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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

New Hampshire, USA

Nearby Destinations

New Hampshire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, serves as a popular summer destination. It presents opportunities for boating, swimming, and exploring charming lakeside towns like Wolfeboro, Meredith, and Laconia. The region has a different feel from the rugged mountains, focusing on water activities and lakeside leisure.

Franconia Notch State Park, located within the White Mountains, features The Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake. It is rich in natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Popular Day Trip Destinations

  • Lake Winnipesaukee Region (1 hr south) - Lakeside leisure and charming towns.
  • Franconia Notch State Park (within White Mountains) - Iconic natural attractions.
  • Mount Washington Auto Road / Cog Railway (within White Mountains) - Northeast's highest peak views.
  • Vermont's Northeast Kingdom (1-1.5 hrs west) - Rural landscapes and mountain biking.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the main White Mountains attractions, other natural areas hold serene beauty and additional outdoor pursuits.

Pemi Loop & Crawford Notch

While the full Pemi Loop marks a strenuous multi-day backpacking trip, sections of it are feasible as long day hikes for experienced individuals. This wilderness area presents raw, untamed nature.

Wilderness Exploration

  • Pemi Loop: Strenuous day hikes for seasoned trekkers.
  • Arethusa Falls & Crawford Notch: Scenic drives and impressive waterfalls.
  • Offers a less developed natural experience.

Squam Lake Serenity

Just south of the White Mountains, Squam Lake is a quieter, less developed lake than Winnipesaukee, famed as the setting for the movie "On Golden Pond."

Lake Activities

  • Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Boat tours on lake ecology and wildlife.
  • Kayaking and canoeing popular on the calm waters.
  • Photography opportunities in a tranquil setting.

Cultural Excursions

Historic Villages & Farms

  • Canterbury Shaker Village (1 hr south): Tours and craft demonstrations.
  • Robert Frost Farm (1.5 hrs south): Home of the renowned American poet.
  • Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth, 1.5-2 hrs southeast): Living history from 17th-20th centuries.
  • Portland, Maine (1.5-2 hrs east): Urban and maritime experiences.

Access & Time Considerations

  • All locations are best reached by self-drive.
  • Plan for a full day at each location for thorough exploration.
  • Portland benefits from an overnight stay to explore culinary scenes.
  • Most cultural sites are independently visited.

Multi-Day Extensions: Regional Travel

  • Maine Coast & Acadia National Park3-4 days
  • Vermont's Green Mountains & Lake Champlain2-3 days
  • Boston & Historic New England3-5 days
  • New England Scenic LoopComprehensive tour
  • Connects via U.S. Route 302 East to PortlandAcadia access
  • Connects via I-91 or scenic local roadsVermont access
  • Accessible via I-93 SouthBoston access
  • Boston, Maine Coast, White Mountains, VermontDiverse landscapes

Traveler's Tip

Consider combining your White Mountains visit with other New England destinations for a richer regional experience.

Explore Beyond the Peaks

The surrounding areas hold varied opportunities for further exploration and discovery.

Hiking Trails

Discover extensive hiking paths and wilderness areas for all skill levels.

Lake Activities

Enjoy boating, swimming, and kayaking on nearby lakes.

Historic Sites

Visit preserved villages and homes with historical connections.

Outdoor Pursuits

The White Mountains serve as a gateway to additional outdoor adventures in New England.

Recommended Activities

  • Strenuous day hikes on the Pemi Loop.
  • Exploring Arethusa Falls and Crawford Notch.
  • Kayaking on Squam Lake.

Connecting with Nature

Experience the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the region beyond the main trails.

Natural Areas

  • Pemigewasset Wilderness offers untamed nature.
  • Scenic drives through Crawford Notch.
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities on Squam Lake tours.

Nearby Cultural Attractions

Canterbury Shaker Village (History)1 Hour South
Robert Frost Farm (Literature)1.5 Hours South
Strawbery Banke Museum (Living History)1.5-2 Hours Southeast
Portland, Maine (Urban & Maritime)1.5-2 Hours East
Self-Drive for AccessRecommended
Allow Full Day for EachTime Consideration

Conservation Note

  • These natural areas offer distinct experiences from the main White Mountains attractions.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve their beauty.
  • Support local conservation efforts to protect these landscapes.
  • Check seasonal access for trail conditions and opening times.
  • Respect wildlife and natural habitats during your visit.

Extend Your Stay

For those with more time, combining a White Mountains trip with other New England destinations allows for a broader travel experience.

Maine Coast & Acadia National Park

Combine your White Mountains adventure with the rugged beauty of the Maine coast. Start by exploring coastal towns like Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, then head north to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Coastal Exploration

  • Acadia offers stunning coastal landscapes.
  • Hiking opportunities and ocean activities.
  • Connects via U.S. Route 302 East to Portland, then U.S. Route 1 North towards Acadia.

Vermont's Green Mountains & Lake Champlain

Explore the scenic beauty of Vermont's Green Mountains, drive the picturesque Route 100, visit charming towns like Stowe, and then head to Burlington on Lake Champlain.

Vermont Charm

  • Picturesque drives through the Green Mountains.
  • Charming towns and Burlington on Lake Champlain.
  • Connects via I-91 or various scenic local roads from the White Mountains.

Boston & Historic New England

Extend your trip to include Boston, Massachusetts, for an urban experience rich in history, culture, and diverse dining. From Boston, you easily explore other historic towns.

Urban & Historical Immersion

  • Rich history, culture, and diverse dining in Boston.
  • Explore Salem, Concord, or Plymouth from Boston.
  • Boston is accessible via I-93 South with excellent public transportation.

Suggested Regional Routes

A New England Scenic Loop provides a comprehensive tour of diverse New England landscapes and cultures, starting and ending in Boston.

New England Scenic Loop

  • Starts in Boston, north to Maine coast.
  • Then west to the White Mountains.
  • South into Vermont, and back to Boston.

Acadia National Park Preview

Acadia National Park is a prominent feature of the Maine Coast extension.

Coastal Beauty

Offers dramatic rocky shores and serene beaches.

Park Activities

Hiking, biking, and carriage roads exploration.

Landmarks

Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Bass Harbor Head Light.

Extend Your Adventure

These multi-day extensions enrich your New England journey.

Visual Highlights

Experience the beauty of New England with these captivating sights.

Iconic Views

1

Pemaquid Lighthouse

A classic Maine lighthouse, symbol of coastal charm and rugged beauty.

2

Franconia Notch Path

A scenic path perfect for biking or leisurely walks amidst mountain vistas.

3

Mount Washington Vista

The Northeast's highest peak with expansive views of the White Mountains.

Image Source - Pemaquid Lighthouse

  • Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Author: King of Hearts
  • License: CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Title: Old Pemaquid Lighthouse, Maine.jpg
  • Link: View Image
  • Description: A classic view of the Pemaquid Point Light.

Image Source - Franconia Notch Bike Path

  • Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Author: Mblumber
  • License: CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Title: Franconia Notch State Park bike path.jpg
  • Link: View Image
  • Description: Scenic path through Franconia Notch State Park.

Image Source - Mount Washington

Source

Wikimedia Commons

Author

Jonathunder

License

GFDL 1.2

Image Credits

All images on this page are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses.