Location: Loops through the White Mountain National Forest in Eastern New Hampshire
Length: 108 miles (173 km)
Time To Allow: 2.5 hours

Description/Highlights/Points of Interest

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire has long been known for its beauty and charm, and the trail is important for its varying topography, the mountain and river views it offers, the variety of its vegetation areas and the 18th- and 19th-century buildings and structures located along it. Much of the corridor is an excellent example of a typical New England rural area unspoiled by overdevelopment.

Suggested Itinerary

The White Mountains Trail begins at North Woodstock or Conway. The following suggested tour lists points of interest consecutively beginning in North Woodstock and traveling toward Conway on U.S. 3. In North Woodstock, stop by Clark's Trading Post to shop, eat, see trained bears and ride a historic railway. Traveling north, visit Whale's Tale Water Park, the region's only full-size water park. Enjoy ocean size breakers in the huge wave pool; unwind in the lazy river or spend the day on the wide variety of waterslides. The Flume Gorge offers a spectacular walk through a natural chasm, over covered bridges and past waterfalls, a scenic pool and mountain views. A free 15-minute movie at the visitor center provides a fine introduction to Franconia Notch State Park and the Gorge.

At the intersection of U.S. 3 with U.S. 302, take U.S. 302 east and ride the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, a historic area railroad. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is located approximately eight miles (12.8 km) from the White Mountains Trail near the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. This historic tourist attraction offers spectacular views from the top of Mt. Washington.

Next stop is Heritage New Hampshire, a living history museum located 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Glen on State Route 16B. Meet the people of New Hampshire, from hopeful settlers to fiery revolutionaries, farmers, factory workers and the conductor on a turn-of-the-century train. You'll hear their stories and experience the sights, sounds and events of 300 years of exciting state history. Near Heritage is StoryLand, a young child's play paradise featuring 20 themed rides, four live shows, and live storybook characters. (Children under three admitted free.)

While traveling the White Mountains Trail complete the loop by taking the Kancamagus Highway, also a National Scenic Byway!

The following organization offers trips in New Hampshire:

Classic New England
Tauck World Discovery
This classic vacation reveals a wealth of splendors! Picture New England's waking meadows sweet with fragrant air, summer sails and brisk breezes as you wander through old mansions, museums and places from history books. Rich in tradition and brimming with antique charm, there is no corner of North America as picturesque, diverse or culturally rewarding.