WHITE MOUNTAINS, NH
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
Prior to May 3 I would likely have recommended seeing the Old Man rock formation in Franconia Notch first, but alas he is no more. Here are some other options:
The Flume, at the south end of Franconia Notch, is a gorge that you can walk through on a catwalk. There are more spectacular gorges in the world, but this one is very pleasant, particularly on a hot day. There's a fee.
Just north of the Flume is the Basin, an area of some pretty spectacular glacial potholes, if you're into that sort of thing (I am). Look for the sign and pull into the parking area - no fee.
From Lafayette Campground, a bit more north and well marked, there's a very nice and not terribly strenuous hiking trail that leads up to Lonesome Lake, with spectacular views of Franconia Ridge and other peaks in the area. Actually, there is an entire network of hiking trails throughout the Whites - more info available from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) website.
Cannon Mountain, at the northern end of Franconia Notch, has an aerial tram that takes you to the summit for a moderate fee.
The next notch to the east is Crawford, which has the Mt. Washington Hotel, site of the famous Bretton Woods conference, just north of it. Definitely worth stopping in for a look and for a drink from the veranda with its spectacular views of Mt. Washington. From approximately the same area you can ride the cog railway to the summit - it's expensive.
Further south, at the head of the notch itself, the old Crawford depot train station, now an AMC facility, is the start of the trail up Mt Willard where from the exposed cliffs on the summit one can gain the most spectacular view in the Whites for the least physical effort (about a one-hour easy hike). Other nice destinations in the area are Arethusa Falls, Ripley Falls, and Diana's Baths. The folks at the AMC center can direct you. I would recommend avoiding North Conway, at the southern end of the notch, unless you like outlet stores and traffic jams.
One more notch east is Pinkham, where a slightly strenuous hike leads you up into Tuckerman Ravine, probably the best example of a glacial cirque in the Whites. From this area you can also access the auto road and drive to the summit, a trip that requires nerves of steel and a fat bank account.
Veal is available pretty much anywhere anytime in larger markets. Venison (some locals might call it "deer meat") is not commonly available in this part of the world, except through specialty butchers, which are few and far between in northern New Hampshire.
The Flume, at the south end of Franconia Notch, is a gorge that you can walk through on a catwalk. There are more spectacular gorges in the world, but this one is very pleasant, particularly on a hot day. There's a fee.
Just north of the Flume is the Basin, an area of some pretty spectacular glacial potholes, if you're into that sort of thing (I am). Look for the sign and pull into the parking area - no fee.
From Lafayette Campground, a bit more north and well marked, there's a very nice and not terribly strenuous hiking trail that leads up to Lonesome Lake, with spectacular views of Franconia Ridge and other peaks in the area. Actually, there is an entire network of hiking trails throughout the Whites - more info available from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) website.
Cannon Mountain, at the northern end of Franconia Notch, has an aerial tram that takes you to the summit for a moderate fee.
The next notch to the east is Crawford, which has the Mt. Washington Hotel, site of the famous Bretton Woods conference, just north of it. Definitely worth stopping in for a look and for a drink from the veranda with its spectacular views of Mt. Washington. From approximately the same area you can ride the cog railway to the summit - it's expensive.
Further south, at the head of the notch itself, the old Crawford depot train station, now an AMC facility, is the start of the trail up Mt Willard where from the exposed cliffs on the summit one can gain the most spectacular view in the Whites for the least physical effort (about a one-hour easy hike). Other nice destinations in the area are Arethusa Falls, Ripley Falls, and Diana's Baths. The folks at the AMC center can direct you. I would recommend avoiding North Conway, at the southern end of the notch, unless you like outlet stores and traffic jams.
One more notch east is Pinkham, where a slightly strenuous hike leads you up into Tuckerman Ravine, probably the best example of a glacial cirque in the Whites. From this area you can also access the auto road and drive to the summit, a trip that requires nerves of steel and a fat bank account.
Veal is available pretty much anywhere anytime in larger markets. Venison (some locals might call it "deer meat") is not commonly available in this part of the world, except through specialty butchers, which are few and far between in northern New Hampshire.
#4
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Definitely go to the flume as above poster suggests and either drive or take the cog railway to the summit of Mt. Washington. The gondola to the summit of Cannon Mt. is also a good bet.
Town of North Conway is a fun one to explore. Lots of outlet stores if you are into a bit of shopping.
Have a great time. You will love the White Mountains.
Town of North Conway is a fun one to explore. Lots of outlet stores if you are into a bit of shopping.
Have a great time. You will love the White Mountains.
#5
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
I always love Lost River in North Woodstock. I also suggest main street in Littleton NH. It is so quaint which a couple of great places to eat. The Oasis, Millers Fare, Beal House, Clam Shell to name a few. Fab shops like All that Jazz, Art to Go, Chutters, Alakai and more. Have fun!




