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.

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

Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Valley boasts winter wonderland of activities, indoors and outdoors

If you’re seeking a winter wonderland for a fun-filled family getaway or a couples weekend escape, look up: to the Mount Washington Valley, New England’s snow sports playground. With seven acclaimed alpine resorts, six Nordic and snowshoe centers, indoor and outdoor skating rinks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog-sledding and ski touring, there is literally something for everyone. You can snow-tube down a groomed snow chute, take an invigorating winter hike past frozen waterfalls, ice skate under a dome (then warm up by a rinkside campfire) or explore miles and miles of cross-country ski trails, many winding their way through the White Mountain National Forest. Inside fun ranges from resort pools and spas to brewery and distillery tours and loads of tax-free shopping.

Ice Castles

64 Railroad Street Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

There’s magic in the air at this castle made entirely of ice

The photos you will take from deep inside Ice Castles in Lincoln will be almost as amazing as the attraction itself. Made of solid ice, the walls 10 feet thick, the castles have enchanted visitors with their intricate designs, featuring towers that look like they are right out of “Lord of the Rings,” tunnels, caves, sculptures, fountains – and slides! Thousands of icicles are harvested and planted every day to keep the castles beautiful. And the effect is heightened at night, when LED lights frozen into the ice turn different colors, synchronized 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 and apple cider! Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend - be sure to buy yours in advance on our website!

Mount Washington Cog Railway

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

Climb to the clouds on New Hampshire's Cog Railway

Step aboard the Cog Railway and get ready to climb to the Northeast's highest summit, New Hampshire's Mount Washington. The three-hour trip is always an adventure. The train travels the steepest railroad tracks in North America, passing through several climate zones before reaching the top. There, on a clear day, you'll see New England spread out before you. On other days you may be above the clouds, as if you're walking about in a fairyland. There's history on the train, too. Construction of the railway was a 19th-century engineering marvel. And you won't find engines like ours anywhere else east of the Rockies. Learn all about it at our Base Station museum, where you'll also find a restaurant and gift shop. Trains run late April through November.

Waterville Valley Resort

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-468-2553 Toll-Free: 800-468-2553

Full slate of activities means boredom is banned

Whether you are seeking an adventure or just a relaxing experience, the resort at Waterville Valley has the perfect activity for you. For daring guests, there’s rock-climbing, mountain biking (down 4,000-foot mountains), skiing and snowshoeing. For those who want something a little less adrenalin-inducing, there are 100 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, a scenic chairlift up Snow’s Mountain, a Splash Pad for kids (while adults enjoy poolside cabana service), award-winning clay tennis courts, disc and regular golf courses, a year round indoor ice arena and a skateboard and inline skating park. Enjoy the water via a pedal boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Many activities are included in the price of your room with the Freedom Pass. Enjoy family time with trivia contests, bingo and live music.

RaftNH - Wet & Wild Summer Fun for the Whole Family! Errol & Gorham, NH

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

Story Land in Glen, NH - Where Fantasy Lives! Family Fun Awaits - Save Time, Buy Your Tickets Online!

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

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.

Flag Boy - NH Highland Games - Lincoln, NH

New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-229-1975 Toll-Free: 800-358-7268

Discover the rich culture of Scotland – no passport required.

The rich culture, traditions, and history of Scotland are on full display at the 41st New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival at the scenic Loon Mountain Resort, in Lincoln, NH. You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy the pageantry and excitement of piping & drumming, pipe band, highland dancing, fiddle, harp, sheep dog, and heavy Scottish athletic competitions. Scotland’s cultural history comes to life in living history encampments. Explore the clan village and admire the tartans and crafts. Scottish and Celtic performers will be playing traditional and modern music, ranging from traditional ballads to tribal beats and bagpipe rock. Children can participate in the Festival Youth Program, which features games (including children’s caber tossing), crafts, storytelling, and more.
Event Dates & Times: September 21-23, 2018 - 8am - 5pm Daily. A full schedule including off-site events will be available in August.

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.

Connect. Explore. Relax. Discover the wonders of camping in New Hampshire! Click here to get your NH camping guide.

Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery

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

Join us for one of our famous Brew Tours!

Learn about the history of the Woodstock Inn Brewery while you tour this 30-barrel, state-of-the-art solar fed brewery and production facility. Learn how we craft and bottle our delicious award-winning ales—each inspired by the characteristics of the area’s stunning scenery and clear mountain streams.
The Woodstock Inn Brewery is located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Brewery Tours are offered daily, reserve online. After your tour, take a refreshing dip in adjacent Cascade Park, browse North Woodstock’s charming Main Street and our company store, or visit one of the many nearby attractions.

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

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

At Conway Scenic Railroad, you’ll enjoy old-fashioned train rides, all departing from a beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Whether you choose a Valley route to Conway or Bartlett, or the legendary Crawford Notch excursion, you'll experience the fun of rail travel in the comfort of open or enclosed, restored passenger cars. Coach, First Class and elegant Dining Car seating are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine, and round-trip excursions are from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so be sure to call 1-800-232-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley Trains run April 15 through December 31. The Notch Train operates June 13 through October 28. This is a journey back in time the whole family will enjoy!

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

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

An historic resort offers endless White Mountain activities.

Offering great thing to do since 1865, this magnificent resort features elegant and relaxed lodging and an award winning Spa, state of the art Health and Wellness Center, a yoga studio, indoor pool, and a large dry sauna and hot tub. There are all day kid’s activity programs and a complimentary kids’ camp called the Mountaineering club. Dine all day at any of four restaurants with a 6300 bottle slate-lined wine cellar to peruse. Slip away for a romantic getaway or bring the whole family and enjoy four-season fun on the property including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor heated pools, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and more. Located nearby are fishing, boating, hiking and Santa’s Village. Fall foliage tours await, too.

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

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

196 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 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.

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.

New Hampshire Campground Owners Association

Enjoy endless activities from New Hampshire’s campgrounds

Get away from the everyday with a visit to a New Hampshire campground. Stay in a tent, RV, cabin, cottage, lodge – even a yurt! – and enjoy activities from horseshoes and fishing to snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Hike, bike or take a cog railroad up a pine-scented mountain or kayak a pristine pond, river or lake. From your camping site in the woods, near the ocean or in a meadow, check out the Granite State’s historic sites, quintessential New England towns and acres upon acres of natural splendor. Visit our website for a handbook with all the details for individual parks, from whether they are pet-friendly to which ones have cottage rentals, pools, fireplaces, tennis courts, live music – or cable TV.

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 by TripAdvisor 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards: 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 for the entire family. One low admission price covers an entire day of memory-making. For over 60 years and three generations, from our family to yours – oh, what fun it is! Seasons: Open Memorial Day weekend to Christmas.

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.

Black Mountain Stables , in Jackson village NH

Giddyup the Mountain

What does the Wild West have that we don’t have? Black Mountain Stables , at 373 Black Mountain Road (Route 16B) outside Jackson Village, offers scenic trail rides, pony rides, and trail ride lessons on the mountain, including day rides, overnight rides, and group trips. The base of Black Mountain is at 1250 feet and trail rides venture up to elevation 2,000. The views at this altitude are breathtaking. For the equestrian (or wannabe) who enjoys the mountainous outdoors, this is a best of all possible White Mountains adventures. Phone: 603- 383-4491.

Come See the Birth Place of Pig’s Ear Brown

Warm up your visit to the White Mountains with a pop-in visit to the Woodstock Inn Brewery at 135 Main Street in Woodstock. Brews with names like Red Rack, Pig's Ear, and Loon Golden Ale are produced through a traditional seven-barrel system using premium hops and English grains. The prize-winning brews are on display during a free tour of the brewery every day at noon. Woodstock Inn Brewery has won several national awards for its ales; Pig's Ear Brown that has won the National Beer Tasting Championships two years in a row. Come by and get acquainted. Phone: 800-321-3985.

Combine Bike Work and Relaxation in the Whites

If you enjoy bicycling and luxury, plant a three-day bike tour, with overnights at three delightful bed-and-breakfasts in the White Mountains. Bike the Whites offers the bike-and-rest tours from Tuesdays to Fridays, May through October. Starting at the 1785 Inn in North Conway, you will travel to the Inn at Crystal Lake in a Eaton Center, and the Darby Field Inn in Albany, and then returning to the 1785 Inn. Tours are self-guided with route maps provided by the innkeepers. Each route is 25 miles per day of easy to moderate terrain. The package includes three nights of lodging, two dinners, three breakfasts, transportation of luggage, maps, route planning, and road service as needed. Bike rentals are provided for an additional fee. Phone: 603-356-9025

Harman’s Cheese and Country Store, in Sugar Hill

Good Cheese in the Mountains

We may want cheese all year long, but we need cheese in winter. Harman’s Cheese and Country Store, at 1400 Route 117 in Sugar Hill, has been arming its customers against hunger since 1955, serving a snappy, well-aged cheddar that is good for the soul. Visit the store in the sweet mountain community of Sugar Hill – near beautiful Franconia -- and browse for other delights and necessities: moose humor and mementos, crackers, jams, local crafts, totes and t-shirts. 603-823-8000.

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.

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! Information: 603-278-4947.

Craggy Beauty, 90 Feet Tall

The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park off Daniel Webster Highway near Lincoln in the White Mountains National Forest is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The towering granite walls on each side of the gorge rise to a spectacular height of about 90 feet. Footpaths and bridges allow walkers to move among towering moss-covered granite walls, past cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial boulders and much more.

State

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast