Outdoor Adventures in the White Mountains: Trails, Water and Parks

The White Mountains cover much of northern New Hampshire, and nearly everything there is to do in them happens outdoors. Hiking gets most of the attention, but the region also offers paddling, mountain biking, climbing, ziplines and some of the most accessible waterfalls in New England. This guide covers the best outdoor activities in the White Mountains NH, grouped by type, with outfitters and bases from our directory, plus what to know about the season you are visiting in.

Crawford Notch: the classic pass

Crawford Notch State Park occupies the center of Crawford Notch, a major pass through the White Mountains on U.S. Route 302 between Bretton Woods and Bartlett. The park covers 5,775 acres and holds some of the best short hikes in the region.

• Arethusa Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire, where Bemis Brook falls over a granite cliff on the western slope of the notch.
• Mount Willard, 2,865 feet, sits in the park and is reached by the Mount Willard Trail. The summit ledges look straight down the notch, and the view is one of the best rewards for the effort in the state.

The AMC Highland Center is a trailhead lodge at the top of Crawford Notch run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. It is a natural base: you can walk to trailheads from the door, and the staff can help with current trail conditions.

Waterfalls near North Conway

Diana's Baths is a series of small waterfalls on Lucy Brook in the town of Bartlett, near North Conway, within the White Mountain National Forest. The site was once a sawmill location in the 1800s and is now protected by the U.S. Forest Service. The walk is short and gentle, which makes it one of the most family-friendly waterfall outings in the region, and it is busy on summer weekends.

Paddling the Saco River

The Saco River drains the eastern White Mountains through Bartlett and Conway before crossing into Maine. Its gentle stretches below Conway are among the most popular paddling and tubing water in New England.

Saco Bound in Conway runs river trips and rents canoes, kayaks and tubes, with shuttles so you do not need two cars. It also offers longer trips, including overnight camping trips. River levels vary through the season, so ask what conditions to expect when you book.

The Mount Washington side: Great Glen

Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast. The Mount Washington Auto Road, opened to the public in 1861, climbs 7.6 miles from Route 16 to the summit. At its base, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham runs a trail network for biking, running and walking in the warmer months and skiing in winter, with kayaking and rentals as well. It is a good choice for families and anyone who wants a big-mountain setting without a big-mountain climb.

Ziplines and canopy tours

Bretton Woods Canopy Tours runs a tree-top canopy and zipline tour on the slopes of the Bretton Woods resort, across the valley from Mount Washington. It is a different way to see the forest, and a good half-day outing for groups with mixed hiking ability.

Climbing in the Mount Washington Valley

North Conway is one of the most important climbing centers in the eastern United States, with Cathedral and White Horse ledges in Echo Lake State Park close to town. International Mountain Equipment on the main road in North Conway is a mountaineering shop and climbing school. It is a good stop for gear, guidebooks and advice, and for booking instruction if you are new to climbing or want to learn new skills.

Mountain biking in Franconia

The western White Mountains have their own riding culture. White Mountain Bike Shop in Franconia sells and services bikes and is a good place to ask about riding in Franconia and the rest of northern New Hampshire.

Where to base yourself

The White Mountains are large, and choosing a base saves hours of driving. North Conway and the Mount Washington Valley put you close to Diana's Baths, the Saco River, the climbing ledges and the road north to Gorham and Great Glen. Bretton Woods and the top of Crawford Notch, where the AMC Highland Center sits, put you closest to the notch hikes, the canopy tours and the western side of Mount Washington. Franconia and Lincoln are the gateway to the western mountains and Franconia Notch, with the Kancamagus Highway connecting Lincoln to Conway. For a short trip, pick one area and explore it well. For a week, split your stay between the east and west sides of the mountains, and use the Kancamagus or Route 302 to move between them.

Choosing the right activity for the season

Spring (April to May). This is mud season. Snow lingers at higher elevations, trails are wet and easily damaged, and conditions can be wintry above treeline well into spring. Choose low-elevation walks, waterfalls running high with snowmelt and valley activities. Waterfalls like Arethusa and Diana's Baths are often at their most powerful now. Check with the AMC or the White Mountain National Forest before attempting higher trails.

Summer. Peak season for paddling, biking, ziplines and hiking. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowded trailheads.

Fall. Foliage season. Trails and roads are busy, so go early on weekdays when you can.

Winter. Skiing at Great Glen and nearby ski areas, ice climbing with a guide and snowshoeing on lower trails.

A two-day outdoor plan

1. Day one, morning: start at the AMC Highland Center and hike Mount Willard for the view down Crawford Notch.

2. Day one, afternoon: drive south on Route 302 to the Arethusa Falls trailhead, or ride the canopy tour at Bretton Woods.

3. Day one, evening: settle in around North Conway.

4. Day two, morning: walk to Diana's Baths early, before the crowds.

5. Day two, afternoon: paddle the Saco with Saco Bound in summer, or drive Route 16 north to Great Glen for biking or a walk at the base of Mount Washington.

In spring, swap the river for a second waterfall and keep hikes low.

Safety basics

• Respect the weather. Mount Washington's weather is famously severe and can change quickly. What is pleasant in the valley may be dangerous above treeline.
• Carry the essentials. Layers, rain gear, water, food, a map and a light, even on short hikes.
• Tell someone your plan and turn around if conditions change.
• Stay on trail in spring to protect wet soils and plants.

FAQ

What are the best outdoor activities in the White Mountains?

Hiking in Crawford Notch, waterfall walks at Arethusa Falls and Diana's Baths, paddling the Saco River, biking at Great Glen, zipline tours at Bretton Woods and climbing in North Conway.

What is the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire?

Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state.

Is April a good time to visit the White Mountains?

It can be, if you plan around mud season: low-elevation walks, waterfalls and valley activities. Higher trails often hold snow and ice.

Can you paddle the Saco River without your own boat?

Yes. Outfitters such as Saco Bound in Conway rent boats and tubes and run shuttles.

Sources

• Crawford Notch State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_Notch_State_Park
• Arethusa Falls, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arethusa_Falls
• Mount Willard, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Willard
• Diana's Baths, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana%27s_Baths
• Saco River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saco_River
• Mount Washington Auto Road, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_Auto_Road
• Echo Lake State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echo_Lake_State_Park
• AMC Highland Center: https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/new-hampshire/highland-center/
• Saco Bound: https://sacobound.com
• Great Glen Trails: https://www.greatglentrails.com
• International Mountain Equipment: https://ime-usa.com
• White Mountain Bike Shop: https://www.whitemountainbikes.com