10 Things to Do in the White Mountain Region

Better yet, photograph yourself doing each of these activities and post your photos in Our Gallery Section and you'll receive a $5 gas card from Irving Gasoline. (If you haven't yet registered to upload photos or write a blog, sign up now!)

Going on vacation? Drop this podcast into your player and bring it with you! Or listen now:

1. Trek to Glen Ellis Falls
   Glen Ellis Falls is located in Pinkham Notch, deep in the heart of the White Mountain Rregion. The falls drop 64 feet from a rocky cliffside into a pool of turquoise water. The best part about this waterfall is that it is located a mere .2 miles from a parking area off Route 16. You'll want to sit and enjoy the sound of the falls splashing in the pool below. But for a little more drama, check out the 200-foot Arethusa Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. You can find Arethusa in Crawford Notch but you'll have to hike in about 5 miles to catch the beauty of this natural New Hampshire wonder.
   


2. The Flume in June
   New Hampshire residents will appreciate The Flume Gorge in June (or any other time of the year). The reason for June? The state makes admission to all New Hampshire state parks free on Residents Day, which usually falls on Father's Day in June. We say head for the Flume. With its hiking trails, waterfalls, granite walls, and 800' natural gorge, the Flume sits at the base of Mount Liberty in Franconia Notch State Park. The park is designed for everyone. You don't have to be an experienced hiker to manage the stairs and bridges that carry you over treacherous terrain and flowing water. It's a beautiful place at any time of year, but early fall, when color contrasts with the green and granite, is spectacularly special.
   


3. Take the Tramway
   The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway takes visitors to the top of the 4180' summit of Cannon Mountain. The eight-minute ride offers views all the way to Canada on a clear day! The 70-passenger tramway is a treat during all four seasons, but is especially extraordinary during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
   


4. Bath's Bridges
   Take a detour to the Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge on Route 135 in Woodsville Village. This 256-foot long bridge is the oldest covered bridge in the nation. It was built in 1829. The Bath-Haverhill Bridge, which spans the Ammonoosuc River, features two spans and a pedestrian sidewalk, but the bridge is only open to foot-traffic today. Two other covered bridges are located in the town of Bath. The Bath Bridge is the longest covered bridge totally within New Hampshire. It spans the Ammonoosuc River too, and can be found west of Route 302. The Swiftwater Bridge can be found north of Route 112 in Bath. There is a popular swimming hole below the bridge in the brisk waters of the Wild Ammonoosuc River. If you are heading to or through Bath, you might as well take in all three bridges while you are there.
   


5. Find Frankenstein's Trestle
   Whether you discover it by train or by foot, Frankenstein's Trestle, which is part of the Conway Scenic Railroad is a sight to behold. The wooden trestle bridges a gap on the side of a mountain in Crawford Notch, and appears to dangle precariously on the edge. You can get to the bridge by hiking in approximately 5 miles from the same parking lot on the side of Route 302 marked Arethusa Falls. And from there you'll head up to Frankenstein's Cliff, passing under Frankenstein Trestle on your way. At the top, you'll have panoramic views of Mt. Hope, Mt. Bemis and Mount Crawford.
   


6. Stare at the Bears
   Clark's Trading Post, located in Lincoln is a family-run operation that features interactive attractions for kids of all ages. But we'll admit, we really go for the bears. Their trained bear show runs three times a day. It's true that each performance is unique; these are wild animals after all, and they are native to New Hampshire, in case you were wondering. Other attractions include the 2½ hour steam-powered train ride via the White Mountain Central Railroad. Clark's also features Tuttle's Rustic House, a 15-minute guided tour is an amusing peek in to the life of the Tuttles. Bumper Boats, the Old Man Climbing Wall, and Merlins Mystical Mansion will have you scratching your head with wonder. This is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the state. So, what are you waiting for?
   


7. Can't Miss the Kancamagus
   You can't miss a scenic trip down the Kancamagus Highway while you are in the Mount Washington region. It is perhaps the best Scenic Drive in the state, with its scenic overlooks, winding roads and spectacular surrounding views of the Pemigewasset Valley. The Kancamagus has several pull-offs, where you can jump into pools of water and slip down natual waterslides during a hot summer day. Head east on Route 112 off Interstate 93N to get there.
   


8. The Cog Climb
   The Mount Washington Cog Railway is an unforgettable experience. The ride to the top of Mount Washington is one-of-a-kind, featuring some of the steepest tracks that exist in the world. It is true that you climb above the clouds on your steam-powered trip to the top of the 6,288-foot Mount Washington. It is the cog's patented construction that allows it to make the 37% grade to the summit, making the people at the front of the train 14' higher than those in the back during the ascent. A regular railroad would slide back down the mountain. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for railroad fans and anyone who wants to catch the view from the top of the highest peak in New Hampshire.
   


9. Watch the Presses
   The White Mountain Cider Company in Glen is a remodeled 1880's farmhouse that features a restaurant, country store and a Cider Press where cider is pressed during the fall. In the country store, you'll find their fresh daily made apple cider donuts, apple butter jams and other locally made products. From Labor Day to Christmas, you can watch as they press their own cider. You'll find the White Mountain Cider Company one mile west of the Route 302/16 Junction.
   


10. Oldest General Store
    The White Mountains is home to the oldest continually operated general store in the country, located in Bath. The Brick Store can be found on Route 302 in Bath. The store dates back to 1790, though other records indicate that it was built in 1824. Either way, stepping into the Brick Store is like stepping back in time. Featuring many New England specialties, like smokehouse meats and cheeses, groceries, homemade fudge, maple syrup, weathervanes and other gift items. At one time the store sold liniments, ointments and other "Snake oil" remedies. Its historical significance makes it a popular stop for visitors in the region.