Top Things to do in White Mountains
Top Hotels in White Mountains
The 10 Best Things to do in White Mountains, White Mountains
New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam packed with attractions. Scenic roads make driving between them a delight. Trundle along Conway's Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway, sally upwards on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loon Mountain Skyride, plunge down in Polar Caves Park and Flume Gorge, and reach top speeds at Attitash ski resort and summer playground. Offering a wealth of outdoors wonders both in winter and summer, the White Mountains are a thrill for all seasons.
Restaurants in White Mountains
1. Seven Birches Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 247 reviews
Handcrafting classic European grapes and locally sourced fruits into wines of distinction, Seven Birches offers wine tasting daily and "Meet the Winemaker" tours weekly. The fruit may be from around the world, but the wine in our bottles embraces the spirit of NH. Live Free!
Reviewed By T2871TVbobr
Highly recommend the Meet the Winemaker tour. I am not a huge wine lover so just a tasting would not interest me. Really enjoyed learning about the wine making process. Nathan made sure everyone had fin and was very accommodating in answering questions.
2. Kancamagus Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,459 reviews
Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.
Reviewed By harpazhadar - Haifa, Israel
We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were: 1. Albany Covered Bridge 2. Lower Falls Scenic Area 3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area 4. Sabbaday Falls We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect! Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!
3. Flume Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,644 reviews
Flume Gorge trail is temporarily closed for hiking until May 10, 2019 An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. It is open from May 8 - October 25.
Reviewed By ddaltamura - Stamford, United States
5 of us did the flume gorge hike which includes the "pool", "avalanche falls", "liberty gorge" and "flume gorge" all along about a 2 or 2.5 mile hike. You can take a bus to bypass parts of it on the way up. It's a lot of uphill walking and the flume gorge part has a lot up stairs going up. The sights are really magnificent and worth seeing.
4. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.
Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States
Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!
5. Whale's Tale Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
6. Lonesome Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By WoodyMCP - Foxborough, United States
We hiked up to the Lonesome Lake Hut. It is a great introduction to the White Mtns. The trail leaves Lafayette Campground. It climbs steadily through the woods via several switchbacks. After about a mile the trail levels out and Lonesome Lake comes into view. Another 15 minutes and you arrive at the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut, The "croo" is welcoming and view of Mt Lafayette and Franconia Ridge is inspiring. Any season is a great time to visit Lonesome Lake.
7. Clark's Bears
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,092 reviews
Seasonal business. A FUN FAMILY FAVORITE! Clark's Trading Post is celebrating over 90 years of entertainment. Don't miss the 30 minute bear show, starring our trained North American Black Bears! Ride the White Mt. Central RR train ride through the covered bridge and into Wolfman's Territory. Be amazed by our Chinese Acrobatic Troupe (summer only). Ride a Segway, test your skills on the Climbing Tower, cool off on the Blaster Boats or Anaconda Escape Water Ride, and experience Merlin's Mystical Mansion. Visit our five museum buildings on the Victorian Main Street. Your admission ticket includes all rides, bear show, and circus. Get a bite to eat at the Whistle Stop Snack Bar, Pullman's Lunch or make your own sundae at the Peppermint Saloon. Browse through the Candle Shop, Print Shop and our Main Gift Shop. We have the largest gift shop in the White Mountains containing the finest selection of souvenirs and gifts. We can BEARLY wait to see you at Clark's!
Reviewed By johnwA4004TH - Warwick, United States
My wife and I have visited Clark's multiple times over the past 10 years with our grandchildren and children. It is a must adventure if you are in the Lincoln, NH area for a few days. The admission fee and food costs are very reasonable for what they offer. At Clark's you can be entertained by a bear show, Chinese acrobats and various other things like riding a Segway, panning for precious rocks, a museum, water slide, shops, Merlin's house and other must see and do sites. You absolutely have to go on the White Mt. Central RR and experience the thrill of riding on a train and seeing Wolfman get agitated having visitors invade his territory. A day at Clark's is a wonderful time for everyone in the family you will have a great time. It is perfect family fun
8. Diana's Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,497 reviews
Reviewed By 529genem - Boston, United States
If you can wait out an hour long line to get into the parking and then surprisingly come up with needed cash while you are already parked you are good to go. After a short hike you are met with a playground of smooth rocks and waterfalls Climb all the way up First if you are fit and make your way down. There is a hole 9 foot deep you can plunge in if your dimensions are S-M ! Ignore the crowds and wear water shoes as some areas are slippery. Even the plastic bottles and trash thrown weren’t making an impact on my impression considering i just visited luxury hotels with more trash on their loans. This was the cleanest service free area i have seen in Conway so far ! WTG parks and recreation staff!
9. Franconia Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By sarahwaterfalls
VERY IMPORTANT (WE HAD TO RESCUE SOMEONE FROM DROWNING BECAUSE OF THIS): As mentioned in another review, the currents below the biggest shoot (pictured) are very dangerous if you don’t be smart about it. The “calm” areas actually suck you in and trap you. The safe way is to swim aggressively with the current forwards, making sure to pass the rocks and go into the inlet. If you try to go sideways, you will get stuck in the strong current and it will be very difficult for anyone to come help you get out and will also put THEM in danger. This particular shoot is definitely a 16+ strong swimmer type slide. I wouldn’t let kids go on it, especially unsupervised. The slide is very smooth - it’s just the water underneath. Bring a rope attached to something the person can grab for if they get stuck. Also grippy water shoes are a must - the rocks are super smooth. Many people have drowned here. There’s a memorial to one of the guys from 2017 right next to it to remind you to make good choices. ————————————————————— Okay, on to the actual review: Trail: very easy, not wheelchair accessible despite being flat due to leftover railroad tracks and a tiny part at the end which has roots and is narrow. Very easy but long enough that it feels like a hike Falls: see above for safety. You can feel like a lizard on the rocks :) I would skip this if you’re a family actually and continue to the next bullet. If you’re a group of adults, just make sure you are all very strong swimmers who are comfortable w swimming in a current. Bring water shoes. Obviously be smart about water level. Emerald pool: not sure if this is technically part of “Franconia falls” but like 200 feet further up along the trail is the most beautiful green pool you will ever see. The water is crystal clear, ice cold, and a bright green. Very little current and lots of good boulders to sit on. You can jump from the rocks safety - it’s about 13 feet at the deepest point, and there’s nothing at all below except pebbles (you can look with goggles to make sure). Just make sure to jump out VERY far away from the rocks, further than you’d think. Don’t do flips because the shape of the rocks means you’ll hit it on the way down.
10. Ice Castles
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 515 reviews
Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. The frozen attraction is located in six cities across North America. Ice Castles is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains.
Reviewed By Bostonmom22 - Huntersville, United States
We went to see the ice castles and they were pretty amazing. We went the extra mile and enjoyed a horse drawn sleigh ride through the woods. It was really cool to see the size of this ice castle and the work that goes into it. We had a great night walking through.
