The White Mountains

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Moving into the most naturally scenic part of New Hampshire, the White Mountains center around Mount Washington, towering in at 6,288 feet. The White Mountain National Forest is comprised of 773,000 acres, over 100 waterfalls, and an amazingly extensive network of hiking trails, some dating back to the 19th century.

The White Mountains offer scenic drives rivaling any in the country. I-93 passes through the magnificent Franconia Notch, while Route 302 takes visitors through Crawford Notch, Bethlehem, and Littleton. The prize, however, goes to the Kancamagus Highway. The sweeping mountain outlooks along the 34-mile roadway are unparalleled.

The commercial center of the White Mountains is North Conway. This is where you can gas up your car and gather provisions for your trek into the forest. It is home to endless motels, for travelers looking for low-cost lodging in this part of the state. North Conway is also home to a couple of major outlet centers if browsing the racks is just as appealing to you as browsing the trails.

The White Mountains are also home to great skiing. Some of the best areas are Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley. Mount Cranmore is the oldest working ski area in all of New England. New Hampshire also has numerous cross-country ski centers, offering tidy trails in all skill levels.



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