Find Things To Do In New Hampshire

There are plenty of things to see in the White Mountain Region. In fact, it is home to 18 different New Hampshire Attractions in The White Mountains that have been attracting families to this mountainous region for decades. 

The Mt Washington Auto Road: Is the oldest man made attraction in the United States of America. This  7.6 mile road winds and weaves its way up, up, up to the 6,288 foot summit of Mt. Washington (the tallest mountain in New England famous for its exciting weather). Once there on clear days visitors are met with views all the way into NY and Quebec as well as the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Maine. But it’s the days when the summit is in the clouds that are the most fun! You can drive yourself or book a guided tour.

Santa’s Village : This family owned and operated theme park offers fun rides of all types like their brand new Midnight Flyer roller coaster and Yule Log Flume. They have fun games for any age, their Ho Ho H2O waterpark, and let not forget all of the yummy food venders all around.  Families have been returning each year for the past 80 years. 

The Cog Railroad : This historic railroad has been chugging its way up and down the western side of Mt. Washington since 1869. It was originally built as a tourist attraction for the hundreds of folks coming to Northern NH’s Grand Hotels of old to escape the summer heat of Boston and New York. Some of their engines are still steam powered, which is pretty cool. 

Wildcat Mountain Scenic Chairlift Rides: Wildcat has been voted number one “Best View” by Ski Magazine year after year and is one of the best New Hampshire downhill ski areas to visit in the winter.  In the summer and fall Wildcat offers smooth and quiet chairlift rides to the top of Wildcat Mountain. Visitors can get off at the top to walk around or have a picnic while taking in the jaw dropping view of Mt Washington directly in front of them. Beyond simply being one of the best thing to see in the White Mountains, it is hands down one of the best views in New England as a whole. Then, when you are ready to go down, just hop back on the chair lift and gently glide safely back to your car and onto your next adventure!

Gorham New Hampshire Moose Tours: In the summertime, the town of Gorham NH offers Moose Tours in one of their comfortable tour buses. The tour is 3-4 hours and armed with a local tour guide you’ll head out on a moose finding adventure! This is the longest-running Northern New Hampshire wildlife tour. Their experienced wildlife guides know just where to search and find Moose! Go to https://gorhammoosetours.org/ for more info and to book your tour.

SPRING: Spring Skiing in New Hampshire is what Northern NH’s activity in spring is all about! When most ski areas in New England have closed at the end of March, our Northern NH resorts keep ripping through toward May and Tuckerman Ravine usually has skiable snow into June. You do have to earn those turns though. There is nothing better than warm spring bluebird days followed by some afternoon tailgate BBQ. Hope to see you on the slopes.

SUMMER: Northern New Hampshire’s summertime activity is a rockin ‘time. Hikers, bikers, and paddlers come to play in nature. Families and friends come camping and ATVers gather to “Ride The Wilds”. The cooler summer temperatures caused by the higher elevation makes for a great summer escape. Check out the Northern New Hampshire activities above to find some that are right up your alley. Come Outside and Play!

FALL: Fall is Northern New Hampshire’s leaf peeping time! The vibrant green leaves of summer change into dazzling reds, yellows, and oranges. Tour buses and visitors from around the world come with cameras in hand to experience the New Hampshire fall foliage spectacle. Due to the logging and maple syrup history of the region, maple trees (which produce the most beautiful fall leaf colors of any tree) dominate the region and put on quite the show. Fall is also a fantastic time to hike, bike, and boat!

WINTER: As the bright fall foliage falls, a fresh white blanket of freshly fallen snow soon appears and along with it, winter fun! Skiers and snowmobilers from all around New England begin to dust off their gear and get ready for another Northern New Hampshire Skiing season. From downhill skiing, to cross country skiing, to snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing, Northern New Hampshire’s winter activities offer a winter paradise where we can all be kids again and play in the snow just like we used to.

Here’s a list of New Hampshire attractions that you may find attractive….you see what I did there;

Northern NH Camping Options – Northern NH IS camping. With over 70 different campgrounds in the region to choose from you’ll be sure to find the camping experience that you are looking for. 

Northern NH Hikes- With thousands of miles of New Hampshire hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail and Tuckerman Ravine Trail you could hike a new trail everyday for years and never run out of options. 

Northern NH Biking Trails– Northern NH has many mountain bike parks found at locations like Coos Trails, Bethlehem Trails, Parker Mt. Trails, and Great Glen Trails., long distance treks like the Cross NH Adventure Trail and Presidential Rail Trail and hundreds of miles of scenic byways to road bike.  

Northern NH Boating Areas– Northern NH’s large lakes with their mostly undeveloped shorelines, deep, cold, and clear waters make for a day on the lake that you will not find anywhere else. Keep your eyes out for Moose!

Northern NH Cabin Rentals – With hundreds of cabin rentals in New Hampshire, many of which are on lakes, there is no better place for the cabin experience that we all crave. Sign me up!

Northern NH Canoeing & Kayaking – The mighty Androscoggin, Ammonoosuc, and Connecticut Rivers provide wonderful paddling for folks of all ages. For those looking to explore lakes, Lake Umbagog is a fantastic National Wildlife Reserve full of Loons, Bald Eagles, and many furry forest friends. Enjoy!

Northern NH Dog Sledding -. For those looking for something fun and different, check out our dog sled page to learn all about this unique and extremely fun experience. Bet your neighbors didn’t do this on their vacation! Mush!

Northern NH Golf Courses -. From the Omni Mount Washington Golf Course in the south to the Colebrook Country Club in the North, you’ll find a course that sings to you while enjoying an amazing White Mountain Backdrop. Hit em straight!

Northern NH ATV Rentals – Northern NH has a designated ATV park as well as the largest interconnected ATV trail system in the north eastern United States. Ride Safe!

Visit Local NH Art Galleries, Artists & Makers – We have many local artists and makers in the area who display their art in New Hampshire’s art galleries and also at our many farmers markets. Bring some local art home with ya!

Northern NH Nature Walks – For anyone who would like to get into nature but not go too far to do so, Northern New Hampshire’s walking trails have you covered. Check out our Nature Walk page for a complete list as well as some popular suggestions. Have fun!

Northern NH Picnic Areas – Life may not always be a picnic, but Northern NH is always a great place to have one! With great take out food options and many picnic areas located in beautiful locations throughout the region it’s a match made in heaven!

Northern NH Rock Climbing Locations – The White Mountains host some of the best climbing locations in New Hampshire like the well known Cathedral Ledge as well as great climbing gyms like North Country Climbing Center. So, stop Delaying and get Belaying! 

Northern NH Skiing Areas – Downhill skiers will love Wildcat, Black, and Bretton Woods Ski Resorts. For cross country enthusiasts Great Glen Trails, Nansen Ski Club, and Mohawk Falls Nordic Center are groomed and waiting to take you out on a date! Now the only question is “what color wax to use”. 

Northern NH Snowshoeing – What a great way to get outside in the snow! Northern NH has many options for lessons and rentals. If you have your own pair….then all of Northern NH is your personal playground!

Northern NH White Water Rafting – Need a little adrenalin fix? Try going out for the day or half day with one of our rafting outfitters. That’ll do it.

Visit Our Northern NH Outdoor Retailers– Since AT thru hikers and section hikers are passing through this beautiful region, our gear shops need to be on point to make sure that they can get the hikers repaired and refueled as quickly as possible. Happy shopping!