Top Things to do in White Mountains
Top Hotels in White Mountains
Things to do in White Mountains, White Mountains: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is an adventure that combines the beauty and mysteries of nature with the excitement of discovery! A ¾ mile boardwalk is your path through the gorge. Your journey can be as easy or as ambitious as you choose: you may remain on the boardwalk, or accept the challenge of exploring the boulder caves. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended and no strollers are allowed in the gorge. The journey begins with a short walk descending approximately 300 feet along the entrance trail. The first stop from the trail is a viewing platform with great views of the gorge. From there, you enter the gorge and meet your first cave, The Sun Altar.
Reviewed By j0nnyt94 - Worcester, United States
Went there in the summertime, it was the best time ever trying to make it through the caves. Very informative plaques placed all over the different trails, leading up to a well-equipped gift shop with tasty goodies inside overall great place to bring the family except very small kids
2. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a fun and enlightening place for everyone to enjoy. Here at the Science Center, we house and exhibit many different wild animals, including river otters, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, bears, birds, foxes, and skunks. The wild animals at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are ambassadors of their species, here for the purpose of educating our visitors about New Hampshire's natural world. Most are orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to survive in the wild. Observing these animals up-close, together with experiencing our hands-on exhibits, offers visitors the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of our native wildlife and appreciation of the natural world.
Reviewed By JeanineB992
Took the lake cruise with Bev, who was an absolute delight and gem to the science center. He excitedly shared history and local wisdom of the film, On Golden Pond, as well as local wildlife. We saw loons, chicks, cormorants, eagles and even an eaglet! He made our day so fun. Was just us and another couple on a chilly morning. Delightful!
3. Milan Hill State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
4. Pondicherry Wildlife Reserve
5. Quincy Bog Natural Area
6. Rocky Gorge
7. Lower Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
This is a gorgeous little waterfall with some great vantage points for leaf peeping, right off The Kanc! I only found out about it bc I saw a packed parking lot off the side of the road and wanted to stop for some fall foliage pics and this seems a great location! So the waterfall was an added bonus! There’s a large paved parking lot that’s $5 at a self pay stand (put the money in the envelope and hang the tear-off receipt from your rearview mirror and put the envelope into the collection box - it’s an honor system so do the right thing ok)!! I will say, the place was absolutely packed with people lol! But I was able to get a spot easy enough. There are many little walking paths, some paved, some dirt...that lead to the river and the falls and other leaf-peeping vistas. There are also bbq grills and picnic tables, although with the high fire risk and Covid, they looked unavailable. There are also some bathrooms if you need it! I didn’t use them so can’t speak to their state.
8. Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By famvacations - Boston, United States
The Dahl Sanctuary parking is just after the LL Bean outlet on Rte 16, southbound lane. There is parking for a couple of cars. There are trail maps in a mailbox. Follow the main trail down to the Saco River where the trail ends at a spectacular river rock beach with views to Mt. Chocorua across farm fields in the other side of the river. The stones are rounded and beautiful. I have visited in spring and fall. Recently we saw an ancient and giant sugar maple that must be 200-300 years old a short distance on the right side of the main trail with limbs that fell from it over time that are huge. There is a loop trail to take you back after the beach trail. It is a 30-45 min walk and a very beautiful piece of land, so close to the congestion of Rte 16 but a world apart.
9. Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
CSVW is a 225+ acre nonprofit nature, bird, and wildlife sanctuary in Center Sandwich. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can connect with nature and explore more than 10 miles of woodland walking trails and meadows, water habitats, and streams. The Chapman House grounds have picnic tables and lush perennial gardens. Fox, bear, moose, deer, beaver, turtles, pollinators, woodland animals and dozens of wild bird species make use of the protected habitat afforded them throughout the CSVW property. We are not a zoo; birds and wildlife are not in cages. You may or may not encounter or observe them everyday. Points of interest include the 300 year old hemlock "Witness Tree" on the Cold River. Trails are for low-impact reaction only (walking, hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing). Please sign in at the Visitor Kiosk & take a trail map. Open daily during daylight hours. Admission is free. Bring binoculars and a camera; we're a photographer's dream! See our website for more info.
10. Berlin Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
