Peak Experiences

Did You Know There is More Than One Way to Reach the Summit?

The mountains have a way of calling us back, season after season. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views, introducing the family to a new adventure, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, reaching the summit is often the highlight of any White Mountains getaway.

The good news? Not every mountain-top experience requires hiking boots and trekking poles. In the Western White Mountains, there are plenty of ways to enjoy breathtaking views—from scenic rides and historic railways to winding mountain roads and classic hiking trails. No matter your adventure style, there’s a path to the top waiting for you.

Lace Up Your Hiking Boots

For many adventurers, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Hiking remains one of the most popular ways to reach a summit in the White Mountains.

From family-friendly favorites like Artist Bluff to challenging peaks in the Franconia Range and Presidential Range, there are trails for every skill level. Along the way you’ll discover waterfalls, alpine forests, wildlife, and countless scenic overlooks before reaching your well-earned view. The summit might be the goal, but the memories are made on the trail.

Insider Tip: Visit our friends over at The Mountain Wanderer for hiking maps, guides and some help finding your next hike.

Take A Scenic Drive

Not every mountain adventure requires hiking boots. One of the easiest ways to experience breathtaking mountain scenery is from behind the wheel. The Kancamagus Highway climbs through the heart of the White Mountains, offering stunning overlooks, mountain vistas, and opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

For those looking to reach New England’s highest peak, the legendary Mount Washington Auto Road provides an unforgettable drive to the 6,288-foot summit. The historic road climbs 7.6 miles through four distinct ecological zones, taking visitors from forest to alpine tundra in a single journey.

Insider Tip: If you’re feeling a little nervous about navigating the steep grades and sharp turns, let the Auto Road’s experienced drivers do the work. Their stage vans offer a comfortable and scenic ride to the summit, complete with local stories and mountain history along the way.

Ride Above the Trees

The Gondola Skyride at Loon Mountain Resort offers a relaxing ride above the forest canopy, delivering panoramic mountain views without the climb. At the summit, visitors can explore walking trails, glacial caves, observation tower with 360-degree scenic overlooks taking in the beauty of the White Mountains from above. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience a mountain summit and a favorite for families.

Insider Tip: Plan your gondola ride around lunch and enjoy a meal at the summit. There’s something special about taking in mountain views while enjoying a bite above the tree line.

Climb to the Clouds on the Cog Railway

Few mountain experiences are as iconic as riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway has been carrying passengers to the summit of Mount Washington for more than 150 years. The journey climbs to 6,288 feet, offering incredible views and a unique perspective on the mountain’s rugged terrain. Visitors enjoy time at the summit to explore the visitor center, observation deck, and famous weather exhibits before returning to the base. It’s part history lesson, part engineering marvel, and entirely unforgettable.

Insider Tip: The Cog runs year-round with excursions to tree line in the winter.

A White Mountains Classic: The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

While the iconic Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is closed for the 2026 season as it undergoes a major modernization project, it remains one of New Hampshire’s most beloved summit experiences. For generations, visitors have soared above Franconia Notch to reach the summit of Cannon Mountain and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the state. We can’t wait to welcome the tram back and continue this White Mountains tradition for years to come.

Which Way Will You Choose?

The beauty of the Western White Mountains is that there isn’t just one path to the top.

You can hike your way to a summit, drive above the tree line, glide up a gondola, ride a historic train, or simply enjoy the scenic overlooks along the way. No matter how you get there, the reward is the same: unforgettable views, fresh mountain air, and a new appreciation for the beauty of New Hampshire.

So, pick your peak, choose your adventure, and start planning your next journey to the top. Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, riding above the treetops, or cruising scenic mountain roads, unforgettable views await. Summer, fall, or winter, the mountains hold a special kind of magic—and no matter how you reach the summit, the view is always worth it.