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Pack up the little ones for one of New England's best kept secrets, the White Mountains.

This four-season vacation destination, described as the area between the central Lakes Region of New Hampshire and the Canadian border, offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and desires.  From canoeing, hiking, golfing, rock climbing, biking, summer theater and a myriad of swimming spots to some of the best outlet shopping around and a wealth of family attractions, you’ll find it in the “Whites.”

Superb Parks

Some of the most popular attractions of the White Mountains area are parks such as the Franconia Notch State Park (located on I-93, Franconia/Lincoln 03580, 603/745-8391) and Mt. Washington State Park (Off Route 16 at Pinkham Notch & Rte 302 north Crawford Notch 03589, 603/466-3347) as well as the White Mountain National Forest (719 N Main Street, Laconia 03246, 603/528-8721).  Be sure to take the trail through the Flume Gorge (I-93 at exit 34A ) a spectacular natural chasm with covered bridges, waterfalls, and a scenic pool.  The Visitor Center is on Route 3 in Franconia Notch. 

Located nearby on I-93 is the Cannon Aerial Tramway (I-93 at exit 34B, 603/823-8800 ) which carries 80 passengers to the 4,200-foot summit for some outstanding views.  Bike or stroll the eight-mile recreation path (rental bikes are available). Picnic, swim, and paddle on Echo Lake (Route 302, Conway 03818, 603/356-2672).

In summer, Mt. Washington State Park offers two choices of getting to the summit for its spectacular views above treeline.  The old-fashioned way to the top is via the Mt. Washington Cog Railway (Base Road
Six miles off Route 302, Bretton Woods  03575, 800/922-8825) located off Route 302 in Bretton Woods.  The three-hour round trip is made aboard an authentic coal-fired steam train that climbs one of the steepest tracks in the world.  The other choice of ascent is the Mt. Washington Auto Road (Route 16 in Gorham, Pinkham Notch 03581, 603/466-3988).  Drive your own car (a free audio tour on cassette or CD is included) or take the 1½-hour guided tour in an Auto Road van.

The Great Outdoors

Hiking and sightseeing are two of the main warm weather activities in the area.  Trail maps and guide pamphlets are available at the various visitor centers.  In addition, the area offers canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, and biking.  The most popular location for canoeing and rafting is the Saco River.  Two outfitters that can supply equipment rentals, shuttle transportation and information or guides are Northern Extremes (Dunkin Donuts Plaza Route 16 & 302 North Conway 03860, 877/722-6748) in Uptown Glen, and Great Glen Trails (Route 16, Pinkham Notch  03581, 603/466-2333) on Route 16 in Gorham.  Mountain biking, particularly on some of the many ski areas’ trail systems, is very popular.  Bike rentals are available at such popular ski and snowboard areas as Attitash Bear Peak, Cranmore, Loon and Waterville Valley; in summer, chairlifts are open to help bikers uphill.