Hiking
You’ll find world-class hiking just a short drive in either direction from the RiverWalk Resort. For the ultimate New Hampshire challenge, hike the 23-mile Presidential Transverse offering over 9,000-feet elevation gain of the course of 10 peaks, including the infamous Mount Washington. For the speedy, experienced hikers, the transverse can be done in one day, but many people choose to stay in one of the AMC huts and finish the hike over two days. Whatever you choose, you’ll earn serious bragging rights with your friends!
The White Mountains are home to 48 4,000+ foot peaks and countless other smaller peaks. On the other side of I-93, you’ll find the popular Franconia Ridge loop trail. The challenging 9-mile loop trail was named as one of the world’s best hiking trails by National Geographic. Transversing over Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack, the trail offers incredible panoramic views of the White Mountains and beyond. No matter what trail you hit, you’ll experience a wild time in the mountains!
Ziplines
Discover the beauty of the White Mountains from the treetops. Alpine Adventures, New England’s first zipline canopy tour, offers multiple zipline courses and is one of the largest in the east, while Loon Mountain Adventure Center also has ziplines spanning over 700 feet across the Pemigewasset River.
Helicopters
Bring your summer sightseeing to new levels! For the ultimate birdseye view of the White Mountains, take a helicopter tour with Vertical Ventures Aviation that will take your breath away. They offers a variety of helicopter tours year-round. Be one of the few to see the White Mountains from above. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Off-Road Tours
Discover the backcountry of Barron Mountain via custom built, 6-wheel drive Swiss army transport vehicles called Pinzgauers. These unique tours are fun in the snow, mud, or fallen leaves. Accommodating up to 11 guests, Alpine Adventures offers off road tours throughout the year for the ultimate wheeled adventure. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose!
Rock Climbing
Are you ready to climb to new heights this summer? Try rock climbing! The White Mountains are blessed to some of the best rock climbing terrain in New England from the big walls in Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch and the Waterville Valley. North County Climbing Center in Lisbon is a full-service indoor rock climbing gym that offers both indoor and outdoor guiding services (pictured above) and lessons. For those with years of experience and their own equipment, Echo Crag in Franconia Notch is a popular crag climbing spot. For big wall climbs, Cannon Cliff is the tallest and most respected cliff in New England. With numerous routes and pitches, Cannon Cliff is not for the faint of heart.
Swimming
Summer in the White Mountains can get steamy. Cool off in one of the two pools at the RiverWalk Resort. With views of Loon Mountain, the upper deck and lagoon pool are perfect for the whole family. Both pools are heated so you can enjoy them early or late in the summer as you’d like! Rated as one of the best waterparks in the country, Whale’s Tale Waterpark is fun for all ages. Surrounded by the White Mountains, you can enjoy the incredible views while flying down one of the waterslides. Get surfing a try at Akua Beach or speed through the 400-foot long Harpoon Express slide. Lady’s Bathtub is a great natural swimming hole in the east branch of the Pemigewasset River near the Riverfront Condominium on West Branch Road.
Mountain Biking
The western White Mountains and the North Country is home to incredible mountain biking. Loon Mountain is building a new mountain bike park this summer, but while the trails are still being built, you can hit the single-track trails at PRKR Mountain (pictured above) in Littleton or the beginner-friendly Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. Pack the bikes in the car and drive over the Kanc to Highland Mountain Bike Park where you’ll find miles of beginner and immediate single-track and downhill trails. Without leaving Lincoln, stop at Loon Mountain for lift-access downhill trails and cross-country trails. With hundreds of miles of bike trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your new favorite trail this summer.
Hobo Railroad & Mini Golf
All aboard! The Hobo Railroad is the ideal activity for train enthusiasts of all ages. The scenic train winds through the woods along the twisting banks of the Pemigewasset River. After a leisurely ride on the historic train, play a round of mini golf at Hobo Hills Adventure Golf. The 18-round mini golf course is a challenging yet fun course featuring lush landscape, cascading waterfalls, and lots of water features. The whole family will have a blast.
Clark's Trading Post
For over 90 years, Clark’s Trading Post has been bringing smiles and joy to families in the White Mountains. There is something for everyone at Clark’s, from the historic White Mountains Central Railroad and the infamous Wolfman to the Water Blaster Boats to the five museums containing artifacts from America’s yesteryears. The Anaconda Escape will sure to bring a few screams of delight and don’t miss the world famous Bear Show.
Story Land & Santa's Village
On the other side of the White Mountain National Forest, you’ll find Story Land and Santa’s Village. For decades, families across New England have made the long drive to the White Mountains to visit these two popular attractions and for good reason – they are tons of fun for the youngsters!
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is Mother Nature’s playground. Located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, the state park is home to some unique geological features, like the Flume Gorge and the former Old Man of the Mountain. The Flume Gorge walk is a classic White Mountain activity, which pairs perfectly with a ride on the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. On a hot summer day, cool off at Echo Lake Beach.
River Adventures
From the early days of lumber and paper mills, the Pemigewasset River has always been the lifeblood of the towns of Lincoln & Woodstock. But today, instead of logs and dams to generate power, you can find picture perfect swimming holes, a fly-fisherman's paradise & the perfect river for kayaking, tubing or just enjoying the picturesque scenery.
