The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Bird-Watching

Audubon Society of New Hampshire schedules monthly field trips throughout the state and a fall bird-watching tour to Star Isle and other parts of the Isles of Shoals.

Contact

Audubon Society of New Hampshire (3 Silk Farm Rd., Concord, 03301. 603/224-9909. www.nhaudubon.org).

Fishing

Many companies along the coast offer rentals and charters for deep-sea fishing and cruises. Inland, for trout and salmon fishing, try the Connecticut Lakes, though any clear White Mountain stream (there are 650 mi of them in the national forest alone) will do. Many streams are stocked. Conway Lake -- the largest of the area's 45 lakes and ponds -- is noted for smallmouth bass and, early and late in the season, good salmon fishing. For information about fishing and licenses, call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Contact

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (603/271-3211. www.wildlife.state.nh.us).

Hiking

Among the 86 major peaks in the White Mountains, hiking possibilities are endless. Innkeepers can usually point you toward the better nearby trails; some inns schedule guided day trips for guests. The White Mountain National Forest office has information on hiking as well as on the parking passes ($5) that are required in the national forest. New England Hiking Holidays conducts hikes in the White Mountains with lodging in country inns for two to eight nights. Hikes, each with two guides, allow for different levels of ability and cover between 5 and 10 mi per day.

Contacts

New England Hiking Holidays (603/356-9696 or 800/869-0949. www.nehikingholidays.com). White Mountain National Forest (U.S. Forest Service, 719 Main St., Laconia, 03246. 603/528-8721. www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain).

Foliage Hotline

A fall-foliage hotline is regularly updated with information on leaf-peeping conditions.

Contact

Foliage hotline (800/258-3608).

Skiing

Ski New Hampshire has information on downhill and cross-country snow sports in the state.

Contact

Ski New Hampshire (Box 10, North Woodstock, 03262. 603/745-9396 or 800/887-5464. www.skinh.com).