White Mountains, the United States: things to do, when to go and how to get there

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The White Mountains occupy northern New Hampshire and a piece of Maine, almost entirely within the White Mountain National Forest. They are old, rounded mountains covered in sugar maple, beech and birch forests that turn red and yellow in autumn. The valleys carved by glaciers, called notches, cut through the ranges and serve as routes for roads and trails.

At 1,917 meters, Mount Washington dominates the northeastern United States and is known for extreme weather: in 1934 the summit observatory recorded winds of 372 km/h. You can reach the summit by a road opened in 1861, by a cog railway opened in 1869, or on foot via trails that pass above the tree line.

On the east side, North Conway is the gateway village, with a Victorian train station offering valley excursions, shops, and the Story Land amusement park in Glen. On the west side, Lincoln lies at the entrance to Franconia Notch, with the Flume Gorge, and at the start of the Kancamagus Highway, a mountain road that crosses the forest to Conway.

The region is very popular in autumn during foliage season and in winter, when ski areas operate. In summer, trails, waterfalls and the rivers flowing over bedrock attract hikers and swimmers who enjoy cold water.

This destination brings together 2 cities: North Conway, Lincoln.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where White Mountains is

Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: White Mountains

✈ Portland International Jetport (PWM), in Portland · 95 km to North Conway

✈ Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), in Boston · 220 km to North Conway

The nearest airports are Portland (PWM), about an hour and a half from North Conway, and Manchester (MHT), about an hour and a half from Lincoln. Boston is about two and a half hours away. There are buses from Boston to North Conway and Lincoln.

Suggested arrival point: North Conway

Nova Hampshire · White Mountains Suggested arrival point

North Conway

Village in the Saco River valley at the eastern gateway to the White Mountains, with a view of Mount Washington to the north. The main street has shops, restaurants and the Victorian train station where the Conway Scenic Railroad departs. Around it are the granite cliffs of Cathedral Ledge, the Mount Washington Auto Road and cog railway, and in Glen the Story Land playground.

Nova Hampshire · White Mountains

Lincoln

Village on the Pemigewasset River, on the west side of the White Mountains, at the foot of the Loon Mountain ski area. It’s the gateway to Franconia Notch State Park, with the Flume Gorge, and the start of the Kancamagus Highway that crosses the mountains to Conway. In summer, the Whale's Tale waterpark is a family attraction.

The local experience

Things to do in White Mountains

Lincoln · New Hampshire · Scenic drive

Kancamagus Highway

A mountain road over 50 km long between Lincoln and Conway, with no towns or gas stations along the way, crossing the White Mountain National Forest with viewpoints, waterfalls and rivers running over bedrock.

North Conway · New Hampshire · Mountain

Mount Washington

The highest point in the northeastern United States at 1,917 meters, known for its winds and extreme weather. At the summit are the weather observatory, a visitor center and the Tip-Top House from 1853.

Lincoln · New Hampshire · Gorge

Flume Gorge

A granite gorge of about 240 meters at the base of Mount Liberty, with cliffs up to 27 meters high, crossed by wooden walkways beside the water, inside Franconia Notch State Park.

North Conway · New Hampshire · Scenic drive

Mount Washington Auto Road

An 1861 road of 12.2 km that climbs from the Pinkham Notch valley to the summit of Mount Washington, with an average grade of nearly 12% and gravel sections above the tree line.

See 5 more places in White Mountains

North Conway · New Hampshire · Mountain train

Mount Washington Cog Railway

The world’s first mountain cog railway, opened in 1869, which climbs 4.8 km up Mount Washington’s west slope, with sections up to 37% grade.

Lincoln · New Hampshire · State park

Franconia Notch State Park

A park in the gap between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges, crossed by I-93, featuring the stone-punchbowl waterfall The Basin, the Old Man of the Mountain memorial, Echo Lake and trails up to the Franconia Ridge.

North Conway · New Hampshire · Heritage train

Conway Scenic Railroad

A sightseeing train that departs from North Conway’s Victorian station, with short valley trips on the Saco and, in season, a mountain line to Crawford Notch.

Lincoln · New Hampshire · Water park

Whale's Tale Waterpark

Summer waterpark in Lincoln with water slides for various ages, a wave pool, a lazy river, a surf simulator and shallow areas for very young children.

North Conway · New Hampshire · Theme park

Story Land

A fairy-tale theme park in Glen, opened in 1954 and designed for young children, with Cinderella’s castle and pumpkin carriage, gentle roller coasters and water play areas.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

Autumn is the busiest season: colors typically peak from late September to mid-October, earlier at higher elevations. Summer, June through August, has daytime temperatures of about 20 °C to 27 °C in the valleys, but on Mount Washington the average is near 10 °C. In winter there is snow and skiing; the summit is closed to the public.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three days allow you to ascend Mount Washington, drive the Kancamagus Highway and visit Franconia Notch. With four or five days you can add longer hikes, the North Conway scenic train, and a rest day by the rivers.

Which city to stay in

North Conway has the largest selection of lodging and restaurants, near the Mount Washington road and Story Land; Glen, Jackson and Intervale are quieter. Lincoln and North Woodstock, on the west side, are near Franconia Notch and the start of the Kancamagus Highway. Bretton Woods, to the north, sits at the base of the cog railway. On foliage weekends, book in advance.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about White Mountains

How many days to plan for the White Mountains?

Three days cover Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. If you want to do long hikes or include the scenic train, four or five days are better.

Do you need a car to visit the White Mountains?

Yes. Buses reach North Conway and Lincoln, but the roads, trails, the Mount Washington road and the cog railway are only accessible by car. In the United States you drive on the right.

When is the best time to see autumn colors in the White Mountains?

Colors usually peak between late September and mid-October, starting at higher elevations. Dates vary each year; follow New Hampshire foliage reports.

Can you do the White Mountains as a day trip from Boston?

It’s possible but tiring: it’s two and a half to three hours by car each way. To climb Mount Washington or drive the Kancamagus Highway at a relaxed pace, it’s worth staying overnight in the region.

What time zone is New Hampshire in?

Eastern Time: UTC−5 in winter and UTC−4 during daylight saving time, from March to November.

White Mountains

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.