Went on the best (and most challenging) hike of my life earlier today, on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, and the day before did a hike one on the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop. Both were peak forest bathing and The Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop was a sunny day, and it was so warm and without wind at the top I was able to comfort sunbathe for a good 15 minutes before continuing the rest of the trail towards the falls. You can tell the difference in hikes with the weather (marked difference). The next day (today) I did the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, and it was a refreshing light mist all the way to the top. Wow, what a hike!!! Thus made the Manitty Climb in Manitou Falls a walk in the park in comparison, but it was so fun, and challenging, but so peaceful with the running water of various intensity alongside the path almost all the way to the top. Upon reaching the misty mountain top, it must have been about 0 degrees with the windchill-must have bee 60 m.p.h. winds, that were sending the rain whipping sideways in either direction from one moment to the next. I actually almost got pushed over by it many times, only being prevented from getting knocked off a rock by squatting quickly..first time I've ever felt fear from the wind. Apparently the highest ever wind recording in the eastern United States was recorded somewhere here on Mount Washington, and it was no surprise after spending 15 minutes up there getting tossed around. Hiking this trail makes you a believer in God..because something this cool just can't be an accident. I have never seen such an inside variety of mushrooms either on the lower part of the trail (only a few pictured here, maybe I'll upload more later). read more

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Worth the drive! Especially in the fall the leaves are amazing. Lots of places to hike and cool views. It's an amazing drive through the Kancamagus highway as well! read more

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This is the most eastern national forest in the US. I really enjoyed hiking the trails of this lovely national forest. Trails are of various difficulty which was perfect since during the time of my visit, I was nursing a sprained ankle. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Highly recommend to check out this national forest. I have been twice in the past month and will continue to come back. The Flume Gorge is cheaper if you buy tickets online but well worth it. Tons of trails and waterfalls to check out for free as well. They don't charge a fee on certain holidays (posted a pic of those days) bring $5 cash otherwise and a pen to fill out your pass. Dog friendly except the Flume Gorge. read more

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Words can not begin to describe the beautiy of the White Mountains. You have to see it for yourself as it changes daily depending on season and the amount of sun. I arrived at my hotel near the top of Kangamagus just a it was getting dark. I was thankful that my gps worked and I was able to check in an then go look for a restaurant to eat dinner. When I woke up at 6:00 am, it was pitch black. How easily did I forget what it was like to grow up in the county. There were no lights other than for the hotel. I grabbed a cup of coffee, took some pictures of the mountains and then headed out on my adventure. I had 8 hours to see the White mountains before heading back to Logan airport. In advance, I planned to slowly drive the Kangamagus and then take 93 back to Boston. The front desk gave me a map and I used my gps to get me in my way. About 10 miles into my trip, I pulled over to take a picture. When I got back in the car, I had no cell service. Suddenly, I didn't feel like I was on the right road. It shouldn't have taken so long. I found an information center a couple of miles further up. The ranger assured me that no one has service up here and the gps will turn you around. The best views all day were on 302. I am so happy that I took the wrong turn. I hugged 3 maps for the rest of the time in the mountains! The Kangamagus was the perfect highway for seeiing the foliage and mountain peaks. It's only approximately 36 miles long. It's up to you how long you spend. The people stopping at each spot were friendly and we took pictures of eachother along the way. When I have time, I would like to go back and take an easy hike. Also, I want to stay longer. One day truly isn't enough. The 2nd week in October was incredible. I could not believe how beautiful the foliage was. I'm already planning my trip for next year. read more

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Came through here on our way through the New England area. While there isn't much in the way of physical buildings or points, the views are stunning. I would recommend coming here NO LATER than the first weekend of October to get the full views and fall colors. Mt. Washington was great and the vistas and pull off on the highway was incredible read more

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We had a good time at this place with my family. The nature here is stunning! Make BBC sure to take water and snacks as the stores are far away from the park. read more

A lovely fall foliage 2019 drive through Kancamagus Highway NH. There isn't much to comment/review about the place. If you are a nature lover? Then do not miss to visit this place. It's heaven on earth, specially during fall. Only point that I would like to make here is, if you driving through this highway make sure to bring along a GPS, most of the drive (33+ Miles) there is no cell coverage. And also there are not many restrooms except at certain spots. Check out the pictures and let them speak about the place.! : ) read more

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No matter which white mountain national park trail you're on, they're all fantastic. They're well maintained, some even in the winter months and the rangers work hard to keep the forest clean and pristine. Most stops have a public bathroom for males and females and large parking lots for most stops as well. Though sometimes the lots are full and some places don't allow street parking( Diana's bath). There are multiple day use areas(lower falls), plenty of campgrounds (covered bridge campground) and an alarmingly large number of hiking trails through the New Hampshire's white mountain national forest. There are places like sabbaday falls off of the Kanc, and Glenn Ellis falls near the base of mount Washington itself. A number of emerald pools to check out along the way and some many mountain hikes with amazing views, you just can't go wrong. We live in Maine and we just spend so much time in these mountains that we plan to eventually move here. It just feels like home. Nothing along the east coast beats the magic of the white mountains and all their glory! read more

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Beautiful place super helpful rangers. The trails are well groomed and marked. Clean bathrooms at the trail heads read more

These are my home mountains, every summer in NH, we would go hiking or see attractions. Pick a trail for your level and enjoy. Plenty of waterfalls and other things to be had on short hikes. Or bag one of the presidents. Mount Washington has the highest recorded wind speeds in North America hold on to your hat. For those less rugged you can take the train or drive your car up to the top. Bring bug repellent/sun screen and do Tick checks. NH is #1 in Lymes disease. Don't let it ruin your fun, just be cautious. You can access the Appalachian trail form some trail heads. read more

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Awesome drive on the Kancagamus highway through the scenic White Mountains. Many places to stop and take pictures, this is a must see if you are in the area. read more

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Fall colors haiku: "Kank" does not reflect exquisite beauty throughout leaves change, as things do With sweeping vistas and cozy deciduous forests, the Kancamagus highway is not to be missed for viewing of fall colors. This is a winding, rolling 34 mile drive through the White Mountain National Forest, with plenty of turnouts for picnicking, animal-viewing, hiking, lake-gazing and kicking up leaves. Yup, this is just what I came for. (Don't be turned off by the nickname, "The Kank.") read more

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The White Mountain N.F. celebrated its centennial in May 2018 (the oldest and largest of the only 3 national forests in the Northeast), and has been part of my consciousness for nearly 30 years, ever since I made my first ascent up Cannon Mountain to start peakbagging NH's 48 4,000 footers (all of which are contained, in a relatively small area, within its 750,000 + acres) at age 6 in 1989. I am deeply biased, but it wasn't til I moved to the Midwest that I realized how lucky and privileged I was to have spent my childhood in what is without a doubt the crown jewel of both New Hampshire and all of New England. Between 1989 and 1996, summers involved the hiking boot, winters the ski boot, and fall meant (avoiding) leaf-peepers. (Spring, or mud season' is ephemeral and unremarkable). Back in the 1990's, Boston Globe columnist Mike Barnicle (before being dismissed for plagiarism) wrote an essay comparing New Hampshire with Vermont wherein he disdainfully described the former as looking like "Arkansas with snow (!)" It's like, are you being serious? First off, New Hampshire looks nothing like Arkansas; secondly, even if it did, Arkansas is a lot prettier than your home state of mass of two sh*ts...but he needn't take my word for it. Just ask the 7+ million visitors (many of whom are Globe-reading Bostonians themselves) who trek up to NH to take in all WMNF has to offer. And for the record, the WMNF is almost twice the size of the Green Mountain NF, its Vermont counterpart. Even residents out West, who live in states with multiple national forest/parks/recreation areas, etc. and snow-capped 14K peaks express awe over the ruggedness of the terrain of most the 48 4Kers and think twice before knocking the formidable Mount Washington (a mere 6288', the highest point for over 500 miles, but not even half the height of Whitney, Elbert or Ranier), which has claimed more than 150 lives since 1849 (more than any other peak in the continental US, and second only to Denali). In all my travels across the US and Europe, coming back to WMNF has never failed to satisfy the sense of homeliness and belonging whenever I am either hiking above treeline or simply strolling in the woods listening to the sound of passerine birds or being tempted with the prospect of encountering a moose. All in all, a wonderful place to have spent my childhood, and a place which will serve as a my final resting ground when I'm no longer walking in this world. read more

I visited last fall and it was beautiful. I drove rt112 from lincoln to conway to see the colorful folage. Also lovely scenic viewing area and hicking trails were just delightful. We stopped by at the picnic area to have bbq for lunch. It is a excellent day trip for a family. read more

One of my most favorite places to be in the world. WMNF is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and landscapes in New England, mostly because of the vantage view, but also because the area is so well protected. Some unique features include Mt. Washington (Highest peak north of the Smokey Mountains and east of the Mississippi), Tuckerman Ravine, and the Kancamagus Byway. This is a really popular road in the fall for its prime foliage viewing. Make sure you check with the Smokey the Bear cutouts for the fire danger level before you go in and take out all your trash with you. There are a ton of different mountains in this area that are great to climb and provide some really awesome views from the top. read more

World-class hiking. Over 300 waterfalls, 1500 miles of trails, some of the finest swimming holes in the country, excellent ski resorts, dozens of campgrounds and lodges, and beautiful scenic drives. We spend at least 3 weeks a year up here. Takes five lifetimes to see it all. read more

Amazing number of trails and waterfalls. Great views. I love the White Mountains

Most beautiful place to go during fall season. It has spectacular views on this Lincoln - Kancagamus highway stretch. You can stop and get out off your car anywhere on the way to click photos and enjoy scenes. There are resorts on the way and lots of hiking trails. This stretch doesn't have any gas station in till you reach end of this till north Conway. read more

To quote a traditional song, "I love the mountains!" If you know it, sing along.... Visiting the Kancamagus, the notches, the hiking trails, fall color, love love love. So transcendental. read more

Visits: A half-dozen times at least. Whenever I could get out to it, I did. Scenery: To me, mountain ranges can be separated into two distinct groups: the beautiful ones that you want to call home, and the majestic ones that take your breath away. The White Mountains are the former. I've been up and down the east coast, followed the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia, and these are the mountains that quite literally made me gasp as their snow-capped spring peaks swept upwards on the drive up Interstate 93. They may not be as tall in absolutes as the mountains in the western half of the US, but the height of Mount Washington is not to be derided. The second tallest mountain in the east from sea level, it actually has the greatest prominence (height from base to summit - the height difference we can see). At the base of Mount Washington is a large meadow with tall, swaying grass and brilliant blooms. Grandly purple wild lupines stand out among white oxeye daisies, orange hawkweed, pink dogbane, and many, many other varieties of wildflower. Trilliums and other more delicate blossoms dot the many trails in the park, many of which lead to lovely waterfalls and rapids. And the fall foliage is wonderful. During autumn, the pines and other evergreens of the northern Appalachia are speckled with the oranges, reds, and yellows of oak and maple. Although it may not interest as many, the forest overlooks and campgrounds are wonderful places to stargaze, with some of the darkest skies of the eastern US. The Milky Way, not visible in even the rural countrysides along the coast, shines brightly enough to cast shadows on moonless nights. So many twinkling stars dotted the sky that constellations were difficult to find for their numerousness. Drive: Although the crossing is brief, Interstate 93 cuts through the heart of the White Mountains, and provides breathtaking views. The Kancamagus runs from the east to the west of the mountains, with scenic overlooks well worth the time to stop at, along with several impressive waterfalls right on the side of the road. The Mount Washington Auto Road deserves its own section. The road winds sharply up the side of Mount Washington from the base to the summit. The grade is extremely high, and the drop extremely steep off the unguarded sides of the narrow road. There's is a bus that goes up and down the road for the faint of heart, but the drive is quite an experience itself. Hike: The White Mountains offer a wide variety of hikes of very diverse difficulties. Flat hikes through meadows and to waterfalls are common, but so are intense rock scrambling and rock/ice climbing. Facilities: Sparse, and mostly entrances to pay-for areas nearby, like the Auto Road center or the Flume Gorge. Not generally a problem, though, as small towns are scattered nearby. Personal Favorites: The summit of Mount Washington is worth at least one visit. The winds are truly intense at the summit - there's a reason it held the windspeed record for decades. Jumping straight up means being moved a good foot sideways by the gusts. Although humble, the trail up Mount Pemigawasset is a favorite due to its clear rocky summit that shows off a panoramic view of many of the area's most lovely peaks, and of the "notch" of Franconia Notch below. read more

I had recently had a vacation and decided to go for a drive through the park. It was gorgeous. The foliage had started changing and the trees were beautiful. I saw wild turkeys and other native animals. The waterfall was very beautiful too. I would definitely recommend a drive through the area. There are plenty of areas to pull over and walk around as well. read more

Spent a morning driving around and seeing the fall colors I've heard about all my life. Wonderful time and the views did not disappoint.

Beautiful! Drove up from Boston with my cousin for a day trip. Just stunning and beautiful. Amazing to get close to raw nature and way from skyscrapers and man made structures. The foliage was bright and colorful. The sun was out and was breezy. Perfect weather for a perfect day! read more

This is an awesome place to visit . Amazing scenery, places to turn off and drink in the views. Several hiking trails along the way , not difficult hikes and each with a destination that is beautiful and interesting. Take your time , pack a picnic lunch. Near the Conway end of the highway is the lower falls area. You can and we have , spent an entire day here sunning on the rocks as the river runs through you. Picnic tables, barbecue grills , a pavilion . Wade in the clear , cool waters of the river as you look up at the magnificent scenery. The sounds of children playing, I think the parking cost 3 dollars . Best deal in America. Just hold your nose in the bathroom , other than that a perfect place to spend a relac read more

Wow. Did the Presi Traverse a few weeks back. I'm still thinking about it. Trails are magnificent: well-maintained, extremely challenging. Every vista is worth it. Can't wait to go back. read more