The White Mountains of New Hampshire are the perfect summer destination – gorgeous natural beauty, historic charm, and fantastic shops and dining. Whether it’s your first time visiting this region or you are a regular – there’s always plenty to do and see. Take a look at this three-day summer itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a couples retreat, a kid-friendly vacation, or special time with your dog – we’ve got you covered.
Things to Do in the White Mountains
The White Mountains are compact enough that a single base covers the whole region, and Bretton Woods happens to be one of the best-positioned bases in it. Some of the most iconic experiences, including the Mt. Washington Cog Railway and Crawford Notch, start practically at the door. Everything else is a straightforward day trip through mountain scenery. Here is how it breaks down.
From Your Bretton Woods Doorstep
These are the experiences that make Bretton Woods a genuinely unique base, not just a convenient one.
- Mt. Washington Cog Railway: historic steam-powered trains depart from Base Road, steps from most Bretton Woods Vacations properties, and climb to the 6,288-foot summit of the Northeast’s highest peak
- Crawford Notch Scenic Byway (Route 302): one of the most dramatic drives in New England starts right outside your door
- Ammonoosuc River, Twin Mountain: wade and swim from the riverbanks a few minutes from the cabin
- Lower Ammonoosuc Falls, Twin Mountain: easy, dog-friendly waterfall walk, 10 minutes
- Arethusa Falls, Crawford Notch: New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall, moderate 2.6-mile trail, 15 minutes
- Santa’s Village, Jefferson: family amusement park, 20 minutes
- Bretton Woods Adventure Center: canopy tours and outdoor activities, on-site
- Bretton Woods ski resort gondola and summit views: on-site
- Fabyan’s Station restaurant, Carroll: 5 minutes
- Purple Tomato Farmers Market, Bethlehem: 15 minutes
- Omni Mount Washington Resort dining: on-site
Easy Day Trips from Bretton Woods
The White Mountains are a compact region. What follows are classic day trips that round out a stay, each a straightforward drive through mountain scenery.
Hiking
- Bald Peak via Mt. Kinsman Trail, Franconia: moderate, 4.5 miles
- Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch: boardwalk trail, suitable for all ages
- Mt. Liberty via Liberty Spring Trail: challenging, 8.5 miles
- White Mountain National Forest: over 1,200 miles of maintained trails throughout the region
Family Attractions
- Whale’s Tale Water Park, Lincoln
- Clark’s Trading Post, Lincoln
- Lost River Gorge, North Woodstock
Scenic Drives and Sightseeing
- Kancamagus Highway: 34 miles, free, no commercial development, multiple overlooks and swimming holes
- Franconia Notch State Park (The Basin, Profile Lake, Echo Lake)
- Bath covered bridge, Bath: a quick detour west on Route 302
Water Activities
- Echo Lake Beach, Franconia Notch: swimming, kayak and paddleboat rentals
- Bridal Veil Falls, Franconia
Mountain Experiences
- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch: aerial views across the notch
Local Flavor
- Woodstock Inn Brewery, Lincoln
- Fadden’s Maplehouse maple sugar shack, North Woodstock
Day 1: Explore Nature
Morning: Hit the Trails
The White Mountains’ beauty is best seen on the trails. Start your vacation by finding a hike that meets your ability levels and awards you with a perfect view. White Mountain trails are known for rocky terrain and steep inclines. Don’t assume it’s in your wheelhouse based on the mileage alone. For all your hiking adventures, pack the ten essentials including a map (purchase from AMC), compass, warm clothing, extra food, at least 1 liter of water per person, flashlight, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain jacket, and a knife. It is also recommended when hiking in New Hampshire you purchase a Hike Safe card, which will cover rescue if you run into trouble. Here are summer hikes for every ability level:
Easy: Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
Located on Base Road of Rt 302 in Twin Mountain, this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to Lower Ammonoosuc Falls is the perfect introduction trail to the Whites. This kid-friendly and dog-friendly trail is a generally flat walking path through hardwood forest along the Ammonoosuc River to a set of powerful, low-angle cascades. When the water level is safe, it becomes a popular swimming spot. So pack your suit!
Moderate: Bald Peak
If you’re looking for a mountain view and a moderate climb, Bald Peak is the hike for you. This dog-friendly trail leaves from the Mt Kinsman Trailhead on NH-116 in Franconia, NH. The 4.5-mile out-and-back is a steady uphill climb through mixed forest. In addition, hikers get a couple of peeks at small streams and even a small waterfall on the hike before emerging at the Bald Peak spur for a 270-degree open view of Franconia Notch and the Kinsman mountains.
Challenging: Mount Liberty
Want to start your vacation with a big climb? Pack extra water for this one! Mt. Liberty via the Liberty Spring Trail is an 8.5-mile out-and-back hike with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. This dog-friendly trail leaves from the Flume parking lot. The steady and steep trail travels through hardwood and then boreal forest. There are a few stream crossings and lots of stone staircases. However, the view is worth it. Liberty’s bald summit awards with breathtaking views of Franconia Notch and endless White Mountain wilderness.
Afternoon: Picnic Lunch at Echo Lake
After your hike, head to Franconia Notch State Park’s Echo Lake for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy Echo Lake beach, splash in the water, or consider renting a kayak or paddle boat for some water fun. Pets are not permitted at this park, so if your furry friend wants to picnic too, head instead to the pet-friendly Wildwood Picnic Area where the pups can swim in the Ammonoosuc.
Late Afternoon Add-On: Cool Off at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
On your way back from Echo Lake, stop at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls on Base Road off Route 302 in Twin Mountain, right at the edge of Bretton Woods. The trail in is flat and short, about 1.6 miles round-trip through hardwood forest along the Ammonoosuc River, and it leads to a set of low-angle cascades that turn into a natural swimming hole when water levels are safe. It’s dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and genuinely one of the most underrated stops in the region.
Most visitors heading back from Franconia drive right past it without knowing it’s there. which means it stays quieter than the bigger waterfall spots even on busy summer weekends. It’s the perfect low-effort close to an active Day 1: cool off in the water, let the dog wade, and then head back to your Bretton Woods vacation home to fire up the grill.
Evening: Cozy in Your Cabin
Wind down your day at your accommodation, ideally a cozy cabin or house. Bretton Woods Vacations offers many pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring your furry friend feels right at home. Enjoy a campfire or barbeque and relive the day’s adventures.
Day 2: Adventure Awaits
Morning: Exciting Excursion
Get your adrenaline pumping and visit a local attraction. Here are three pay-to-explore sites worth visiting to see the best the White Mountains has to offer:
Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods Adventure Center
This ziplining experience suits beginners and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding forests.
Lost River Gorge, North Woodstock
Walk a boardwalk trail past waterfalls and through caves. Choose your challenge as you weave through amazing geology and stunning natural features at this family-friendly adventure attraction.
Loon Mountain Gondola and Skyride, Lincoln
Take a ride up Loon Mountain in Lincoln. Enjoy stunning views of the White Mountains from the summit, visit the cafe, or take a walk through the glacial caves. Leashed dogs are allowed in the gondola!
Afternoon and Evening
Take advantage of your rental property! Take a walk around the property, enjoy the amenities, play a board game, and make a great dinner. Reflect on your vacation so far and end with a movie night before resting up for the next day in the Whites.
Evening Add-On: Stargazing in Bretton Woods
After a full day of adventure, end the evening outside. The Bretton Woods area sits in one of the darkest sky corridors in New Hampshire, with minimal light pollution and a direct sightline to the Presidential Range. Pull up a blanket in the yard of your vacation home or drive a short stretch of Route 302 to find an open pullout with a clear horizon.
On a clear summer night you can see the Milky Way without any equipment. If you want to go further, the field at the base of the Cog Railway on Base Road is a reliable spot with wide-open sky and no crowds after dark. It’s a natural close to an adrenaline-heavy day and one of those low-key moments that guests tend to remember just as much as the big attractions.
Day 3: Scenic Drives and Local Flavors
Morning: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a picturesque and iconic stretch of 34-mile winding road. As the road climbs, so do the views – awarding drivers with glimpses at mountains, forests, rivers, and scenic pullouts along the way. Stop at designated viewpoints for photo opportunities and short hikes like Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. Dogs are allowed at all these spots. You’ll need to purchase a White Mountain National Forest Recreation Pass to park and explore.
Afternoon: Explore North Conway
North Conway is a bustling tourist town in the White Mountains. It has excellent dining and shopping including everything from boutique to outlet stores. In addition, there is a charming walkable downtown with a working scenic train station, a kid-friendly playground, and shops galore. Take a leisurely stroll with your family and dog. Stop and indulge in local treats and perhaps find a souvenir to remember your trip.
Evening: Dinner Out
Head to one of the many awesome dining locations in the White Mountains for your final night. There’s something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant, a dog-friendly pub, or a fine dining experience – the Whites have it all. Here are a few suggestions:
Woodstock Inn Brewery – Woodstock: This craft brewpub serves hearty American pub fare in a rustic atmosphere. With terrific food and drink and a lively, open feel – it’s a great choice for families as well as groups.
Flatbread Company – North Conway: Looking for a spot your pup can join too? Flatbread Company in North Conway serves terrific pizza and local beers with outside seating for those traveling with their pup. The kiddos will love the pizza too!
Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor – North Conway: Do you desire a fine dining experience? The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor serves American classics with a stunning view from the dining room. Make sure to get dessert!
Evening Add-On: Dinner at Fabyan’s Station
For your final night, head to Fabyan’s Station on Route 302 in Carroll, just minutes from the heart of Bretton Woods. The restaurant is housed inside a restored 1890s railroad station and serves classic New England pub fare, burgers, chowder, flatbreads, in a setting that feels genuinely local rather than touristy.
It’s family-friendly, casual, and a fitting close to a White Mountains trip. The historic rail connection is a nice bookend if you rode the Cog Railway earlier in the trip, and the drive back along Route 302 at dusk, with the Presidentials fading behind you, is hard to beat as a final memory of the region.
Things to Do in the White Mountains by Season
The White Mountains earn their year-round reputation, and Bretton Woods sits close enough to every major attraction to make any season work as a base. Here is what each season actually offers.
Summer Peak season for a reason. Hiking trails are fully accessible from your Bretton Woods base, waterfalls are running strong, swimming holes like Lower Ammonoosuc Falls (10 minutes) and Echo Lake Beach (35 minutes) are at their best, and family attractions including Santa’s Village, Clark’s Trading Post, and Whale’s Tale Water Park are all in full operation. The Kancamagus Highway and Crawford Notch drives are most crowded in July and August, so aim for early mornings or weekday visits to get the overlooks to yourself. The three-day itinerary above is built around summer.
Fall Foliage peaks in the White Mountains from late September through mid-October, with higher elevations turning first. Crawford Notch on Route 302, which runs directly through the Bretton Woods area, and the Kancamagus Highway (35 minutes from Bretton Woods) are among the most photographed fall drives in New England. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway offers a way to get above the tree line and see the color spread across the notches below, 35 minutes from Bretton Woods. Crowds are lighter than summer on weekdays, but Columbus Day weekend sells out months in advance.
Winter Bretton Woods ski resort is one of the largest in New England with terrain for all ability levels, and it sits minutes from Bretton Woods Vacations rental properties. Beyond skiing, the Bretton Woods Adventure Center runs winter programming including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing directly from the property area. Ice skating is available at the Omni Mount Washington Resort, and Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain are both within 40 minutes for additional ski days. The cozy-cabin-plus-fireplace combination makes winter a top returning season for guests who first came in summer.
Spring The most underrated season for things to do in the White Mountains, and the most affordable. Waterfall flow peaks in May as snowmelt comes off the Presidential Range, and Arethusa Falls (15 minutes from Bretton Woods) and Lower Ammonoosuc Falls (10 minutes) are at their most dramatic. Wildflowers bloom through June on the lower trails, and the crowds are significantly lighter than summer, with nightly rental rates to match. The honest caveat: mud season is real on unpaved roads and certain backcountry trails through mid-May, so check conditions before heading out.
The Perfect 3 Day Summer Getaway
A summer trip to the White Mountains promises views of rolling green mountains, babbling brooks, cascading waterfalls, and granite cliffs. With this three-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the White Mountains while creating lasting memories.