuous activity, check out the Cannon Cliffs – where on any given day one might see either a daredevil climber or a regular old falcon high up on the craggy cliffs.

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New England Ski Museum
 
  

New England Ski Museum

  • Category: Museum

    New Hampshire, United States
    Exit 34B, I-93/Franconia Notch Parkway, Franconia, NH USA

    Visiting Details
    SPECIAL NOTE: The museum is open 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week from Memorial Day through the end of March.

     

Let's just get one thing straight – there's no skiing allowed inside the New England Ski Museum. Thankfully, the New England Ski Museum, located next to the Cannon Mountain Tram in Franconia Notch State Park, doesn't have a lot of visitors who make this mistake. No, most of the 10,000 annual visitors are simply marveled by the amazing history of this sport put on display. With a mission statement "to collect, preserve, and exhibit elements from the broad spectrum of ski history for the purpose of research, education and entertainment," the New England Ski Museum is actually one of only four ski museums in the United States that are officially recognized by the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. Featuring countless authentic photos, antique ski equipment and numerous exhibits on skiing pioneers like Hannes Schneider, the New England Ski Museum is a great place for ski fans young and old to learn a bit more about this fascinating sport and it's evolution over time. Oh yeah and admission is free!

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Skiing in the White Mountains
 
  

Skiing in the White Mountains

It's pretty obvious that any place called the White Mountains is bound to have some good skiing. Unfortunately, the White Mountains doesn't have good skiing… it has great skiing! Famous for their magnificent pearl-white snow caps thanks to the 100 plus inches of yearly snowfall, the White Mountains region is the epicenter of all skiing in New Hampshire and is one of the top spots to hit the slopes in New England as well. With numerous great ski resorts located in places like Attitash, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods and Cranmore Mountain, the White Mountains combines a terrain tailor-made for skiing and snow boarding with scenery fit for an Ansel Adams nature exhibit. And for those who've grown tired of the typical downhill skiing, New Hampshire actually has over 280 km of cross country ski trails – most of which make their way through the 750,000 acre White Mountain National Forrest. And with a veritable cornucopia of ski bums and expert trainers at bay, finding a suitable teacher for learning this new sport should be rather easy.

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Mount Washington
 
  
  • Mount Washington
  • Snowy Mount Washington
  • View of Mount Washington from Littleton
  • Driving through the White Mountains

Mount Washington

Where's the worst weather in the world? Some might say Seattle or England or maybe even Arizona, if we're basing it on heat and humidity; however, the land that has actually laid claim to this dubious record is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Mount Washington – the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 feet – proudly presents itself as "Home of the World's Worst Weather." Location of the highest measured wind gust at 231 miles per hour, Mount Washington is located smack dab in the middle of several storm tracks; however, those interested in visiting shouldn't be deterred for a spring or summer trip (the weathers only truly horrible in the winter). Check out the Tuckerman Ravine trail for some enjoyable hiking that takes you over up 4,000 feet for some seriously amazing photo ops. Or, for those who aren't a fan of hiking, look into the Mount Washington Cog Railway – which pushes cartloads of tourists up to the summit every day! And for those interested in the unique weather patterns of this region, make sure to check out the Mount Washington Observatory - where they maintain a 24 hour record of the weather conditions of the region.

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