1. Hike Through Time at Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is an 800-foot natural gorge that was discovered by a local elderly lady in 1808. Since that time, it has become a popular place for visitors and locals alike to get out into nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Those who wish to visit the Flume Gorge can hike in from the Flume Visitor’s Center. From there, you can either hike just the distance of the gorge or can traverse a scenic 2-mile loop through the area. The walk is moderately difficult with a large number of stairs and a great deal of uphill walking.
852 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251, Phone: 603-745-8391
2. Breathe Deep and Explore Wide in White Mountain National Forest
Clark’s Trading Post is a popular family-friendly theme attraction in the White Mountains. The park has a number of rides and shows, including a famous black bear show, Chinese acrobats, water blaster boats, climbing towers, and an exciting water raft ride called the Anaconda Escape. There are five museums, including a museum of old time Americana as well as four shops stocked with a wide variety of souvenir gifts. One of the most popular attractions is the White Mountain Central Railroad, which operates seasonally, several times a day. The train ride takes about 25 minutes and travels through a covered bridge from 1904 that spans the beautiful Pemigewasset River.
71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH 03223, Phone: 603-536-6100
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Make a Splash at Whale’s Tale Water Park
White Mountain National Forest is a US Forest Service managed forest on the border of Maine and New Hampshire in the White Mountains. The forest is a year-round destination with plenty of summer adventure and areas to explore, such as clear mountain lakes, winding streams, ample wildlife watching opportunities, and more. In the fall, the park turns vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and yellows and is a popular place to view foliage. The wintertime brings snow and skiing to the mountains as well as road closures. The park has a cog railway that carries visitors up a mountain peak to enjoy the scenery, both on the way up and from the top.
481 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, Phone: 603-745-8810
4. If You’re Up for High-Flying Adventure, Go Wild with Alpine Adventures
Whale’s Tale Water Park is a family-friendly waterpark that spans 17 acres. The park has been open for 25 years and has won awards as being one of the best waterparks in the country. There are 11 different attractions in the park, including the newest, Akua Beach and Poseidon’s Village. Those looking for the thrill of a water slide will find six different exciting options in the park with something for all ages. There’s also a large wave pool and a lazy river that everyone enjoys. There are several rides and attractions that cater to both kids and adults, including Whale Harbor, a play area for young kids and toddlers with several fountains and water slides.
41 Main Street, Lincoln, NH 03251, Phone: 603-745-9911
5. Shred Slopes or Soak in Summer Fun at Attitash Mountain Resort
Alpine Adventures is a massive mountain park that offers a variety of exciting attractions such as off-road safari tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, a high ropes course, ziplining, and treetop canopy tours. The park is very family friendly and many of the attractions are great for older kids and teenagers, especially the tree top canopy tour, which is perfect for first-time zipliners and families. They’ve also recently opened a water adventure component to the park, including a water play area with ziplines known as Candia Springs Adventure Park and a more traditional waterpark called Whale’s Tale Water Park.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Ride to the Top and Take in the Views at Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain is a ski area located inside Franconia Notch State Park. There are eleven total ski lifts that access 97 trails and glades on the mountain. The park’s 285 skiable acres offer skiing of every difficulty level, so there’s something for beginners all the way up to very experienced skiers. There’s also an onsite ski and snowboard school for those who wish to learn, so don’t let your inexperience keep you away! Cannon Mountain was also home to the first passenger tramway in the United States. It was built in 1938 and the original tramway operated until it was replaced by the current tram in 1980.
260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-8800
7. If You Crave Natural Beauty and Big Views, Roam Franconia Notch State Park
This park’s namesake, Franconia Notch, is a breathtaking mountain pass that you can travel through on 8 miles of I-93 from Echo Lake to the Flume Gorge. The road is quite curvy but offers stunning views as it passes between the mountains of the Franconia and Kinsmen mountain ranges. In literature, Franconia Notch was the famous home of the Old Man of the Mountain. Other interesting attractions exist quite near the park, such as the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake, making this area a treasure trove for adventure and nature lovers. Camping is a popular activity in the park, as is swimming, paddling, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
260 Tramway Drive, Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-8800
Where to Eat:
8. Refuel Like a Local at Gordi’s Fish and Steak House
Gordi’s Fish and Steak House is a laidback family-owned restaurant and bar that serves a delightful menu of seafood, beef, chicken, and pasta dishes as well as burgers and sandwiches. The rustic interior is decked out in ski memorabilia, playing homage to the fact that two of the owners were previously Olympic skiers. The restaurant also has outdoor dining for those who are looking for a pleasant al fresco meal. Menu specials include the Gordi’s Bleu Cheese Filet Mignon, the prime rib and the Belgian-style mussels. On Thursdays they offer an all you can eat fish and chips special, which is popular among both locals and visitors.
260 Main Street, Lincoln, NH 03251, Phone: 603-745-6635
Plan Your Trip