Western White Mountain Chamber

Basecamp of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

Franconia Notch

Haunted Hikes and More in the White Mountains

Fall is more than colorful leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and apple picking. It’s ghost stories and Halloween candy as well. Founded on June 21, 1788, New Hampshire is the ninth oldest state in the country with a long history before that as well, which is why there should be no surprise that the White Mountains are full of bizarre and haunted stories.

haunted hikes

Bomber Crash Site on Mount Waternomee

On January 14, 1942, a Douglas B18-A bomber carrying a crew of 7 was on it’s return flight to Westover Air Field in Massachusetts. Met with darkness and bad weather, the pilot became disoriented and began their descent thinking they were nearing Westover. Unfortunately they were actually over central New Hampshire, and crashed into the side of Mount Waternomee (a shoulder peak on the east side Mount Moosilauke). As the crew attempted to escape from the wreckage, the plane caught fire causing the bombs they were carrying to explode. Five members were injured but miraculously survived, though were then met with deep winter snow. Residents of Lincoln and North Woodstock heard the explosion and saw the flames. And so despite the harsh conditions, a team of over 50 volunteers ventured out into the dark winter night and successfully rescued the 5 survivors.

Today the crash site can be accessed from a 5 mile hike off Walker Brook Road in Woodstock. Visitors have said it was a very eerie, but worthwhile experience.

betty and barney hill

Betty and Barney Hill Abduction

Betty and Barney Hill of Portsmouth, NH were returning home after a trip to Montreal in the middle of the night on September 19, 1961. As they reached Franconia Notch, they began carefully observing a strange light moving around in the night sky. Upon making their way through the Notch, about 1 mile South of Indian Head Resort, the lights quickly descended towards the travelers and appeared to be some sort of spacecraft. This UFO with large windows hovered above the Hills, close enough for them to make out humanoid creatures inside. The couple then claims to have completely lost 2 hours of time and were unable to explain the missing time. Their encounter ended up being one of the first well-documented and reported UFO abductions in the U.S.

Today, along the couple’s route is a gas station which displays a commemorative mural. Some information on the UFO sighting is also located inside the Irving Express. There is also a historical marker for the encounter on Route 3 near Indian Head Resort. And make sure you swing by the Woodstock Inn Brewery to see if ‘Lost Time’ pale ale is on tap. It’s a homage to the close encounter.

Mount Willard Trail

Mount Willard Trail is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to one of the most iconic vistas of Crawford Notch. However, it is also home to one of the worse tragedies in the White Mountains. Samuel Willey Jr. moved his family to Crawford Notch in 1825. Only a short year later, the White Mountains experienced one of the worst rainstorms in history, which created a huge landslide that tore through the Willey’s land. A ledge protected their house but killed his family and two hired hands. All bodies except three of the children’s were found. According to a hiker on Trail to Summit, the three children who were never found  haunt the notch today.

haunted hike

Mount Chocorua Loop Trail

Offering 360-degree views of the White Mountains, Mount Chocorua Loop Trail is a 10.1-mile challenging loop trail. Named after the famous Pigwacket tribe chief, Mount Chocorua is said to be haunted by Chief Chocorua’s cries after his son died in the care of the Campbell family. Before Chief Chocorua jumped to his death, he cursed all white settlers. Hikers have reported hearing the eerie cries of the famous chief.

Crawford Path Trail

Mt. Washington was originally called Agiocochook, which loosely means “Home of the Great Spirit” and probably to no one’s surprise, the summit and surrounding trails have been reportedly haunted. The Crawford Notch Trail is a difficult 15-mile out-and-back trail that will bring you to the legendary summit of Mt. Washington. If you’re peak bagging, make sure you take the Mt. Eisenhower and Mt. Monroe Loops to cross a couple of additional 4,000-footers on your list.

Once you’re on the summit of Mt. Washington, it is said that the Tip Top House is haunted. Built in 1853 by Samuel F. Spaulding, the stone house is the oldest surviving building on the summit and is believed to be the oldest extant mountain-top hostelry in the world. The meteorologists living and working on the Mount Washington Observatory may also tell you about the “The Presence” that seems to walk the halls of the weather room at night. And you can’t rule out the Crawford Path Trail itself for having paranormal activity. It’s one of the oldest maintained hiking trails in the United States and has had over 200 reported deaths over the centuries. Certainly, some of those hikers must continue their journey on the other side.

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Ghost Light

This fall you can head to Jean’s Playhouse for a unique haunting experience to really get your spooky thrills in. Available for two weekends October 21 – 30, 2022, Ghost Light is a brand new experience that combines a haunted house walk-through with immersive theatre. Each trip through the experience lasts about 45 minutes. For a slightly less spooky experience, there will be a “Daytime Light Fright” on Sunday afternoons.

Visit the Western White Mountains to experience some haunted thrills of the Granite State.

Fall Foliage Hikes in the Western White Mountains

Looking to experience the majestic Western White Mountain’s fall foliage up close and personal?

Franconia Notch Recreational Path: Four Season Fun – Summer

Explore the best of Franconia by bike or foot this summer. Running the length of Franconia Notch State Park, the 8.7-mile paved Franconia Notch Recreation Path passes by several of the Western White Mountain’s best attractions. Break a sweat, dip your toes in the cool waters of Echo Lake, and visit some of New Hampshire’s most iconic spots on the Franconia Notch Recreational Path.

Franconia Notch Bike Path - Echo Lake

Summer

During the warm summer days, strap on your helmet or lace up your walking shoes and hit up the Franconia Notch Recreation Path by bike or foot. Take Exit 35 on I-93 N and park your car in the Skookumchuck trailhead parking lot. Head south along the paved trail to take in the stunning views of Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges in the distance.

At the two-mile marker, you’ll arrive at Echo Lake Beach, where you can grab a snack to refuel and take a dip in the 39-acre lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain. Enjoy a few hours out on the water with a canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals. It’s a great way to take in the incredible views of the Notch while working on your summer tan.

Cannon Mountain Tramway

From the lake, take a short detour to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The legendary 80-passenger cable care is America’s first aerial tramway and brings passengers to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain under 10 minutes. Don’t forget your camera as the views from the 360-degree observation deck is out of this world. On a perfect blue-bird summer day, you can see all the way across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, and Quebec.

Don’t forget to check out the New England Ski Museum next to the Tramway on your way back to the path. The small museum is packed with tons of great information on skiing from its prehistoric roots over 8,000 years ago up to modern times. You’ll get a chance to get up close and person with Bode Miller’s five Olympic medals on display plus other items from the local world champion.

Artists Bluff

If you’re looking for a great view of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch, Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain is a short 1.5 mile loop hike with rewarding views that are well worth the effort.

Head back to the Recreation Path and get ready to view one of New Hampshire’s most iconic sites – the Old Man of the Mountain. Unfortunately, the Old Man’s face fell in 2003, but you can still see where the Great Stone Face once resided. The famous landmark dates back to the 19th-century literary works of Daniel Webster and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

 

Once you pass the Old Man of the Mountain, the Recreation Path starts to descend into the Mt. Pemigewasset trailhead and parking lot. While you might be tempted to speed through the 3.3 miles to The Basin, there is a 20 mile per hour speed limit on the trail. Franconia Notch is home to tons of natural geological features, like The Basin. The Basin is a 30-foot-wide, 15-foot-deep granite pothole in the middle of the Pemigewasset River. Henry David Thoreau once said The Basin is “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” If Thoreau likes it, then you will, too.

Just like a rainbow, you’ll find a “pot of gold” at the end of the Franconia Notch Recreation Path. The Flume Gorge and Visitor Center is one of New Hampshire’s most visited state parks. Extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, the Flume is a natural geological feature first discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey. At the time of her discovery, a giant boulder was suspended between the 90-foot granite walls, but a massive rainstorm washed it away in 1883.

Start your journey at the Flume Visitor’s Center before walking through the iconic Gorge or walk the two-mile loop where you can see all the natural features of the park, including the Glacial Boulders, Bear’s Cave, and Liberty Gorge. They’ve even got a scavenger hunt!

Bike rentals and shuttles are available at the Aerial Tramway. If you prefer the ease of someone else planning everything for you, Rodger’s Ski and Sport offers a that includes your bike rental, shuttle services, helmet, and bike lock.

Parking

Parking, especially during the busy summer and fall months, can be difficult. Be prepared to get to the trailheads early in the morning or in the late afternoon for the best chance at scoring a spot a parking lot. Parking on I-93 is strictly prohibited, and your car will be towed at your expense.  Remember, many rental shops and lodgings offer shuttle buses to and from many of the trailheads in the area! Here’s a great resource on Franconia Notch parking and the hiker shuttle.

The Legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain

 

Everywhere you look in New Hampshire, you’ll see one of the Granite State’s iconic landmarks – the Old Man of the Mountain. It’s featured on the New Hampshire license plate, road signs, and even the state quarter! But how did the Old Man of the Mountain become part of New Hampshire’s legacy and what happened to him?

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The Birth of the Old Man of the Mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain is also known as the “Great Stone Face” by the Abenaki and “the Profile.” Located in Franconia Notch, we have to go back thousands of years to the Wisconsin glaciation and the ice age. For centuries, glaciers over a mile thick covered New England. When the temperatures began to warm, the ice started a thawing and freezing cycle that created erosion in the granite bedrock that shaped the unique features of the Old Man of the Mountain. The Old Man overlooked Profile Lake from 1,200 feet above and was approximately 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

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The Life of the Old Man of the Mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain was first discovered and written by white settlers in 1805 when Francis Whitcomb and Luke Brooks were surveying the area for the notch road. While farmers frequently traveled over the notch road to the markets in Boston, no one had seen the Old Man due to the dense underbrush. Luke Brooks woke up in camp early one morning and went to Profile Lake to gather water for breakfast and saw the reflection of the granite face of the Old Man in the lake.

Of course, the legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain predates white settlers by hundreds of years. Known as Stone Face, the Abenaki believe that a human named Nis Kizos was born during an eclipse. He became a great leader and met a beautiful Iroquois woman named Tarlo at a Kchi Mahadan and fell in love. Tarlo had to return to her village to care for her sickened family and Nis Kizos promised he would live at the top of the mountain waiting for her. Tarlo waited day and night for her through the winter, but unfortunately, Tarlo dies in her birth village from the sickness. Gezosa, Nis Kizos’s brother, went to retrieve Nis Kizos in the spring but he was nowhere to be found. As Gezosa was descending the mountain, he looked back and saw that Nis Kisoz became part of the mountain as a stone face to continue looking for his love.

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The Old Man of the Mountain became famous across the country because of Daniel Webster who famously wrote: “Men hand out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch; and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men.”

Even Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about the Old Man in his 1850 “The Great Stone Face.” In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant visited the Old Man. Over the decades the stone formation began to deteriorate. Governor Rolland H. Spaulding began efforts to preserve the Old Man in 1916. In 1945, the Old Man became the official New Hampshire State Emblem and in 1965, a state highway worker named Niels Nielsen became the unofficial guardian of the Old Man of the Mountain. He became the official caretaker in 1987 followed by his son, David Nielsen, in 1991.

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The Death of the Old Man of the Mountain

Over the years, the harsh White Mountains weather started to damage the rock formation. In the 1920s, a crack in the Old Man’s forehead was repaired with chains. In 1957, more extensive “surgery” was conducted on the Old Man to save his iconic granite face. Despite many years of repairs, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed between midnight and 2:00 am on May 3, 2003, leaving the residents of the Granite State to mourn its most iconic symbol.

Despite the loss of the Old Man of the Mountain, its legacy lives on in the White Mountains. On the first anniversary of the collapse, the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund (OMMLF) installed coin-operated viewfinders near the base where you can see before and after of how the Old Man of the Mountain used to appear. OMMLF completed the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial along the Profile Lake walkway in September 2020 so the Old Man’s legacy could live on forever for future generations to enjoy.

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Museum and Historic Site

Today you can visit the Old Man of the Mountain museum and historic site in Franconia Notch State Park. Take Exit 34B off I-93, drive towards Cannon Mountain and then follow the signs. At the museum you’ll discover historic memorabilia and photos about the care, repair and promotion of the state’s official symbol. The museum is open May through late October and admission is free. At the Profiler Plaza historic site you will experience the interactive sculpture that allows you to “see” what the Old Man of the Mountain looked like. There are also several informational plaques located along the trail with history of the mountain and species that were found in the area.

History of Franconia Notch

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Franconia Notch is one of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire and attracts people from all over the globe every year. To truly understand the unique landscape and its people, you have to step back in time millions of years ago to the Ice Age. 

The Ice Age

Franconia Notch began to form millions of years ago during the Ice Age. The cold temperatures brought very little melting every year leading to the formation of the Laurentide Ice Sheet expanding from Canada into modern day New England. About 12,000 years ago, the ice sheets were over a mile high in most places across the White Mountains. As the ice began to melt and water flowed, Franconia Notch began to form. 

As the Laurentide Ice Sheet moved south through New Hampshire, it would shear off pieces of the granite peaks of the White Mountains ultimately creating the deep valley known as a notch in New England. In many places in Franconia Notch State Park, you can visibly see the scrape marks left behind by the ice sheet on exposed bed rocks or the numerous boulders left behind by the glacier. 

The popular Flume Gorge was also formed by glacial activity during the Ice Age. The Gorge is comprised of Conway granite that was cooled and cracked in parallel lines as the Laurentide Ice Sheet moved. Basalt, a hard, black volcanic rock, forced up from the earth and began crystallizing into rock dikes. As the ice began to melt about 10,000 years ago, rivers began to form, which eroded the basalt creating the Flume Gorge. Mother Nature truly is incredible! 

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The Early Days

Similar to the Lincoln/Woodstock Area, the White Mountains was home to the Abenaki tribes for thousands of years before the European settlers even set foot in the “New World.” The town of Franconia was first granted by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1764. It was named Franconia after the Franconian Switzerland region of Germany at the time due to its mountainous landscape. 

Franconia started with controversy over its land charter. Governor John Wentworth, Benning’s nephew, regranted the land charter in 1772 as there were claims that the first land grant was not completed in the required time allotment. Franconia developed similar to other towns in the western White Mountains. 

During the 19th century, it became a tourist destination of the wealthy families in Boston, New York, and beyond. Richard Taft and Charles H. Greenleaf purchased the Flume House in 1848 and Lafayette House in 1853, two of the first luxury vacation resorts in the area. In 1853, the White Mountain Railroad finally reached Littleton and connected to other major railroads in Boston, Concord, Montreal, and other major cities on the eastern seaboard. 

Tourism dipped during the Civil War but began booming again in 1870s and the area saw huge growth in tourism, resorts, and other attractions. The Profile House greatly expanded in 1906 to accommodate the newer wealthy middle class. Tourism to the mountain via rail was popular up until the coming of age of affordable automobiles. The historic Profile House was destroyed by a massive fire in 1923 and never rebuilt, but it laid the foundation for Franconia Notch State Park.

The Iron Age

Outside of tourism, Franconia was famous for its iron mines. The first iron works and mines began around 1801 and operated until the 1880s. Nearby Sugar Hill was also known for its iron. There were two iron works in Franconia. The only surviving stone furnace can be seen on Main Street near the Gale River today on private property, but you can see it from nature trails across the river. That stone furnace was owned by New Hampshire Iron Factory Company and became known locally as the “Lower Works.” The Haverhill and Franconia Iron Works was known as the “upper Works.” 

 

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The Birth of Franconia Notch State Park

The birth of state parks in New Hampshire occurred around 1881 with the first state park, Miller State Park, established in 1891. Franconia Notch State Park became an official New Hampshire State Park in 1928. The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular attractions in the park today and was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old Aunt Jess Guernsey accidentally. During her initial discovery, the was a giant egg-shared boulder suspended between the two walls of the gorge, but a heavy rainstorm washed the boulder away in 1883. That boulder has never been found anywhere. 

old man of the mountain

The Old Man of the Mountain is one of New Hampshire’s most iconic figures being widely featured on the state’s Statehood Quarter, state signs, license plates, and more. The famous natural attraction was a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years before falling down in 2003. Two land surveyors from Franconia, Luke Brooks and Francis Whitcomb, discovered the Old Man of the Mountain in 1805. The legend says the Luke Brooks woke up early one morning and saw the reflection of the granite face in Profile Lake. No one had ever seen it before due to the dense forest in the area. 

The Dawn of the Ski Era

The White Mountains is home to some of the best skiing in the East, and Cannon Mountain is one of the oldest ski areas in New England. The Peckett family in Sugar Hill was trying to develop their small inn into a winter destination resort with a ski school and trails. The Pecketts saw the big potential in Cannon Mountain and worked on developing it as a ski mountain. The Richard Taft Trail became the first established trail in February 1933. In 1938, the construction of North America’s first passenger tramway began after Alexander Bright, a member of the 1933 US Olympic Ski Team, had seen passenger tramways in Europe and saw their potential in the White Mountains. 

cannon mountain tram

Building the tramway was no small feat, but it finally opened on June 28, 1938, after nine months of construction. In its first year, the tramway carried 163,000 passengers to the summit of Cannon Mountain. With the help of the tramway, Cannon Mountain quickly grew over the decades to become a popular ski resort. Significant investments were made in the 1950s to add more trails and lift projects with the help of state funding. Snowmaking came in the late 1960s. Today, Cannon Mountain is New Hampshire’s highest ski mountain and the birthplace of Olympic gold medalist, Bode Miller! 

franconia notch

Franconia Notch is home to millions of years of geological and human history that has shaped the region as we know it today. 

Basecamp Lincoln/Woodstock: Discover the White Mountains

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The White Mountains are New Hampshire’s outdoor playground offering an abundance of year-round activities. From world-class skiing to brag-worthy hikes to unique dining, the area has something for everyone to enjoy. Our particular region, known as the Western White Mountains, is perfectly located to enjoy the best of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and even the Lakes Region. Make our home your basecamp for experiencing it all!

The Greater Lincoln/Woodstock is a great home base for exploring the White Mountains for multiple reasons, but perhaps the most important is its location to I-93. The drive up to the Western White Mountains is an easy two-hour ride north from Boston (depending on traffic). We are also fortunate that our area is home to an abundance of accommodations ranging from campgrounds to hotels to condos and more. Check out our list of lodging options on our Stay Page and base yourself in the Western White Mountains where all of our favorite places to visit are just a short drive away!

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Franconia Notch

One of the most beautiful sections of the White Mountains is found in Franconia Notch just up I-93 from North Woodstock. Home to Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain, the region is an outdoor paradise for adventure lovers.

Franconia Notch State Park is New Hampshire’s most visited state park and for good reason – there’s a ton to do! It’s home to the unique geological feature, Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain’s Aerial Tramway. Cannon Mountain, home to Olympic gold medalist, Bode Miller, has the highest skiable peak in New Hampshire. The Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop is a bucket list-worthy hike offering stunning views of the White Mountains.

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Littleton and Bethlehem

A quick 20-minute drive north up I-93 brings you to the small mountain towns of Littleton and Bethlehem. During the Industrial Age, Bethlehem was a popular summer resort destination for wealthy city dwellers in search of fresh air. While many of the grand hotels of yesteryear no longer exist, the picturesque town is well worth the visit.

The small town of Littleton is a bit of a hidden gem packed with tons to do. Its Main Street is award-winning and boasts of locally owned and operated restaurants, cafes, and shops. For beer lovers,  enjoy a variety of beers along the Ammonoosuc River. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you visit Chutters, with the world’s longest candy counter, or enjoy one of some best baked goods in New England. Littleton is also home to PRKR MTN Trails, a network of over 25 miles of mountain biking and multi-use trails, so don’t forget your bike on your visit here.

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North Conway and Mt. Washington Valley

The Mt. Washington Valley has long been the major destination area of the White Mountains. The eastern side of the White Mountains is home to North Conway, Conway, and Jackson with multiple alpine and Nordic ski areas, 11 golf courses, family attractions, and lots of tax-free outlet shopping.

North Conway is home to Settlers Green with over 70 tax-free outlets where you can shop for clothing, sporting goods, home goods and more. Whatever you need, you’ll probably find it in Settlers Green. Additionally, the village of North Conway is home to many locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops.

The Mt. Washington Valley region is home to many other resorts and ski areas. Of course, the Mt. Washington Valley is home to the famous mountain and the surrounding Presidential Range. Hiking is world-class and attracts thousands of people every year. Instead of hiking or driving to the top of Mt. Washington, The Cog Railway is a unique experience.

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Lakes Region

The Lakes Region area of New Hampshire is less than a 45-minute drive away from the Lincoln/Woodstock area. On those hot summer days where all you want to do is cool off in the refreshing waters of New Hampshire’s largest lake, head down I-93 to the Lakes Region area.

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest draw to the region, there is so much to do along the shores and out on the water. Take a scenic tour on the M/S Mount Washington or sunbathe at the many beaches along Lake Winnipesaukee. Weirs Beach is one of the most popular, but there are others to enjoy. For more information on New Hampshire’s Lake Region, visit the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.

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Whether you’re coming to the White Mountains for outdoor adventures, the arts, or just a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Greater Lincoln and Woodstock area is a great location to serve as your basecamp while you explore experience it all throughout the larger region.

Floating the Western White Mountains

Floating the Western White Mountains

On a hot summer day, nothing feels better than cool water behind your toes. The Whites Mountains might be known for their mountains, but the area is also home to some incredible bodies of water that are perfect to dive in or just dip your feet after an early morning sunrise hike. Grab your beach towels, slather on the sunscreen, and cool off in your favorite swimming hole.

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The Pemigewasset River

The Pemigewasset River, or more locally called the “Pemi,” runs 65 miles from Profile Lake in Franconia Notch State Park to where it merges with the Winnipesaukee River to form the Merrimack River in Franklin. There are many spots along the Pemi where you can dip your toes or go for a swim. Located in the heart of downtown North Woodstock, Cascade Park is a charming little riverfront park with access to the Pemi. Perfect for the whole family, the smooth sloping rocks and lots of small cascades and pools, make Cascade Park a great place to spend a hot summer day. Bring a tube and enjoy the “rapid waters” of the Pemi! The Woodstock Company sells floats in case you forget yours at home.

The East Branch of the Pemigewasset River is larger and longer than the main branch of the river and wins through the town of Lincoln. The river can be accessed from many of the nearby hiking trails, such as the J.E. Henry Trail behind the RiverWalk Resort and the Lincoln Woods Trail in the White Mountain National Forest. The Pemi is a great place to spend the day kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one from Outback Kayak and ATV Tours.

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Echo Lake

Located at Cannon Mountain and offering one of the most iconic views in New Hampshire, Echo Lake is a 39-acre lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain and Franconia State Park. Cool off in the refreshing lake while taking in the picturesque views of Franconia Range and Kinsman Range meet creating the infamous notch. Open daily, the calm lake is great for families with young children. The swimming area is roped off and lifeguards are on duty (except during COVID restrictions). The sandy beach is perfect for reading a book in the sun or building sandcastles with the kiddos. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available for hourly rent.

Lonesome Lake

Wash the sweat off with a dip into Lonesome Lake, a 12.2-acre lake in Franconia Notch State Park. In order to splash in the cool, refreshing mountain water, you’ll have to hike the 1.6-mile Lonesome Lake Trail. The trail is very well marked and accessible through the south parking lot of Lafayette Place Campground. Meander around the small lake by taking the Lonesome Lake Loop. Stop by the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut for a snack break.

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Otter Rocks Day Use Area

Drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway towards Conway and stop by Otter Rocks Day Use Area for a picnic and a swim. Most of the swim holes are shallow and great for young children and there’s a larger pool about four feet deep for adults and older kids. The large flat rocks along the river’s edge are the perfect place for your picnic blanket or sunbathing. As an added bonus, there are bathroom facilities available!

Future Riverfront Park

In 2019, the town of Lincoln broke ground on the 18-acre Riverfront Park nestled along the northern bank of the Pemigewasset River, just west of Jean’s Playhouse. Over the next five to ten years, the park will be built to include a multi-use trail system, canoe launch, dog park, playground, and Lin-Wood skateboard park. Stay tuned as we follow the Riverfront Park project in the coming years.

Known as a premier winter destination, the Western White Mountains are truly a year-round destination. Enjoy the dog days of summer in one of the many local swimming holes where you can dip your toes after a long hike or dive headfirst into splish-splashing fun. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen and carry out your trash!

Biking in the Western White Mountains

The Western White Mountains is an incredible hub for cycling with miles of mountain biking trails weaving throughout the forest, a paved recreational path with stunning views of the mountains, and brag-worthy road cycling routes. Plus, each year we host White Mountain Bicycle Week! Celebrate New Hampshire’s other bike week with the communities of Lincoln, Woodstock and Franconia Notch as we pedal through the great outdoors to support regional non-profits. So, what are you waiting for? Pump up your tires, fill up your water bottle, and hit the trails or road for some two-wheeled fun!

Mountain Biking

Catch a ride on the Northeast’s most technological advanced lift, the Kancamagus 8, and get ready to hit the trails at Loon! Opened in 2019, the new purpose-built downhill mountain biking trails at Loon Mountain are epic! Designed and built by the people who built Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, New Hampshire, the Loon Mountain Bike Park offers a huge variety of freeride, technical, and cross country trails over 9 miles for every level of riders. Learn more about Mountain Biking at Loon.

For the more experienced rider, day passes are available online. If you’ve never been downhill mountain biking then the Your Turn lesson, rental, and ticket package might be just for you. The Whistle Stop Bike Center at Loon Mountain offers downhill, cross-country mountain bike, and e-bike rentals for whatever trails you choose.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in the White Mountains, hit the six miles of cross-country trails through the forest of lower Black Mountain along the banks of the Pemigewasset River. The East Ridge Trails are open to the public and can be accessed near the Whistle Stop Bike Center. Drive north on I-93 and check out Franconia Area Nemba and Profile Trails. where the terrain is more rocky and technical. Stay at the Franconia Inn and you have direct access to the trails for fat biking and mountain biking year round. Just a bit further north in Littleton is PRKR MTN Trails offering 22 miles of hand-built mountain biking trails for all abilities. And just a little bit further over the border in Vermont is Kingdom Trails. If you’re looking for a mountain biking mecca then you have come to the right place!

Road Cycling

While the mountain biking trails in the Western White Mountains are incredible, we can’t forget about road cycling. If you love to climb, then we have you covered! Cyclists from all over New England come to Lincoln every year to compete to earn bragging rights by riding all 34 miles of the Kancamagus Highway. If you have ever driven the “Kanc” then you know it’s one tough ride, but at least it’s beautiful! From the Conway side, the first 16 miles are relatively easy with a slight grade, but after that, you’ll start climbing towards the sky. The last stretch to the top of the Kancamagus Pass is about a 7% grade and then it’s downhill all the way to Lincoln.

For the overachievers or just the cycling fanatic, the Tour de Notches is one of the legendary New England rides for road cyclists. Start from Main Street in Lincoln and climb north through Franconia Notch on Route 3. In Twin Peaks, take a right on to Route 302 where you’ll ride past the beautiful Mount Washington Hotel and Bretton Woods through Crawford Notch. In Bartlett, take another right on to Bear Notch Road where you’ll climb for five miles to the Kancamagus Highways. By the time you’re done, you rode 77.3 miles and climbed over 5,300 feet in elevation. Make sure you rehydrate with a cool beverage at one of the many breweries or wineries in the Western White Mountains!

Paved Bike Paths

If you have young kids or just prefer a more leisurely ride on a paved path, the Lincoln/Woodstock area is home to a few paths. The Franconia Notch Recreation Path runs 8.7 miles through Franconia Notch State Park and passes some of the park’s most famous attractions. While there is a little bit of climbing on the path, it is relatively easy for any age and riding ability. The Lincoln Loop from Loon Mountain to downtown Lincoln is another great paved, family-friendly loop for all ages. The two-mile path follows along the Pemigewasset River.

Fat Biking

fat biking

When the snow starts to fly, you don’t have to put your bike away or ride the dreaded trainer in your basement! Fat biking has become very popular in the White Mountains in recent years thanks to groomed trails and local bike shops carrying these bikes that are outfitted with super-wide tires. Both Profile Trails in Franconia and PRKR MTN in Littleton groom miles of trails and many of the local trails. Just like the Lincoln Woods Trail which are great for fat biking.

Hit the Trails or Road This Year

Life is better on two wheels with the wind in your hair (under your helmet of course!). Whether you are a complete newbie or an experienced cyclist, the Western White Mountains offers something for everyone when it comes to biking. We hope to see you on the trails or roads soon!

Winter Adventures on the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail

Rain, snow, or sun, the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail is always open for fun. The year-round 8.8-mile paved recreation trail passes some of New Hampshire’s most iconic attractions and is a very popular destination during the summer and fall months with runners, hikers, and cyclists. But during the snowy winter months, the trail turns into another destination – one for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and even ice climbers.

The nearly nine-mile trail travels from the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park in the south to Skookumchuck and Route 3 in the north. For those who would like a smooth and easy trek without an 800-foot elevation gain, ski or trek from the northern trailhead towards the Flume Gorge. If you’re up for looking to get your heart rate up fast, travel north from the Flume Gorge!

Snowmobiling

New Hampshire is home to more than 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails throughout the state. Franconia Notch State Park is part of Corridor 11 that consists of the Lincoln-Woodstock area. NH Corridor 11 runs from the Concord area north along I-93 through the White Mountains and Bretton Woods north to Berlin. You can snowmobile along the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail throughout the winter months as part of the extensive snowmobile trail network in the area. Don’t have a snowmobile? Rent one or take a guided tour with SledVentures in Lincoln.

sledventures snowmobile tours

Cross-Country Skiing

The Franconia Notch Recreation Park is the perfect trail for beginner and advanced skiers alike. The path provides easy terrain for those trying to learn the sport with a chance to pick up some speed on the downhill sections if you’re skiing north to south. Since the trail is multi-use and often frequented by snowmobiles, the trail is well-groomed for skiers. Cross-country skis are available for rent through several ski shops in town such as Village Ski & Snowboard and Rodgers Ski & Sport. Don’t forget to stop by the New England Ski Museum to see Bode Miller’s Olympic medals.

snow shoe

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great winter activity that will most definitely break a sweat. Snowshoeing is a bit slower pace than cross-country skiing, so it’s great for people who like to enjoy the scenery and fresh mountain air while getting in a good workout. It’s not uncommon to see lots of snowshoers out enjoying the Franconia Notch Recreation Trail during the winter months. The whole trail might be a bit long for some folks but the 3.3-mile section between the Flume Gorge and Lafayette Campground is relatively flat and offers excellent views leading up to Cannon Mountain. Snowshoes can be rented from Out Back Kayak in Lincoln.

If you’re a downhill skier, Cannon Mountain Ski Area is a local favorite and at the northern tip of Franconia Notch! Cannon is also known for its famous tram car that takes you to the top of the mountain and back!

Don’t let a little snow and cold keep you off one of the most beautiful recreation trails in New Hampshire. The Franconia Notch Recreation Trail can be enjoyed in all seasons. Just bundle up and stay moving!