White Mountain National Forest

Rate this place

Parks

New-Hampshire

Nearby: Wellington State Park Cardigan State Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White Mountain National Forest, located in the state of New Hampshire, is a stunning and diverse natural landscape renowned for its breathtaking beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Here is a summary of why you should visit, key points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: The White Mountains boast picturesque landscapes including forests, lakes, rivers, and majestic peaks, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
2. Outdoor Recreation: The forest offers numerous recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, skiing, and snowboarding, catering to all skill levels and interests.
3. Mount Washington: Home to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, Mount Washington offers stunning panoramic views and challenging hikes.
4. Waterfalls: The region features an abundance of stunning waterfalls, such as the popular Sabbaday Falls, Diana's Baths, and Arethusa Falls, offering great opportunities for photography and relaxation.
5. Wildlife: White Mountain National Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Points of Interest:
1. Kancamagus Highway: This scenic byway runs through the heart of the forest, offering breathtaking views, trailheads, picnic areas, and access to several waterfalls.
2. Franconia Notch State Park: Located within the forest, this park features iconic attractions like the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the Basin, a natural granite pothole.
3. Mount Washington Cog Railway: Embark on an unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Washington aboard the historic cog railway, enjoying spectacular views along the way.
4. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves: Explore a series of caves, waterfalls, and glacial boulders along a wooden boardwalk, providing a unique adventure for all ages.

Interesting Facts:
1. White Mountain National Forest spans over 750,000 acres, encompassing parts of New Hampshire and Maine.
2. Established in 1918, it is one of the most visited national forests in the United States.
3. The forest contains over 1,200 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail.
4. The area is known for its extreme weather conditions, including strong winds, cold temperatures, and heavy snowfall, especially on Mount Washington.

Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit White Mountain National Forest depends on the activities you wish to partake in. Summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather for hiking, camping, and exploring waterfalls. Fall foliage season (late September to early October) attracts visitors with its vibrant display of colors, making it a popular time to visit. Winter (December to February) provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and winter photography. Spring (April to May) offers milder temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds for those seeking a peaceful experience.

Sources:
- United States Forest Service: White Mountain National Forest
- Visit White Mountains
- New Hampshire State Parks

Explore Interactive Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References