The White Mountains landscape in New Hampshire, USA

Things to do in  White Mountains

An alpine tundra worth trekking to

Tucked into New England’s interior, the White Mountains cover nearly one-fourth of New Hampshire and offer plenty of things to do. Climb to the highest points of these rough, rugged peaks to find an alpine tundra. Most folks, however, know the White Mountains from below. Towns with covered bridges and seasonal attractions dot the landscape, strewn together by hiking trails displaying a new face for every season. It's ever-popular with the leaf-peeping crowd, but those who visit the White Mountains outside of autumn are still spoiled with gorgeous scenery.

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Top 1 attractions in White Mountains

#1

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

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Take in aerial views spanning four states as you ride the glass-lined Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the top of New Hampshire's tallest mountain. The country’s first aerial tramway, the tram was created to give skiers mountaintop access. Today, you can ride the tram year-round, whether you're a hiker, skier, or sightseer.More
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Top activities in White Mountains

Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour

Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour

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164
From
$40.00
East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

From
$74.99
per group
Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour

Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour

From
$11.99
per group
3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH

3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH

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1
From
$39.00
per group
Pedal, Paddle & Hike New Hampshire

Pedal, Paddle & Hike New Hampshire

From
$800.00
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide

Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide

star-4
91
From
$16.99
per group
Lake Tarleton Guided Paddle

Lake Tarleton Guided Paddle

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$130.00
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All about White Mountains

When to visit

Autumn is undeniably one of the most popular times to visit the White Mountains, particularly for peak fall foliage. Most towns embrace the holiday spirit from Halloween through Christmas, though some trails or trains may be closed when snowfall piles up. Annual winter events like the Ice Fishing Derby offer reasons to come throughout the year, but you’ll find the fewest crowds around the covered bridges from Labor Day until peak fall bloom and for mud season in early spring.

Getting around

New Hampshire may be a small state, but don’t take its size for granted: limited public transportation means you’ll likely want a car to get around the White Mountains. Most of the mountain towns are within a few minutes of each other by car. Another option is to use Concord Coach Line buses to get from the airport to the White Mountains, and then take Greyhound Line buses to get around the major Franconia Notch region towns.

Traveler tips

Book fall travel—particularly hotels and attractions—early as prices soar and vacancies fill up fast. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway and Mount Washington Auto Road are popular drives, but don’t forget that there are 50 other scenic byways, such as General John Stark, that have less traffic congestion. Travelers flying into Manchester or Boston should be aware that the White Mountains often have cell service drops, so it’s best to avoid driving late at night if you're a first-time visitor.

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Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
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1
Tours
7
Reviews
255
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People Also Ask

What is the White Mountains known for?

The White Mountains are known for having recreation opportunities and seasonal outdoor attractions, including the Conway Scenic Railroad, Mount Washington Auto Road, Story Land, and Whale’s Tale Water Park. Fall foliage views are among the best in the country, especially along the Kancamagus Highway, which runs through the White Mountains.

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What is the best time to visit the White Mountains?

If you’re interested in viewing the fall foliage, the best time to visit the White Mountains is mid-to-late October. This time of the year sees extreme tourism, which means hotels are often sold out throughout the area. For outdoor fun with lower crowds, summer offers dozens of trail-based activities.

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Are there bears in the White Mountains?

Yes, black bears are just one of the many native species living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. Wildlife lovers should also keep an eye out for foxes, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, moose, and more. Make sure you keep a distance from these animals for everyone's safety.

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What is the largest town in the White Mountains?

Conway is the largest town in the White Mountains, based on population. The town has about 10,000 permanent residents, but Conway’s streets fill with tourists throughout the year. North Conway, its neighboring city, has been recognized as one of the best ski towns and small towns in the country.

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Which White Mountains can you drive up?

Driving up the seasonal Mt. Washington Auto Road, built for tourism in the 1860s, is one of the most popular things to do in the White Mountains. Mt. Washington is the highest mountain peak in the Northeast, and this nearly 8-mile (13-kilometer) road is accessible via car.

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What is the famous drive in New Hampshire?

The famous drive in New Hampshire is the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway that stretches from Conway to Lincoln for nearly 35 miles (56 kilometers). The route, with access to multiple hiking trails and parking, is regarded as one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the country.

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