Blue skies, vast mountain ranges, and an abundance of outdoor activities, the White Mountains of New Hampshire will lead you on an adventure of beauty and excitement. No matter what season, warm or cold, you will easily find something to captivate your adventurous side. With over 48 peaks ranging over 4,000 feet you will find breathtaking views and thousands of trails that lead you on countless adventures.
As a boy growing up in this region, I remember the great times I had exploring all my surroundings, but it wasn’t until my recent visit that I really recognized the beauty and splendor of the area and all the activities that are available for visitors.
State Trail System
Strap on the cross-country skis, rev up the snowmobile, or slip on your most comfortable hiking boots. New Hampshire offers some of the best trails in New England. With an impressive 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails and over 4,000 miles of private hiking trails, you will not have a hard time finding a trail fit to your level whether you are a snowmobile enthusiast or a hiking enthusiast. These trails, which venture through New Hampshire’s State Parks, Forests and on Recreational Rail Trails, not only offer unsurpassed beauty and challenging terrain, but best of all, an experience that lasts a lifetime. For the cold weathered adventurer, the remote area is known for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It’s also hard to miss the 19 great
downhill ski areas among the high peaks. For the warm weathered adventurer, the trail system is full of easy and strenuous hikes that lead you to cool mountain streams for swimming and lakeside beaches for relaxing in the sun. You may also wish to grab your reel and test your skills at fishing at the many lakes or pack your camo to explore the wilderness for some hunting. Whatever mode of travel you choose, don’t forget the camera for the spectacular scenery and picturesque mountain vistas. For a detailed view of the New Hampshire trail system
click here for a PDF formatted map.
Accommodations For Everyone’s Budget
After a long day of hiking, relax at one of New Hampshire’s most luxurious resorts. About 35 miles south of the Canadian border, you will find the
Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. This 8,000-acre resort will not disappoint you. Enjoy their exquisite dining and high-class accommodations while being surrounded by the natural beauty of New Hampshire’s mountains. With year round activities you can always find something to do.
Hiking or snowmobiling around the resorts own trail system, playing a round of golf on their private resort, or hitting the slopes on their ski mountain. You can even practice your tennis skills or relax at the pool. The Balsams independent Hotel and Convention Center is the perfect spot for nature lovers who are looking for peace and quiet without sacrificing the luxury of their upscale comforts. Visit
www.thebalsams.com for more information.
The sun rises, all you hear is peace and quiet, a few birds singing, and the splash of your oar on the water as you kayak on the smooth water. Sound enticing? All this and more is found at the affordable, quiet, and secluded Sportsman’s Lodge. This lodge is located near the Balsams and is an all-season, family oriented destination resort. This fun and beautiful resort overlooks Diamond Pond and is surrounded by New Hampshire’s trail system. For over 50 years,
Sportsman’s Lodge has met the hospitality needs of visitors to New Hampshire’s ‘North Country’. Although it’s off the beaten path, it is close to local services and is surrounded by many of the same recreational activities you can find at the Balsams. Accommodations are always clean, cozy, and affordable.
You can choose from 10 quaint rooms in the lodge or one of the four private cabins on the property. Enjoy a homemade breakfast and dinner in the relaxing country style dining room overlooking Diamond Pond. Whatever time of year you decide to come, you will find your day can be filled with outdoor activities. Jump on any of the surrounding trails for hiking, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing. Take a cruise on the lake with a boat or on one of the kayaks provided by the lodge. Fishing is also a must and you are bound to see some fascinating wildlife wandering the grounds. The proprietors, Roger and Linda Glew, are colorful and friendly locals who are extremely helpful and accommodating to their guests. During my visit, I spoke with several guests and discovered that many of them were repeat visitors. The Sportsman’s Lodge is ideal for a low to moderate budget and offers a quiet getaway for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Visit
www.sportman.com for more information.
