Western White Mountain Chamber

Basecamp of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

Spring

Everything You Should Know About White Mountains Attractions

If you’ve begun considering a trip to the White Mountains, the amount of activity choices has likely been slightly overwhelming (in a good way). But we’re here to help! While many of these attractions can be enjoyed throughout multiple seasons, we’ve broken them down by seasons you might want to take advantage of. 

Ready to get started? Great! So are we!

Fall is about trains & trams

The leaves are turning and cider, pumpkins, and apples are coming into season. Have you considered enjoying the foliage from a different perspective? We suggest a train or a tram! Here are some great options. 

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

All aboard the dinner train! The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is an incredibly unique attraction that allows riders to enjoy a five-course meal while speeding along 20 miles of track along the Pemi River Valley. Available from May-October, this two-hour experience will be one you’ll always remember (and want to repeat!) 

Website: Nhdinnertrain.com  Phone number: 603-745-3500

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway 

It’s hard to believe it, but you can reach the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in less than ten minutes using this tram. And, if you reserve in advance, you can save $3 off your ticket price. 

Ticket prices by age are as follows: 

  • 13+ round-trip ride: $28
  • 6-12 round-trip ride: $23
  • 5 and under: Free with an adult 
  • New Hampshire Senior (65+): Free Monday – Friday with an ID

Website: Cannonmt.com/things-to-do/attractions/tram  Phone number: 603-823-8800

The Granite State Scenic Railway

With 54 miles of track between Tilton and Lincoln, New Hampshire, the Hobo Railroad is a mainstay attraction in the area, especially in fall. Both the trains and the tracks have unique histories and the experience is incredibly unique. Riders can start their journey in Lincoln, Meredith, Weirs Beach, or Laconia, New Hampshire. Choose your own adventure!

Website: gsscenic.com/  Phone number: 603-745-2135

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Cog Railway includes both classic steam and modern biodiesel locomotives. They’re first, which was steam-powered, summited Mount Washington from 1869 until 2008 and nowadays you can book various stream and biodiesel trips some of which summit, and others that take you to the mid-mountain Waumbek station instead. 

Website: Thecog.com Phone number: 603-274-5404.

Winter is great for ice adventures

The New Hampshire Ice Castles

Where can you experience ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, the Mystic Forest Light Walk, snow tubing, the Polar Pub, the Winter Fairy Forest, sleigh rides, and Arctic Alcoves in one location? The New Hampshire Ice Castles! 

Oprah.com reviewed it as follows “Magical…Twinkling and sense-defying and straight out of fairy tales.”

Weekday tickets are just $20 for ages 12 and up and are only $15 for ages 4-11. During the weekend the price climbs just slightly to $29 and $22 respectively, but we think you’ll agree that the price of this spectacle is well-worth paying for. When they release, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance as they frequently sell out and won’t be available on-site. 

Website: Icecastles.com/new-hampshire Phone number: 866-435-2850

ice castles

Spring is about thrills

Alpine Adventures

Alpine Adventures is actually open year-round, but spring is a prime time to visit! You have you choice of off-roading on a Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 vehicle, taking a biplane tour, visiting Thrillsville (bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, a zipline, a treehouse, and more!), or taking a low-speed roller coaster ride. Excitement awaits!

Website: Alpinezipline.com Phone number: 603-745-9911

Clark’s Bears

Trained bears AND a railroad? Yes, please.

There are actually more bear shows in summer, but spring is a fine time to see them too! The shows. Darla and Hildie are the reigning bear-trainers, but the roots of this attraction date back to 1949! 

Already seen the bear show? Go on the White Mountain Central Railroad for a 25-minute ride where you’ll get to meet Wolfman…

Website: Clarksbears.com  Phone number: 603-745-8913

Summer is for a waterpark

Whale’s Tale Waterpark

This park has earned a Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award and it’s well-earned. You can surf there at Akua Beach (they offer lessons for beginners and challenges for pros), enjoy their Summer Concert Series, and make the most of their many water attractions like Banzai Pipeline, Beluga Boggin, Castaway Cove, Downpour, Eye of the Storm, Harpoon Express, Jonah’s Escape, and many others. 

Website: Whalestalewaterpark.net Phone number: 603-745-8810

waterpark attraction

And many seasons are good times to visit resorts & have outdoor adventures.

Resorts

Owl’s Nest Resort

Owl’s Nest has it all when it comes to activities! In fall, enjoy golf, tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, horseback hiding, Lake Harold and the Beach, The Boathouse Pool & Bar, the fitness Center, Panorama Six82 Restaurant & Bar, and The SportsNest. 

In winter, try snowmobiling on Corridor 11, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on their course, the heated pool with bar, ice skating, platform tennis, the golf simulator as well as some of the restaurant and shopping amenities from fall. 

And in spring and summer you’ll be able to play all the outdoor sports as well as shop, dine, and relax!

Staying and playing has never been easier!

Website: Owlsnestresort.com  Phone number: 603-726-3076

owls nest

Mittersill Alpine Resort

This Austrian style four-season destination is tucked away in its own little Alpine Village. One and two bedroom suites with full kitchens are available to rent or own along with three hotel rooms. 

While there you can use their indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, sauna, Jacuzzi, exercise room, game room, and visit Baron’s Pub! A full list of detailed amenities is available here. 

Website: Mittersillresort.com Phone number: 603-823-5511

Riverwalk Resort At Loon Mountain

This four-season resort is all about luxury and convenience. On-site you will find a winery, an incomparable Italian restaurant, multiple pools and hot tubs, a game room, a spa, and a fitness center. Once you arrive in your studio or suite, it will be awfully difficult to leave… but if you do want to, they even have an Adventure Concierge to help you plan your visit!

Website: Riverwalkresortatloon.com Phone number: 603-745-7550

Loon Mountain Resort

At Loon Peak, take advantage of their Gondola Skyride, Zipline, Ninja Wild, Caves, Disc Golf, Hike, and Yoga. At their Bike Park they offer lessons, and as a biker you can do cross-country or e-Biking! At their Adventure Center you can try their Zipline, Climbing Wall, and Bungee Trampoline. 

Gondola Skyrides, Biking, the Adventure Center, the Glacial Caves, and Disc Golf are spring, summer and fall options while Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, and Snowshoeing are top winter ones. 

And of course, there are many events like the Highland Games and Octoberfest to attend. 

Website: Loonmtn.com Phone number: 603-745-8111

Outdoor Ideas 

The Rocks Estate

The Rocks has been closed to the public due to an extensive restoration project, but this fall it will reopen! 

The target date to re-open trails is October 1 and shortly after on November 1, the plan is to open the Carriage Barn to the public. 

The 1,400-acre forest, which is owned and cared for by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, is truly something special. 

Website: Forestsociety.org/the-rocks  Phone number: 603-383-4186

The Flume Gorge 

The Flume is a natural attraction you simply must experience at least once (and hopefully many times) in your lifetime. While the prime visit times (when The Flume is staffed and The Gorge is open) are from May-October, The Flume Gorge Trail is still accessible in winter! Entry fees are quite affordable too.

  • 13 and over: $18 online reservation and $21 at ticket window
  • 6-12: $16 online reservation and $19 at ticket window
  • Under 5: $0

Website: Nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/flume-gorge  Phone number: 603-745-8391

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

Located in the Kinsman Notch is a beauty that only nature could create. Rock walls, boulders, glacial boulder caves, and waterfalls. Take the Forest Adventure Trail, see the treehouse, and walk the suspension bridge. It’s all fair (and fabulous) game from May-October.  

Website: Lostrivergorge.com  Phone number: 603-745-8031

Polar Caves Park

Enter passageways created by the last Ice Age’s glacial boulder activity and augmented to include boardwalks and stairs for easier exploration. There are a total of nine granite caves. There are also animals onsite including the European Fallow Deer as well as domestic and wild ducks! We know you’ll love both the caves and the animals.

You can visit from May-October. 

Website: Polarcaves.com Phone number: 603-536-1888

_

Charyl Reardon, President of the White Mountains Attractions Association said it best, “The White Mountains region of New Hampshire has so much to offer for visitors of all ages and abilities. From towering peaks, stunning scenery unrivaled anywhere in the Northeast, spectacular waterfalls, tax-free shopping, limitless recreation, and legendary family and natural attractions, the White Mountains is a destination where visitors can create a lifetime of unforgettable memories.”

We hope you see these places for yourself soon!

For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov.


Copyright (C) 2023 Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

The Western White Mountain Beverage Trail

 

Known for its hiking trails and ski mountains, the Western White Mountains is also home to a growing number of breweries, wineries, and restaurants. After a long day of skiing or hiking, nothing tastes better than a cold beer. Or maybe you’re celebrating a special anniversary and you are looking for the perfect bottle of wine to celebrate. With a variety of places with many just walking distance away from each other, there’s no shortage of beverages to taste test in the Western White Mountains.

woodstock brewery

Woodstock Inn Brewery

Visit one of New Hampshire’s original microbreweries located in the heart of the Western White Mountains. Started over 20 years ago with a seven-barrel system, the Woodstock Inn Brewery nestled on Main Street in North Woodstock has now grown to a 30-barrel production facility and lab. Their beer is now crisper, cleaner and has a smoother and more balanced finish. The Brewery offers eight year-round brews, including their 4000-Footer IPA, Old Man Oatmeal Stout, and Pig’s Ear Brown Ale. Each season, they also brew special seasonal flavors to be enjoyed on the patio after a long day of hiking or by the fireplace after an epic powder day. No matter what your tastebuds like, there is a beer on tap or in cans waiting for you at the Woodstock Inn Brewery.

one love brewery

One Love Brewery

Located in downtown Lincoln in the historic Henry Paper Mill, One Love Brewery is a German-style beer pub. Brewed in-house and featuring creative names, the beers at One Love are typically German lagers, but you’ll also find some hoppy varieties on tap. Make sure you pair your pint with something delicious from the menu. The starters menu is eccentric featuring items such as Ravioli Tikki Masala, Empanadas, and Poutine. And, don’t miss the burgers! If beer isn’t your drink of choice, then you’ll want to try a cocktail. From White Peach Sangria to Pain Killers, you’ll find something to quench the thirst on a hot day. Did we mention that the deck at One Love Brewery is dog-friendly?

seven birches winery

Seven Birches Winery

It is not every day you find a winery in the mountains of New England. Seven Birches Winery is a boutique winery located at RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain. Using grapes grown around the world and locally in New Hampshire, you’ll find a large variety of white, red, and everything in between wines. Sign up for a wine tour or taste testing or both and discover delicious wine in the Western White Mountains. Their ‘Meet the Winemakers’ tour is for anyone interesting learning all about the production process, and of course sampling the goods. Seven Birches is open to the public for wine tasting, shopping, and gathering.

rhythm ciders

Rhythm Cider

If making wine was not enough, Seven Birches Winery started dipping their toes into making hard cider as well in 2020. Fermented naturally using locally sourced apples, Rhythm Cider currently offers a variety of hard apple cider flavors including Blood Orange, Lemon-Lime, Spiced, Honey and more. The Blueberry Hard Apple Cider is fermented with fresh-press apple juice along with fresh whole blueberries. The Heirloom Cider is barrel-aged, done dry, almost champagne-like, and seasonal so get it before it is gone. Rhythm Cider operates out of Seven Birches Winery.

Gypsy Café

The Gypsy Café on Main Street in Lincoln is a favorite amongst the locals. Co-owned by award-winning chef, Dan Duris, the Gypsy features food from around the world. While the food is delicious, many people come to the Gypsy just for the drinks as they are some of the best in the Western White Mountains. Their margaritas made with fresh, homemade lemon and lime sour mix are legendary. The drink menu also includes a variety of specialty martinis and other cocktails.

twin barns north

Twin Barns North Taproom

Located right on Main Street N. Woodstock, the North Taproom is Twin Barns Brewing Co’s Northern outpost for proper beer, raised in a barn. Delicious beers, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages will surely delight both locals and visitors alike. The Twin Barns North Taproom welcomes patrons to bring their own food, encouraging the support of other local Main Street restaurants. However, if you get a little hungry while enjoying their beverages, they’ve got a great assortment of snacks for purchase. Enjoy live music, community events, year-round patio seating and even a shuffleboard table!

Drink Responsibility!

If you plan on indulging in a few alcoholic beverages in the Western White Mountains, remember to drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive. One of the beauties of the Lincoln/Woodstock area is the closeness of many of the breweries, wineries, and restaurants. You can walk or ride your bike to many of the places. If you are staying at one of the many resorts in the area, they also may have a shuttle that can pick you up at the end of the night.

Discover the delicious beers, wines, and cocktails in the Western White Mountains. And don’t forget to cheers!

For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov

visitnh.gov

How to Dress for Each Season in the Western White Mountains

winter clothes

The White Mountains of New Hampshire is home to diverse and sometimes challenging weather. Mount Washington on the eastern side of the White Mountains is home to the most extreme weather observatory on Earth. First opened in 1870, the Mt. Washington Observatory has experienced some crazy weather, like below zero temperature in the height of summer and wind gusts as high as 231 mph, which is equivalent to an EF5 tornado or a Category 5 hurricane!

While the weather in the Western White Mountains isn’t as extreme, it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single hour in the White Mountains, especially if you’re heading above treeline. The Western White Mountains is home to an abundance of incredible year-round outdoor activities, and just because Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, it’s important to be prepared for all different weather events on your adventures.

winter clothes

Winter

The Western White Mountains can be cold. A couple of years ago, the thermometer read negative 20 degrees without the wind chill for several days in a roll. While your first thought might be to skip the ski slope for the day in favor of drinking hot cocoa (or locally brewed beers!) by the fireplace, if you dress for the weather, you won’t even feel the cold!

Justin Walsh, the Operations Manager for Burgeon Outdoors, is no stranger to extreme weather as a mountaineering guide. He says, “surviving the cold depends on your ability to use layers to regulate your temperature. Clothes don’t make you warm. You make clothes warm. Or another way to put it – if your body is like a furnace in your house and your clothes are the insulation.”

The key for dressing for the cold (or really any other time of the year) is layers! Modularity allows you to adjust your “insulation” to be appropriate at any level of exposure and any level of bodily activity. You’ve probably heard this before, but the old adage is true – cotton kills. Avoid wearing cotton and instead choose items made from moisture-wicking materials such as wool, polyester, or Tencel.

When wearing layers, you should have a base layer, such as long underwear, a middle layer of fleece or light down jacket, and then finally a water-resistant outer layer. Need some suggestions? Check out what Field and Stream recommend here, including the Burgeon Outdoor Flume Base Layer. And don’t forget about your head, hands, and feet! Hats are a great way to keep your head warm. In extreme cold and wind, you’ll likely want a balaclava to keep your face warm, too. Mittens are always warmer than gloves but choose what works best for you. If you’re playing in the snow, you’ll want waterproof gloves. Your feet will be happy with thick non-cotton socks, such as Smartwool. Warming packets can also be used on your hands and feet on those bitter New England winter days.

And don’t forget about eyewear! Goggles are great for winter sports as they stay on your head better and help protect your eyes from potential injuries from tree branches or ski poles. On those bring sunny days, sunglasses are a must! Snow makes everything brighter.

spring clothes

Spring

Spring in the Western White Mountains can vary widely from feeling like a cold January winter day to a hot summer day. And that’s all in the same week! Spring in the mountains always starts with New England’s unofficial fifth season – mud season. As the snow melts in the mountains, the ground turns to mud. You’ll definitely want some tough rain boots and waterproof hiking boots if you’re hitting the trails. Snow in the high peaks might not melt well into June and July. If you’re hiking above treeline, remember to bring layers and be prepared for winter-like weather. Crampons or ice traction devices are a must for safety!

As spring proceeds and summer slowly approaches, the black flies and bugs start to emerge from their winter sleep. Bring bug spray and dress to repel the bugs! This might mean wearing long pants and long sleeves to keep them from biting your skin. As the sun gets brighter and hotter and you begin to wear less clothing, remember the sunscreen!

summer clothing

Summer

Don’t blink! Summer doesn’t last long in the Western White Mountains, but those few glorious months are meant to be enjoyed in the sun. While the mercury can climb quite high in the months, the White Mountains remain relatively moderate in the mountains due to the higher elevations. During the warmer summer months, you’ll likely want to don shorts and a t-shirt. Aim to wear moisture-wicking and UFP-protecting clothing items to help protect your skin and stay cool.

The black flies and mosquitoes are notoriously bad in the summer. That means insect repellent is your new best friend. If the bugs really enjoy your blood type, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants might be the best option for you. Nylon and polyester are fabrics that mosquitoes have a hard time biting through, and avoid dark or bright fabrics as they can attract insects.

Temperatures can drop quickly the higher you climb in the mountains or after dark, so it’s important to pack layers, such as a fleece and warm socks. A hat provides essential sun protection for your face and neck. If you find yourself hiking on one of those rare 90-degree days, a bandana or neck gaiter is a great item to keep in your backpack as you can dunk it in water and wear it around your neck or head to help cool off. If your outside hiking, biking, or enjoying the watersports, remember to pack plenty of water to keep you hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink about a half-liter of water per hour of moderate activity.

fall clothing

Fall

Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for the Western White Mountains as the weather is great and the leaves are turning into a kaleidoscope of colors. In September, you’ll find that the temperatures during the day are often warm enough to wear shorts, but you’ll want to change into long pants and a sweater at night. Fall is a season of layers, especially as we get closer to winter. A fleece or a light jacket is a must, and eventually, you’ll want to break out lightweight gloves for those early morning hikes when the frost starts sticking around long after you finished your morning coffee.

Like winter, fall in the Western White Mountains can widely varied, and it’s best to be prepared for any weather from 70 degrees and sun to 20 degrees and snow. If you forget your favorite hat at home, Lincoln is home to several shops where you can pick up all your favorite gear. Rodgers Ski & Sport has all the cold-weather gear from your favorite brands. For locally made technical outdoor apparel, check out Burgeon Outdoor at the Village Shops in Lincoln.

hiking

Dress Your Best for All Season

The Western White Mountains is beautiful year-round with the right clothing. Bundle up for winter or enjoy the sun during the summer. Whatever you choose, remember that Mother Nature may change her mind in 20 minutes, so bring options!

For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov

visitnh.gov