Things To Do IN SUMMER in the Western White Mountains
Summer Itinerary
Summer Trip Idea #1: Kayaking
It gets hot in the summer, even in the Western White Mountains. Take a kayak tour with Outback Kayak to learn kayaking skills, check out the beauty of the Western White Mountains in the summer, and relax by the water. There is also the option to rent out a kayak for an unguided tour of Mirror Lake. Get a kayak for everyone in your family, check out Mirror Lake, and park the kayak on the beach when you’re done. Kayak tours also include a hearty breakfast to start the day!
Summer Trip Idea #2: Hike the White Mountains
Summer is a great time to hike the more difficult, 4,000 ft mountains. Join what the locals call the “4,000 Club”, which means you’ve hiked every 4,000 footer in the white mountains. There’s plenty of sights to see and terrain to conquer. Check out a few of our favorite trails!
Mount Eisenhower
This is a fairly difficult 4,000 footer in the White Mountains, but it’s absolutely worth it. The Edmund’s Path brings you to the Eisenhower Loop, which is altogether around 6.6 miles. The trailhead is in Crawford’s Purchase. The top is flatheaded, with a panoramic view of the Presidentials.
Welch & Dickey
This trail was carved in between two low lying mountains near Waterville Valley. The loop comes out to be around 4.6 miles and has a bit of a rock scramble at the top with a supporting chain. The views are absolutely gorgeous, but it only takes a few hours to complete (half day for people who want to take the trail slow). It’s a bit south of the Western White Mountain region but still worth going out of the way.
Artist Bluff
The Artist Bluff trail is nestled right in Franconia Notch. This 1.5 mile loop trail is heavily trafficked with an elevation gain of around 360 feet. Artist Bluff is great for people of all ages and features NH wildflowers along its path. The top features beautiful views of Cannon Mountain and Echo Lake. This trail is perfect for a quick hike in between checking out Echo Lake, the Basin, and Cannon.
Mount Chocorua
This mountains has several path choices that all lead to the bare 3,500 ft summit. Our personal favorite is taking the Champney Falls Trail, which is about 7.6 miles in Albany, NH. It is best known as the easternmost peak in the Sandwich Range. This is intended for people who are of above average fitness and trail experience.
Summer Trip Idea #3: Outdoor Adventure Parks
When people think of Loon Mountain, they think of winter sports. That’s not the only thing they do! Loon Mountain has year-round activities for people of all ages, including a climbing wall, trampoline, and adventure park. There are even activities for the less-active, including a gondola skyride with beautiful views of the mountain on the way up. Lastly, don’t miss the NH Highland Games in September, which marks the end of the summer for the Western White Mountains.
- Ninja Wild Course
- Aerial Adventure Park
- Bungee Trampoline
- Log Jam Maze
- Bike rentals
- Gondola Skyrides
- Climbing Wall
- NH Highland Games
- Summit Adventures
Depending on how many activities you want to do, this could be a few hours up to a full day of fun! Go on an adventure and then polish off the day by visiting busy downtown Lincoln for a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Summer Trip Idea #4: Waterparks for Aquatic Adventure Seekers
Located in the Lincoln, NH, is an aquatic adventure for all ages. Whale’s Tale Water Park is centrally located near downtown Lincoln, downtown Woodstock, Loon mountain, Franconia Notch, and Clark’s Trading Post. This is the perfect day trip for people who prefer amusement parks over ponds, lakes, and the nearby Pemi River.
Fall Itinerary
Fall Trip Ideas #1: Drive the ‘Kanc’
Take it slow and drive up the Kancamagus Highway and stop at many of the scenic overlooks and take a moment to appreciate nature’s beauty. If you want to cool down, pull over and take a nice refreshing dip in the river or have a competition with your family to see who can skip the furthest rock. This breathtaking drive will leave you and your family in awe.
Fall Trip Ideas #2: See the Western White Mountains from Above!
Experience the foliage of the Western White Mountains from a different view! Alpine Adventures offers year-round ziplining with three different tours, suitable for the whole family. If keeping your feet on the ground is better suited for you, experience their Off-Road Adventure tour, summiting Barron Mountain, giving you spectacular 360 degree views of foliage.
Fall Trip Ideas #3: Go Leaf Peeping on a Gondola
Loon Mountain Resort is New England’s most-accessible mountain resort destination, offering plenty of exciting summer & fall activities, including scenic gondola skyrides, summit glacial caves, Aerial Forest Adventure Park, Ziplines, rock wall climbing, and more.
Fall Trip Ideas #4: Hike the Western White Mountains
The Western White Mountains have some of the most beautiful views in the Fall. Make a list of hikes to do while you visit and see the mountains at their peak foliage season. There are hikes for all skill levels, ranging from just a short walk to full overnight hikes. Pack and plan accordingly!
Fall Trip Ideas #5: Dinner and a Foliage Train Ride
Schedule a five course dinner for two on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, which will take you on a scenic route through the Western White Mountains while you enjoy the chef’s fine dining menu and drinks concocted by the Train’s Owner and Master Mixologist, Michael French. This two hour ride is beautiful any time of the year, but foliage enthusiasts will find the ride this time of the year to be extraordinary.
