Find fun and interesting Great Things to Do in White Mountains

New Hampshire > White Mountains > Things to Do and See > 70 Great Things to Do in New Hampshire

In the White Mountains some things are given like majestic scenery, year round outdoor recreation and memorable family vacations. Check out the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, Waterville Valley’s complete resort and Santa's Village. Great attractions include old fashioned Cog Railways like the Conway Scenic Railroad and the climb up Mount Washington. You can also drive up the mountain on the scenic auto road. There are brewery and moose viewing tours, glider flying and much more.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Exciting ride aboard a cog railway culminates in breathtaking views atop Mt. Washington

Fun, educational – and thrilling – the historic Cog Railway up to the summit of majestic Mt. Washington is a great adventure for passengers of all ages. The colorful trains are powered by biodiesel or steam locomotives, traveling 5 mph past forests, ravines, wildlife (including the occasional moose or bear) and through three climate zones to reach the breathtaking summit. There, on top of the Northeast’s tallest peak, you can explore an interactive weather exhibit or look out over the mountains from the rooftop observation deck. You can also send a post card from the summit post office. Travelers will enjoy the commentary from train engineers and brakemen and brakewomen. Parking is free, and there are food courts or cafeterias at both ends of your exciting journey. Trains operate from late April through November.

Whitewater Rafting - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Spring in the White Mountains is a season so fresh you can taste it

Every season is a reason to visit the mountains of New Hampshire. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest and home to the highest peak in the Northeast, outdoor adventure abounds with hundreds of trails to get you to a rushing waterfall or a mountain summit. Relax at a spa, museum, coffee shop, or bookstore, enjoy live theater and music, ooh and ahh at stunning vistas, and check out the great events and attractions for the whole family. When you’re hungry you be thrilled will all the options to choose from. We have cozy eateries, stylish bars, Irish pubs, elegant dining, and more. Shopping is tax-free in New Hampshire, and with over 200 name-brand outlets, boutique, and specialty stores it’s no surprise that North Conway is world renowned as a shopping destination. Plan a visit soon. Visit Mt. Washington Valley, NH online or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

Your moment of imagination, exploration and magic awaits at Ice Castles

This immersive experience built entirely from ice enchants visitors with its captivating photogenic appeal. Escape into a world of frozen caves, maze-like tunnels, fountains and ice-carved slides. Ice Castles in North Woodstock is built by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles that are grown, harvested, and planted every day to create the acre-sized interactive attraction. And the effect is heightened at night when LED lights frozen inside change colors in perfect synchronization to music. You don’t have to be a fan of “Frozen” to find the whole experience magical. Remember to dress warmly, but in case that's not enough there's an on-site concession stand serving up hot chocolate, apple cider, and warm treats! Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend, so be sure to buy yours in advance online at IceCastles.com!

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Get active: Trail center offers great opportunities for hiking, biking and kayaking

Surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains, Great Glen Trails offers some of the most exciting hiking, biking and kayaking adventures in New England, for people of all ages and outdoor abilities. Hike, stroll or run on 28 miles of well-marked trails, including rolling carriage roads as well as challenging single-track routes through the woods. Scenic carriage roads are great for family biking, and more adventurous cyclists will love the single track thorough meadows and past rivers, with breathtaking mountain (and wildlife!) views. Bring your bike or rent one. Want to kayak? There are flat-water tours and pulse-pounding whitewater experiences, both with trained instructors. In the winter, activities include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and fat biking.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire - Making Memories Every Day!

White Mountains Attractions

Visitor’s Center at Exit 32 Off I-93 North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Everything for a memorable vacation is here to enjoy!

Families, friends and the intrepid loner will love the White Mountains, a majestic and activity-filled area of northern New Hampshire. Pleasures and fun abound year-round in cozy hotels and resorts, great food, snowy mountain trails and pristine lakes. The best skiing, hiking and biking make any vacation memorable and so will amusement & water parks and nature walks. Explore the forests & caves along the mountainside and strap yourself in for zip lines and canopy tours. The vistas from aerial tramways, valley & mountain railroads and the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road will take you to the top of the world. And for shopping enthusiasts there's quaint family-run shops, traditional country & general stores, and modern discount outlets.

Repairs Closeup - REI Bike Ship - Williston, VT and North Conway, NH

The Bike Shop at REI North Conway

1498 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-0475

Planning to cycle in the North Conway area? Check out REI’s full-service bike shop first

Before you set out to enjoy some of the best biking in New England in the North Conway region, stop by the North Conway REI bike shop. The shop offers everything from tune-ups to custom services on mountain, road, hybrid and e-bikes. Whether you’re a beginner looking to cycle past ponds and rivers or an experienced rider seeking to conquer mountain trails, the shop’s expert technicians have you covered with local know-how and gear advice. Bikes bought at REI are assembled free, and the shop can also install your trunk mounted, trailer hitch, or roof-top bike rack. . Call ahead for shop hours and to schedule an appointment. And don’t forget to check out the store’s top-brand cycling gear, helmets and clothing.

Sunset Ride - Northeast AVT & Snowmobile - Gorham, NH

Northeast ATV & Snowmobile

325 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-458-1838

Bring out your adventurous side!

Whether the trail is warm and dry or covered in snow or mud, Northeast ATV and Snowmobile has everything you need for a great outdoor excursion. They've got a selection of Polaris™ snowmobile and ATV rentals at reasonable rates to choose from to fit any trail conditions - including the on-road Slingshot if you're interested in a modern style White Mountains road cruise. All rentals include helmets, trail map, instructional video and GPS location system. They've got three locations in New Hampshire's White Mountains and western Maine to choose as the start of your outing. They've got the experts available to train, assist and guide you on your adventure, and also offer side-by-side tours.

Bike Race - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

So much to explore on the Highest Peak in the Northeast

Due to its remarkable location, weather and history, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is unlike any other driving experience in the Eastern United States. A trip on Mt. Washington Auto Road is a one-of-a-kind experience offering ever-changing weather extremes, panoramic views and the opportunity to pass through four distinct climate zones as you climb to the highest peak in the Northeast. The constantly-changing weather adds to the allure and mystique of the famous peak, often allowing visitors to experience high winds and dramatic cloud formations. No matter the weather, the entire family will love all there is to do on the legendary Auto Road.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa - Casual Elegance, Stunning Views. Seasonal Promotions Available now!

River Walk Resort at Loon - New England's Newest Grand Resort! In New Hampshire's spectacular White Mountains

Loon Mountain Resort

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-6281 Toll-Free: 800-229-5666

New England’s most accessible mountain resort destination

Pick a season and bring the family to Loon Mountain Resort – just 3 miles from I-93. In summer and fall, ride New Hampshire’s longest gondola skyride to the summit for breathtaking views of the White Mountains and great food at the Summit Café. Explore glacial caves and climb the observation tower. At the Adventure Center, swing through the Aerial Forest, soar across the Pemigewasset River on the zipline, beat the clock the LogJam Maze, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard has a bounce house. In winter, big mountain skiing and snowboarding features 2,100 feet of vertical with three peaks of terrain for all abilities – including an award-winning progression of terrain parks and New Hampshire’s only Superpipe. There’s also snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing.Photo Credit: Hinkley Photo

Seven Birches Winery

River Walk at Loon - 22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-7550

Wine-lovers, experienced and novice, will love this winery’s tours, atmosphere

Seven Birches Winery is the perfect activity for wine-lovers, whether you’re a novice or just beginning your love affair with wine. Located inside the lovely Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, the winery offers intimate meet-the-winemakers tours of its production facility, where you can see how local fruits and European grape varietals are handcrafted into very special wines. Or, just opt for a tasting off the wine menu. Knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with a choice or order up a flight for true sampling. In the nearby Lincoln Village Shops, the winery’s Atrium Wine Bar offers tastings in a rustic atmosphere as well as easy access to the region’s finest shops and restaurants.

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

3 Crossing at Riverplace North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3500

A unique White Mountain culinary attraction

Plan a memorable event aboard the family owned and operated Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. Rolling along the western slopes of the White Mountains, you’ll experience one of the region’s premier destinations majestic scenery and beautifully restored railcars, while sharing in a distinctive culinary experience. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace down and along the Pemigewasset River, through the woods, and return on the same track. Enjoy great service and plated fare highlighting quality seasonal and farm fresh ingredients from an inspired menu that offers an exceptional dining experience for you and your guests. Depart on your two-hour, 20 mile round trip in a convivial ambiance with classic cocktail offerings or one of the fine domestic or international wine selections.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Mountain View Road Whitefield, NH, 03598 Phone: 888-260-4929

All four seasons, this resort in the White Mountains has activities that pique every guest’s interest

Mountain View Grand is open for overnight stays! Please review our health & safety measures for current updates and information.

Ski in the winter, golf in the spring, fish in the summer, hike and bike in the fall: Every season is filled with fun things to do at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. In the heart of the White Mountains, the resort has great mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails and rental equipment for all three. Hike to a waterfall or wildlife refuge, play disc golf or tennis on one of four clay courts. Swim in an indoor or outdoor pool, play a round of golf, watch a movie in the resort theater or play foosball in the game room. Nearby activities include fishing, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, great parks, breweries, theaters, boutiques – and moose tours! After your busy day, relax in the resort’s Tower Spa.

Brewery Tour 2019 - Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery - North Woodstock, NH

Woodstock Inn Brewery

135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3951 Toll-Free: 800-321-3985

Beers and Brewery Tour - Why Not?

Find out how Woodstock Inn Brewery evolved from a small seven-barrel brewery to a 30-barrel, state-of-the-art solar fed facility (#PoweredByNH), distributing our year round, seasonal and limited edition beers all across New England. Each tour finishes with a chance to try five selected samples, and you go home with a pint glass, plus you might even discover what we mean when we say “Now Made With 100% More New Hampshire!” Try any of our brews at one of four on-site pubs or bring some home from the gift shop! Tours can be booked online at WoodstockInnNH.com

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251

All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire's White Mountains

Conway Scenic Railroad offers old-fashioned train rides departing from the beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Choose from heritage train rides on the Valley routes to Conway or Bartlett, or embark on the scenic Mountaineer to Crawford Notch. Premium class, First Class, and Coach seating options are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine! Round-trip excursions run from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so call 603-356-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley trains run April through December. The Mountaineer operates June through October. Snow Trains run weekends in January and February. Take a journey back in time that the whole family will enjoy!

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

The seasons change the fun remains

Enjoy rolling dog sleds and exciting raft trips on Class II to Class 4 rapids. Muddy Paw sled tours allow you to meet the sled dogs, help the musher harness and hitch the team, enjoy the dog sled ride, and reward the sled dogs for a job well done. You’ll soak in the views and have plenty of photo opportunities. Raft NH is a family-friendly, rafting outfitter offering whitewater trips for ages 6 and up with or without experience. Trips from mild to wild offer an unforgettable adventure for everyone. The “Paws & Paddles” package combines daytime whitewater rafting and evening rolling dog sledding for a great day outdoors.

Santa's Village

528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-586-4445

Pure Joy. Family Style. Every Summer & Christmastime, too.

Enjoy the only New England park named one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the USA and #1 in New England by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for seven years in a row: Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. It’s home to Santa and his reindeer, and dozens of amusement rides and shows and other attractions for families with young children. It’s the joy and excitement of Christmas morning, and every bit as memorable. Admission covers an entire day of memory-making for the entire family. For nearly 70 years and three generations, from our family to yours – oh, what fun it is!

Beautiful Sabbaday Falls Is Easy to Find

Sabbaday Falls, on the Kancamagus Pass, drops 40 feet in an unusual and scenic form. The water drops eight feet into a small emerald green pothole. The outlet of the pothole is a slide resulting in a 20-foot horsetail into a tight gorge where it makes a ninety degree turn. The falls is well-marked, off Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) between the towns of Lincoln and Conway. To find it: Sabbaday Falls is the focal point of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, a well marked locale on Route 112, about 11 miles east of Kancamagus Pass, about 3.4 miles west of the Jigger Johnson Campground and about 17 miles west of Conway. Image courtesy of NH Tour Guide.

Bretton Woods Canopy Tour in Bretton Woods

Hold on to Your Helmet

Descending over 1000 feet of elevation, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour on Route 302 in Bretton Woods takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of treetop zip lines, and is one of the longest canopy tours in the continental United States. High-flying suspension bridges and hiking trails connect the zip lines, and the tour concludes with the Williwaw Racing Zip, a dual, side-by-side zip line leading right into the Bretton Woods base area. Designed and constructed by Bonsai Design Inc., this unique canopy tour features a dual-cable construction and coated cables to reduce noise. On the tour, guides describe the local flora and fauna, the natural history and White Mountain lore. Wow!

waterfalls of New Hampshires with VisitNewEngland.com

Walk to a Waterfall

Many waterfalls in the White Mountains have parking near trailheads and accessible paths. Some allow swimming and picnicking.
Sabbaday Falls, Conway: There are three drops in the falls and lovely pools. Handicapped accessible path.
Glen Ellis Falls, Pinkham Notch: The deep green pool of water below is off limits to swimmers. Read signs that describe the geology.
Arethusa Falls, Bretton Woods: This plunge seems to fall from the sky. Powerful in spring; a trickle in summer.
Flume Cascade, Crawford Notch: Small plunges end up in the Saco River.
Jackson Falls, Jackson: Popular swimming holes on a summer day. Easily accessible.
Diana's Baths, Conway: Perfect for a little moonlit skinny dip! You need to hike about a half mile in.

Caves Are Cool; Access Is Easy

The Polar Caves off on Route 25 in Rumney were formed about 50,000 years ago as the third continental glacier retreated across New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When glacier left behind a series of caves and passageways. Polar Caves Park has build boardwalks through the caves and among the boulders, creating an intriguing self-guided walks. To get to the caves, visitors walk through a pine forest, where they can learn about the local Indian tribes who spent summers on the Baker River. Behind the maple sugar house are more trails and a gazebo, which is a great place to carry in and carry out a picnic lunch. Phone: 603-536-1888.

Polly Want a Pancake!

All people who hold an appropriate reverence for pancakes need to trek to Polly’s Pancake Parlor on Route 117 in Sugar Hill, a third-generation family business that has been making and serving pancakes since 1938. All day long, Polly's serves whole wheat, buckwheat, and cornmeal pancakes, sausage or bacon, and maple toppings. Visit the gift shop and take home the pancake mixes and maple syrup to hold you over until your next visit.

Up in the Mountains, AMC’s Got Your Back

You don’t need a ton of equipment or know-how to get outdoors -- deep outdoors -- in the mountains of northern New Hampshire. The reason is: because you have the Appalachian Mountain Club in your corner. At two AMC lodgings in the mountains, the club offer shelter along with equipment and easy access to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing. From Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch you may nearby peaks or take a quiet stroll around a mountain lake. And at the Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch you can get outfitted to hike the trails on foot or skis. In the evening, dinner and bed or bunk will get you fired up for the next day.

General Store Celebrates Inspired Nonsense

Zeb’s General Store in the mountain village of North Conway is the place to find New England products of all imaginable kinds – and some you might not easily imagine, like Nantucket Sea Clay Soap, Maine Maple Champagne Mustard, or Out on a Limb Blueberry Pie Filling. Some products are eccentric and all are worth a ride home in your shopping satchel. There are plenty of New England specialty foods and classic favorites like penny candy. You can even design your own gift basket from crates, baskets, or boxes (one of them a replica of the store itself), which you then fill with Zeb’s goodies. Phone: 800-676-9294.

Get Lost at the Gorge

The story of the Lost River in North Woodstock began many millions of years ago, with the formation of mountains of igneous rock in present-day New Hampshire. A thick ice sheet of 150,000 to 25,000 years ago ground down the mountains and tumbled the rocks, creating the Lost River Gorge and partly burying its river. Today, you can visit the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves at 1712 Lost River Road (Route 112W), walk the three-quarter-mile boardwalk into and through the gorge, explore the caves, and climb up the Dilly Cliff. Lantern tours offered at night, Kids enjoy the Lost River Mining Sluice, which replicates the work of sifting for gems. Open early May to mid October. Phone: 603-745-8031.

Awake Your Inner Shooter with Adventure Photography Tours

Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, based in the town of Freedom offers outdoor and wildlife photography tours in New Hampshire all year. Half-day and full-day guided day trips may be customized for you and your group, depending on your photographic interest. Moose? Foliage? Landscapes? Escapes can be geared for beginning photographers all the way to experts. Design your outdoor photographic objective and this company can help you make it happen. Phone: Lucie Villeneuve at 603-528-0136 or Jeff Barrie at 603-867-3778.

Catch That Updraft

The Franconia Soaring Association, located at Franconia Airport, Route 116 Easton Road in Franconia is essentially a club for owners and operators of gliders. But! The club offers glider rides to the general public as a way of introducing the general public to the sport of glider flying. Is your inner Indiana Jones starting to tingle at the very idea? Public flights are offered by advance arrangement, weather permitting. All introduction to soaring flights are preformed by FAA licensed commercial pilots or FAA certified flight instructors. 603-823-5034.

Explore the Rocks

The Rocks Estate at 4 Christmas Lane in Bethlehem is famous for its Christmas trees, but this former summer home of the wealthy Glessner family also hosts lots of other seasonal outdoor activity for visitors. This site of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the 1,400-acre property offers guided and individual exploration and learning programs. Guests may hike and explore through the spring, summer, and fall. The property has short, easy strolls or longer hikes, past magnificent views of the Presidential Range. Northern wildlife abounds at the estate. Phone: 603-444-6228.

Apple Cider Is Ingredient #1 at This Restaurant

Fine dining, café, market and apple pressing – apples are the thing, but not the only thing, at White Mountain Cider Co. at 207 Route 302 in Bartlett. Owner Teresa Stearns, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, presents fine dinners with a Cidertini cocktail, cider-braised pork and ice cream-topped cider doughnuts for dessert. Try the cider slushy and watch cider-making in progress on fall weekends. A fall pleasure, any time of the year. 603-383-9061

Off-Road Adventures in High Mountains

Alpine Adventures on Main Street in Lincoln offers off-road trips in all seasons through fantastically beautiful wintry scenes through Franconia Notch, Twin Mountain, Bog Pond, and Mount Moosilauke. Buckle up and hold on, because you're in for an off-road thrill, via the six-wheel-drive Swiss army transport vehicles called Pinzgauers. Pinzgauers have modified seating to accommodate 11 guests in blue bucket seats with lap belts. The company padded the overhead cages and added a kickin' stereo system with mikes for the guides to entertain you on your journey. Book online in advance.

State

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast