Scenic
Drives
The Mt. Washington Valley
offers day visitors and others a wide variety of scenic drives
which are easy to find and to follow. One of the shortest drives
is Cathedral Ledge Road, which winds its way along a one-mile
ascent. At the summit, motorists can park, step through a cluster
of trees, and come across a spectacular bird's eye view of the
entire valley below.
Other popular trips
include a five-mile drive in the town of Jackson which passes over
the Wildcat River, circles Jackson Falls, then returns to town.
And then there's the Kanamagus Highway, a spectacular scenic byway
with plenty of opportunities to stop and "smell the roses"
along the way. This is a great route on which to bring the family,
as it's ripe with places for picnics, hikes, walks, and even
opportunities for swimming; this drive can easily become an
all-day excursion.
Pinkham Notch and Whitaker
Woods in the Conway Conservation Commission forest area also make
great road trips. All these and many other spectacular scenic
drives are within an easy drive from the many other sights of the
Mt. Washington Valley.
Mt.
Washington
At 6,288 feet, Mt.
Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast. Originally a part
of a land grant known as Sargent's Purchase, it is now a favorite
destination point for thousands of valley visitors. On a clear
day, the view from mountain's summer stretches from the Atlantic
Ocean in the east clear across Vermont to New York's Adirondack
Mountains in the west, to Canada in the north, and to the
Massachusetts border in the south. The first recorded ascent of
the mountain was in 1642, less than 50 years after the Puritans
landed at Plymouth Rock. Ever since then, the mountain has
continually proved to be a constant challenge to those who climb
its ever-changing face.
The Presidential Mountain
Range is in the path of several major storm tracks which cause
some of the most severe weather on Earth. Mt. Washington is said
to have the most extreme combinations of wind, cold, and icing of
any permanently settled place in the world. The average annual
temperature is a chilly 27.1 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summit
was the site of the highest wind velocity ever recorded, a
mind-boggling 231 miles per hour. Hurricane-force winds, dense
fog, and driving rain and snow occur even during the summer
months.
However, on many days,
ascending the mountain on the 137-year-old Mt. Washington Auto
Road or on the Cog Railroad steam train train offer both unlimited
views of the countryside and a chance to experience the largely
untouched wilderness of this pristine mountain environment.
Directory
of Mt. Washington Attractions
Attitash
Bear Peak Alpine Slide
(603) 374-2368
Scenic chairlift and waterslides, horseback riding, golf
driving range, Buddy Bear's Playpool, and many special events.
All rides run daily from June 14. |
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Cannon Aerial
Tramway
Franconia Notch, NH 03580
(603) 823-5563
The White Mountain Legend. Ride the spacious 80-passenger
Aerial Tramway to the summit of Cannon Mountain, located in the
heart of beautiful Franconia Notch State Park. Spectacular
views. Walking trails, bike path, cafeteria, beach, RV camping,
and New England Ski Museum. Boat/Bike rentals available. Open
mid-May to late October. Rates: Adults $9.00, children (6-12)
$5.00, under 6 free with adult. Group rates available. Take I-93
to Parkway Exit 2. |
Clark's
Trading Post
On Route 3, 1 mile north of North Woodstock, NH
Providing over 68 years of Gold Standard Entertainment.
Trained bears, antique Americana and steam trains are part of
the scene at Clark's. Step back in time as you enter the
mysterious Tuttle House, Avery's Garage, photo parlor, fire
station, and mystical mansion. Sounds of antique music machines
fill the air as you step into the museums and ice cream parlor.
Take an exciting ride on the train of bumper boats. Bear
performances begin on Memorial Day Weekend. Grounds open
10am-6pm. Come in after 4 pm and return the next day for more.
Gift shops open daily at 9am. May 17 through October 13. Grounds
open May 24 through June 15 on weekends only, June 21 through
September 1 daily, and September 6 through October 13 on
weekends only. September 29 through October 10 midweek limited
entertainment. |
Cog
Railway
(603) 278-5404
Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03589
Ride the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington.
Experience the world's first mountain climbing steam railway on
an exciting 2 round-trip to the summit of Mt. Washington. This
is the second steepest railway track in the world. One trestle,
called "Jacob's Ladder," climbs an incredible 37%
grade. On this journey to the summit, each locomotive consumes a
ton of coal and a thousand gallons of water while pushing a
single passenger car to the top of this magnificent mountain.
Rain or shine early May through early November. Advance ticket
purchase recommended. Rates: $39.00 round-trip. Save on 8am
train late July through Labor Day. Children's fares. Senior
citizens discount. New gift shop, restaurant, museum, and RV
Park. |
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Conway Scenic
Railroad
Route 16/302 North Conway, NH
In NH: (603) 356-5251
Outside NH: (800) 232-5251
2 great trains, 3 unique train rides through the scenic New
Hampshire countryside. Departures of varying duration from 1
hour.
Valley Train: Daily from mid-May through October. Weekends
from mid-April through mid-May and November through
mid-December. Rates: Adults from $8.00, and children from $5.50.
Notch Train: Through spectacular Crawford Notch. Tuesday
through Saturday, June 24 through September 8. Daily September 9
through October 17. Rates: Adults from $31.95, Children from
$16.95. |
Flume
Gorge
Parkway Exit 1 off I-93, Franconia Notch State Park
One of Franconia Notch's geological wonders. The Flume
Gorge offers a spectacular walk through a natural chasm, over
covered bridges and past waterfalls, a scenic pool, and
beautiful mountain views. A free 15-minute movie at the Visitor
Center provides a fine introduction to Franconia Notch State
Park and the Flume Gorge. Information center, cafeteria, gift
shop, and interpretive exhibits. Open mid-May through late
October (weather permitting). Rates: Adults $7.00, children
(6-12) $4.00, under 6 free. |
Heritage
New Hampshire
Route 16 Glen, NH 03838
(603) 383-9776
Immerse yourself in the sights, feelings, sounds, and even
the aromas of the past as you become part of New Hampshire's
history and heritage. You'll become a passenger on a stormy
voyage to the New World. Tiptoe through a dimly lit Indian
village. Listen in on a town meeting. Pass through wilderness,
poverty, elegance, industry, war, peace, and prosperity. Open
daily 9am-5pm from May 10 to June 13, daily 9am-6pm from June 14
to September 1, and daily 9am-5pm September 2 to October 19.
Adults $10.00, children (6-12) $4.50, under 6 free with adult.
Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. Located beside Story
Land. |
Lost
River
Route 112 Kinsman Notch, North Woodstock, NH
Follow boardwalks through a glacial gorge and enjoy
spectacular natural beauty. Find boulder caves (which may be
bypassed), waterfalls, and potholes. Free nature garden. Open
daily 9am-5pm May 19th, June, September, October 19th. July and
August open daily from 9am-6pm. Last ticket sold 1 hour before
closing. Rates: Adults $8.00, children (6-12) $4.50. |
Loon
Mountain Park
Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251
(603) 745-8111
Adventure awaits you. Loon's scenic summit skyride whisks
you to the summit to daily lumberjack shows, glacial caves,
nature programs, the Mountain Man, summit playground, shopping,
and dining. At the base, enjoy mountain biking, horseback
riding, in-line skating, festivals, concerts and events, and the
Wildlife Theater. 5 and under free. Open 9am-5pm spring through
fall. In the White Mountain National Forest. |
M/S
Mount Washington
Route 3, Weirs Beach, NH
(603) 366-5531
New Hampshire's most scenic tour on the state's largest
lake, Winnipesaukee. Daytime scenic cruises lasting 2-1/2 hours.
Evening dinner dance cruises available. 230-foot ship with full
amenities. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and great
entertainment. |
Mt.
Washington Auto Road at Great Glen
Route 16, Pinkham Notch, NH
(603) 466-3988
8-mile toll road to the summit of the Northeast's highest
peak. Drive your own car or take a guided tour. Audio tour on
cassette complimentary to each paid private vehicle. Open May 17
to October 25 (weather permitting). Toll: $15.00 for car and
driver, plus $6.00 per adult, $4.00 per children (5-12). Guided
tour: $20.00 per adult, $10.00 per child (5-12). |
Museum
of New Hampshire History
Exit 14 off I-93, Eagle Square, downtown Concord.
(603) 226-3189
One of northern New England's finest museums. Discover more
than 400 years of the state's rich history in exciting and
varied exhibitions. Museum Store features the state's finest
selection of New Hampshire books, products, toys, and crafts.
Summer outdoor concerts and other programs throughout the year.
Admission discounts for children and seniors. Open Tuesday
through Saturday from 9:30am-5pm, Thursday evening 5-8:30pm and
Sunday 12-5pm. |
Polar
Caves Park
Route 25, 5 miles west of I-93, Exit 26, Plymouth, NH
A family adventure since 1922. Enjoy the peaceful woodland
setting for an hour or a day. Open daily 9am-5pm, May 10 through
October 19. Rates: Adults $9.00, children (6-12) $4.50. |
Santa's
Village
Route 2, Jefferson, NH
(603) 586-4445
A New England family tradition. Enjoy a magical fun-filled
day with unlimited fun on all rides, shows, and festivities
included. Open mid-June to mid-October. $15.00. Children 3 and
under free. Arrive after 3pm and the next day is free. |
Six
Gun City
Route 2, Jefferson, NH 03583
(603) 586-4592
Strike it rich in family fun at the affordable and fastest
growing western village and frontier waterpark. Rides, slides,
shows, animals, and museums. Open weekends May 24 through June 8
from 10am-4:30pm, daily June 14 through September 1 from
9am-6pm. Admission: $11.95 ages 4 and over, includes unlimited
rides, slides, and shows, under 4 free. |
Story
Land
Route 2, Jefferson, NH 03583
(603) 586-4592
Where fantasy lives. Open daily 9am-6pm. |
The
Whale's Tale Water Park
Route 3, Lincoln, NH 03251
(603) 745-8810
Enjoy the wave pool, flume slides, speed slides, lazy
river, children's activity pool, and tube slide. Gift shop,
snack bars, changing rooms with showers, and basket and locker
rentals. Open 10am-6pm daily, weather permitting, on June 7,8,
and June 14-September 1. Rates: $16.50 all day. $10.50 after
3pm. All rates include free tube rental. Persons 3 and under or
over 65 are admitted free. |
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1st Traveler's Choice
