White Mountains, NH: Notch Your Average Trip
- May 30
- 6 min read
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are more than just a pretty sight. This area is perfect for checking out waterfalls, charming mountain towns, waterparks, and all sorts of natural wonders in just a few days. Whether you're up for a chill hike, some water fun, or sampling local eats, this three-day plan has you covered. Here's how to get the best out of your trip to the eastern notch of the White Mountains, with Lincoln, NH as your home base.
Day 1:
Kick off your morning adventure with an hour-long drive along the Kancamagus Highway, then take a quick stroll to Glen Ellis Falls in Pinkham Notch. The trail is just 0.4 miles and has stone stairs that guide you to an impressive 64-foot waterfall. The roar of the water and the mist in the air make this place truly memorable. Getting there early means you can dodge the crowds and grab the best natural light for your photos or videos.
After an amazing morning at the falls, let's dive into a quick lunch before our next exciting adventure! Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub offers a delightful, low-key, log-cabin wilderness theme with charming animal decor and a cozy fireplace. Favorites on the menu include their crispy Potato Canoes and Top Notch Onion Rings, alongside a full bar featuring their signature Mudslide cocktails.
All aboard at 1:30, get set for an exciting old-school train adventure! Every ride kicks off from the quaint 1874 train station in North Conway Village. The Mountaineer Tour is the star of the show, offering the most stunning train trip you can take with the Conway Scenic Railroad. Ticket prices usually range from $80 to $200, depending on your seat and the season. But this incredible four-hour trip is known for its stunning views of the Mount Washington Valley and the gorgeous Saco River. It's hands down one of the coolest train rides in New England!
Embark on the hour-long journey back to Lincoln and treat yourself to dinner at Black Mtn. Burger Co.! With its charming, cabin-inspired atmosphere, this spot is a favorite among locals and travelers alike, offering the perfect hearty meal after a day of adventure in the White Mountains. Keep in mind, it can get quite busy and they close at 8:30, so if timing is tight, consider grabbing your meal to go and savoring it back at the hotel for a cozy night in.
Day 2:
Wake up and dive into a delicious breakfast at Arnold’s Wayside Diner , a delightful, family-owned gem! This charming spot, housed in an iconic 1958 vintage train car, offers a warm atmosphere and hearty American breakfast and lunch delights. Beloved by both locals and tourists, it's a must-visit! Being such a popular breakfast destination, the diner buzzes with activity on weekend mornings, often resulting in a 20-minute wait. To beat the rush, make sure to arrive right at 7:00 AM!
Get ready for an exhilarating change of pace on your second day at Whale’s Tale Waterpark in Lincoln, NH! This waterpark is a true gem, boasting New England’s only mountain wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and heart-pounding slides. With general admission at just $52, arriving right at opening time ensures you get the most out of your day and dodge those long lines. The park smartly limits daily attendance to enhance your experience, so booking online through their official Website is a must!
Grab your trusty towel and get ready to jump right into a mountain adventure so epic, it'll make the hills green with envy! Spread out over 17 acres of heart-pounding rides and chill pools, there's something here for everyone—whether you're a thrill-seeking daredevil or a relaxation aficionado. For those who live life in the fast lane, prepare to have your hair stand on end as you zoom down the steep speed slides or get caught in the wild swirl of the Eye of the Storm. Surf boards at the ready? Akua Beach is calling! Or maybe you prefer to make a splash at Willie's Wild Waves pool. If relaxation is your middle name, then just drift away on the quarter-mile of pure bliss that is Jonah’s Escape lazy river. Meanwhile, the kiddos can unleash their inner pirates at Whale Harbor and Shipwreck Island, where interactive fountains and pint-sized slides await. It's a splash-tastic time for all!
Remember, the mountain sun can be intense, so pack plenty of sunscreen and keep hydrated. With no natural shade, planning breaks is essential. However, you can always rent Cabanas for $179/day and Day Beds for $79/day by the wave pool or lazy river. Whale’s Tale is your perfect escape to beat the heat and have an absolute blast!
Don't miss out on the delicious treats at the snack bar throughout the day! But when your appetite calls for something more substantial than snacks, make your way to Basecamp Brewing Co. — an exciting in-house brewery, kitchen, and community hub. Nestled in the beautifully restored Mills Marketplace right in the heart of the White Mountains, it's a favorite spot for travelers, locals, and outdoor adventurers coming off the nearby trails and slopes. Basecamp offers an amazing "brew with a view" experience, combining small-batch craft beer with a mouthwatering, upscale pub menu!
Day 3:
Kick off your final day with an exhilarating 15-minute drive to the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in North Woodstock. This captivating natural wonder is just $25 and offers an exciting one way boardwalk loop that takes between 1 and 2.5 hours to explore. Get ready to squeeze through intriguing boulder caves and traverse wooden bridges over the rushing waters. Make sure to wear shoes with great grip, as the rocks can be slippery, especially when wet. Do not miss the "BIRDS NEST" This incredible, human-sized bird's nest invites you to climb inside, snap amazing photos, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Kinsman Notch and the western White Mountains!
Continue 15 minute north to The Basin in Franconia Notch. This short, flat, and paved walk from the main parking lot leads you to an incredible granite pothole vortex, masterfully carved by rushing water. It's the ideal spot to stretch your legs and snap some breathtaking nature photos. Although the scenery is stunning, remember that swimming in the pothole is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns.
On your way to grab some grub, let's tip our hats to the legendary Old Man on the Mountain. Once you roll up to the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site parking lot, keep an eye out for the visitor restroom facility lurking at the edge of the lot. Mosey around to the right side of that building to discover the start of a paved walkway. This flat and paved path will lead you into the trees, where you'll pass by several historical information plaques. The path wraps up right at the lakefront, You'll pop out onto a stone plaza, and that's where you'll spot the seven steel rods. These nifty gadgets let visitors magically reconstruct the iconic stone profile that decided to take a tumble on May 3, 2003.
For lunch, drive 15 minutes north to Main Street in Littleton. Jack & Fin’s is a local favorite known for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and creative cupcakes. Their menu offers a delicious twist on classic comfort food, making it a satisfying stop before you wrap up your trip. Note that Jack & Fin’s is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Head back to Lincoln, NH, just a quick 30-minute drive, and dive into The Off-Road Adventure Tour with Alpine Adventures! Get ready to buckle up and hold on tight because you're about to experience an off-road thrill like no other in New England. This 90-minute tour takes you up to the top of Barron Mountain, where you can soak in the amazing views on this exciting, low-speed roller coaster ride!
Don't miss out on Loon Mountain Resort, just a quick 5-minute drive away. Hop on the Gondola Skyride for $35 and head up to the summit of Loon Peak for some amazing panoramic views. You can check out the glacial caves, climb Herbert's Observation Tower, and hike the nature trails. If you've got some extra time, swing by their adventure center. They've got a 700-foot zipline over the Pemigewasset River, a climbing wall, and a bungee trampoline. Plan it right, and you might catch the Bunyan Bash (July 11): a summer festival on the Paul Bunyan Room deck with live music, house-smoked BBQ, axe throwing, and outdoor games.
End your day at Rhythm Cider, Tap & Grille an upscale, family-friendly American restaurant located in the Grand Lobby of the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. Spun out of the Seven Birches Winery, it provides a full dining experience centered around artisan hard ciders. The dining room features a striking centerpiece sculpture of an apple tree and scenic outdoor patio seating with views of the Pemigewasset River and the White Mountains.
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