White Mountain National Forest is a picturesque destination located in the heart of New Hampshire, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Spanning over 750,000 acres, this national treasure provides a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine tundras, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Known for its stunning fall foliage, White Mountain National Forest is a must-visit destination during the autumn months when the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow hues. The forest is also home to numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the region at their own pace.
Whether you're driving through the scenic byways or taking a leisurely hike, White Mountain National Forest offers breathtaking views, including Mount Washington and other iconic peaks. The forest also provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, with a variety of animals such as moose, deer, and birds inhabiting the area.
Customer Feedback:
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Debit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Absolutely gorgeous place to visit during fall foliage. I got to see some of the great fall colours that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the country. Must visit spot if you are living in nearby states. Although some scenic spots get too crowded during peak colors.
Amazing fall foliage and beautiful landscape with a variety of different shades and viewpoints. The traffic and parking is great and spread out even during the peak hours. The area is very quiet and peaceful and go for a hike, keep away from the huge crowds and explore yourself. Great wildlife, trees and little stops on the way through. Definitely recommend it
No matter what the season is, or the diversity to age groups in your party, the White Mountain National Forest has something for everyone. The numerous area attractions are great for young and old, and the food options and quality are phenomenal.
We enjoyed our time in the White Mountain National Forest because of the beautiful landscapes and trail system. We came at the end of October so most of the fall colours had wrapped up but there were also significantly less crowds so we could really enjoy the park and the remaining warm days. The Kancamagus highway offers amazing views and many scenic vistas that are accessible via car. It is valuable to know that the visitor centre is located in the town of Lincoln off of highway 93 and 112 so if you are looking for maps/information or souvenirs, you need to stop there ahead of your visit. There were very limited outhouses and parking at most trail heads but you can park along the road in some areas (watch for signage). As others have mentioned, you do need to be a lot more aware when navigating the trail system because it isn’t always clearly marked and some of the (limited) signage are way point markers rather than the beginning of the actual new trail. We aren’t sure if this is the norm across all national forests but as tourists, it was good to learn that quickly haha. We also recommend bringing cash as there is a fee of $5 per vehicle for the day.
The foliage was absolutely stunning this year! Pictures really didn't capture how vivid the colors were. We were so glad we didn't skip Glen Ellis Falls. The snow on Mt Washington was so pretty in the middle of all the colors!