Lincoln and North Woodstock Town Guide: Gateway to the Kancamagus

Lincoln and North Woodstock sit side by side at the southern end of Franconia Notch, where Interstate 93 meets the western end of the Kancamagus Highway. Together they are one of the busiest bases in the White Mountains, and for good reason: a ski resort, a state park, a famous scenic drive and a cluster of family attractions are all within a few miles. This guide covers the things to do in Lincoln NH and its neighbor, with a focus on what holds up across the seasons. We have separate guides to restaurants and to hotels in the area, so this one concentrates on the attractions and the lay of the land.

The two towns at a glance

Lincoln is a town in Grafton County with 1,631 residents at the 2020 census, and it is the second-largest town by area in New Hampshire. Most of that land is forest, and large parts of the town lie within the White Mountain National Forest. The Appalachian Trail crosses its western and northeastern sections. The main settlement runs along New Hampshire Route 112, east of Interstate 93, where the highway becomes Main Street. Lincoln also hosts the New Hampshire Highland Games and part of Franconia Notch State Park.

Woodstock, just west and south, had 1,434 residents at the 2020 census. Its commercial center is the village of North Woodstock, where U.S. Route 3 crosses Route 112. The town was first granted in 1763 and was renamed Woodstock in 1840, possibly in a nod to the Walter Scott novel of that name.

From logging town to resort town

Lincoln was built on timber. In 1892 James Everell Henry bought about 100,000 acres of virgin forest and set up a logging business at what is now the center of town, adding a pulp and paper mill in 1902. Papermaking continued under later owners until 1971. Tourism is now the main business, with Loon Mountain and the Flume among the biggest draws.

North Woodstock's story is similar. The railroad brought out wood products and, in the 19th century, brought in tourists, many drawn by paintings of the White Mountains. Visitors took carriage rides through the mountains or explored the Lost River. When cars replaced trains, many grand hotels near the depots closed, but North Woodstock remains a popular destination.

Drive the Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is the eastern part of Route 112, running 32 miles through the White Mountains from Lincoln to Conway. About 26.5 miles of it are designated a National Scenic Byway. It is known for its autumn foliage, and September and October are its busiest months. The road stays open all winter, though crews occasionally close it briefly to clear heavy snow.

Start in Lincoln with a full tank, since services along the highway are limited. Leave time for overlooks and short walks, and expect heavy traffic on peak foliage weekends. Going early in the day makes a real difference.

Loon Mountain Resort

Loon Mountain Resort is the anchor of Lincoln's economy. The mountain has two summits, the North Peak at 3,065 feet and the South Peak at 2,807 feet, and like most New England resorts it has grown into an all-season recreation area. A third summit, Loon Peak, is a northwest spur of North Peak, and each of the three peaks is topped by one or more of the resort's chairlifts. It has announced an expansion at Black Ridge, adding expert-level glades in the White Mountain National Forest. Check the resort's site for seasonal operations and lift tickets.

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

West of North Woodstock on Route 112, Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves sits in Kinsman Notch. At the end of the last Ice Age, huge boulders fell from the walls of the notch and covered the Lost River, creating a network of boulder caves. The gorge is owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and operated as an attraction, with a wooden boardwalk trail, ladders into the caves, waterfalls and a forest adventure trail. Its website says it is closed for the 2026 season and plans to reopen in May 2027, so check its site before you plan a visit.

The Flume and Franconia Notch

The southern part of Franconia Notch State Park, including Lonesome Lake and the Flume, lies within Lincoln. The Flume, discovered in 1808, is a natural canyon extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. It is one of the most visited attractions in the state and is a seasonal paid attraction. Farther north in the park are Cannon Mountain and its aerial tramway, Echo and Profile lakes, and the Old Man of the Mountain historical site.

Ride the rails

The Granite State Railway, listed in our directory under its earlier name, runs scenic train rides and rail bike outings from downtown Lincoln. The same operator also runs rides in the Lakes Region. Seasonal themed trains run at some times of year, so check the schedule and book ahead.

Taste local wine

Seven Birches Winery is a working commercial winery inside the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain. Its tasting room, which it calls the Discovery Center, is part of a larger winery facility, and it offers winery tours as well as wine and cider. It makes a good stop on a rainy afternoon or at the end of a day outside.

Climb with a guide

The cliffs around Franconia Notch and the crags at nearby Rumney draw climbers from across the Northeast. Mooney Mountain Guides is a guide service owned and operated by an AMGA/IFMGA licensed mountain guide. It offers rock climbing, including introductory days in Franconia Notch, trips at Rumney and routes on Cannon Cliff, along with ice climbing, ski programs and avalanche courses. A guided day is the safest way for beginners to try climbing in the mountains.

Where to stay

Indian Head Resort on U.S. Route 3 in Lincoln is a classic White Mountains property with resort rooms, cottages, bungalows and houses for larger groups. It has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs that are open year-round, a private lake called Shadow Lake that it stocks with trout every spring, tennis courts, walking trails, and an observation tower. The Profile Room and Thunderbird Lounge look out over the lake and the mountains.

For more choices, see our guide to hotels in Lincoln and Waterville Valley.

A weekend plan

1. Day one, morning: walk the Flume or another trail in Franconia Notch.

2. Day one, afternoon: a train ride or rail bike outing from downtown Lincoln, then a winery tasting.

3. Day one, evening: dinner in Lincoln or North Woodstock.

4. Day two, morning: drive the Kancamagus Highway early, before the traffic builds.

5. Day two, afternoon: if Lost River Gorge has reopened, explore it on the way home; otherwise drive the rest of Kinsman Notch on Route 112.

FAQ

How long is the Kancamagus Highway?

It runs 32 miles from Lincoln to Conway, and 26.5 miles of it are a National Scenic Byway.

Is the Kancamagus Highway open in winter?

Yes. It stays open all winter, though it can close briefly while crews clear heavy snow.

What is the difference between Lincoln and North Woodstock?

They are neighbors. Lincoln is its own town, and North Woodstock is the main village of the town of Woodstock.

How tall is Loon Mountain?

Its North Peak reaches 3,065 feet.

Who owns Lost River Gorge?

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests owns the gorge and operates it as an attraction.

Sources

• Lincoln, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (population, area, history, Flume): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln,_New_Hampshire
• Woodstock, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodstock,_New_Hampshire
• New Hampshire Route 112 / Kancamagus Highway, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kancamagus_Highway
• Loon Mountain, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loon_Mountain
• Loon Mountain Resort official site: https://www.loonmtn.com/
• Lost River (New Hampshire), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_River_(New_Hampshire)
• Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves official site: https://www.lostrivergorge.com
• Franconia Notch State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franconia_Notch_State_Park
• Granite State Railway official site: https://gsscenic.com
• Seven Birches Winery official site: https://sevenbirches.com/
• Mooney Mountain Guides official site: https://www.mooneymountainguides.com/
• Indian Head Resort official site and amenities page: https://www.indianheadresort.com/amenities