White Mountains Summer Activities

PLAN YOUR VACATION FOR THIS SUMMER!

Looking for the best things to do in the White Mountains in the summer? Our area is filled with fun and adventurous summer activities you’re going to love. Spend the morning hiking and chasing waterfalls, dine at our favorite restaurants, spend a day on the links, or even take a canopy tour through the treetops. See below for the best White Mountains summer activities in Bretton Woods, Franconia, Bethlehem and surrounding areas of the White Mountains! Note – with so much to do, it’s hard to include everything. If one of your favorite things to do in the White Mountains is missing, email us so we can add it!

Some of the favorite categories include:

Other Activities in the White Mountains, by Area

Well, with so much to do, not everything fits neatly into a category, so here are some other things you may want to consider, as well! We tried separating them by area for convenience – but they are all within a close scenic drive to each other, so don’t let geography stop you! In the White Mountains, the drive is sometimes as worthwhile as the destination itself.

Mount Washington Summer Activities

Home of the worst weather in the world, the summit of Mount Washington is the centerpiece of this whole region. Many travel to its peak while traversing the Appalachian Trail. At the summit you can enjoy a museum covering this unique mountain as well as a recreation of the old hotel that was built at the summit in 1852.
You can access the summit via various hikes. But if you prefer an easier path up, the Cog Railway is a common favorite. It’s one hour each way (the train ride is half the fun!), and then you get an hour up top to visit the observatory. It’s a lot of fun and very entertaining for kids and adults alike! Another option is the Mt. Washington Auto Road which leaves from the opposite side of the mountain. To get there you can drive east on 302 to Glen Junction in Bartlett, and turn left onto RT 16. Drive through Pinkham Notch (also very beautiful!) and past the Wildcat Ski Area. The entrance will be on your left (can’t miss it!).

Bretton Woods Summer Activities

Bretton Woods is one of the most scenically dramatic base areas in the White Mountains, and summer here goes well beyond what most visitors expect. The crown jewel is the Mount Washington Cog Railway, departing from Base Road off Route 302. It’s a three-hour round-trip steam train ride to the summit of New England’s highest peak, with views that stretch into five states on a clear day. Kids and adults love it equally, and it books up fast in July and August, so reservations are strongly recommended.

For hikers, Crawford Notch State Park is right at your doorstep. Mount Willard is the area’s most rewarding family hike: a 3.3-mile round-trip with minimal technical difficulty and a summit ledge overlooking the entire notch.

After a full day out, the Twin Mountain stretch of Route 302 offers easy river access at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls, a flat, dog-friendly trail to a popular swimming spot that makes for a perfect late-afternoon wind-down before heading back to your vacation home.

Bretton Woods offers a number of summer activities, mostly offered by the Mount Washington Resort and the ski area; you can find an up to date list on their website, at www.brettonwoods.com. Current activities include:

Canopy Tour, Scenic Lift Rides, Horseback Riding, Fly Fishing, Guided Adventures, Tennis, Golf, Archery, Mountain Biking, River Tubing and more!

Bethlehem Summer Activities

With its location between Littleton and Bretton Woods, a short ride from I-93, Bethlehem is a great starting point to explore the White Mountains. Visit https://bethlehemnh.org/what-to-do/ to find lots of great idea on things to do in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas!

Franconia Summer Activities

The gateway to Franconia Notch, Franconia offers endless recreational opportunities – there are so many things to do in Franconia and the surrounding areas! Most of them are listed in the appropriate section of this webpage, so we won’t repeat them here, but you can also visit http://www.franconianotch.org/things-to-do/ for additional ideas!

On the other side of the notch, Lincoln/Woodstock and the resort of Loon are quaint little towns with tons of things to do. And of course, don’t forget Rt 112 – the “Kancamagus Highway”! Locally known as “the Kanc,” the Kancamagus Highway that connects Lincoln to North Conway is a famous road known for its scenic vistas and beautiful mountain trails. There are various places to stop for a hike, a view, or just enjoy the ride. You can easily do a loop from Bear Notch Road in Bartlett to Lincoln, or do the whole ride from North Conway to Lincoln. For more information and a map, visit https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/kancamagus-highway/!

North Conway Summer Activities

One of the more popular tourist areas, the North Conway area offers endless options for things to do – from outlet shopping, to hiking, to scenic vistas and waterfalls, covered bridges, and of course StoryLand! Visit https://www.visitmwv.com/ for more information!

White Mountains Spas and Relaxation

If relaxation is what you need (and the peace and quiet of the house isn’t quite enough), a spa day might be what you need! In Bretton Woods, you can head to the Mount Washington Hotel which offers a wide array of spa services. Recently, Omni has suffered from staffing issues which have caused access to the spa to be limited, especially on busy weekends and holidays. Another great option is the spa at the Mountain View Grand, with a breathtaking setting in a tower with incredible views.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Bretton Woods, NH in summer?

The top summer activities in Bretton Woods include riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit of New England’s highest peak, hiking Crawford Notch State Park trails like Mount Willard, and swimming at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls on Route 302. Bretton Woods sits at the heart of the Presidential Range, so nearly every outdoor activity in the White Mountains is within a short scenic drive.

Is the Mount Washington Cog Railway worth it for families?

Yes. The Cog Railway is one of the most memorable family experiences in New Hampshire. The train climbs three miles to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, with sweeping views of the Presidential Range along the way. The round trip takes about three hours, and there’s time at the summit to visit the observatory and museum. Book tickets in advance, especially in July and August, as morning departures sell out regularly.

When is the best time to visit the White Mountains for summer activities?

Late June through mid-August is the peak window for White Mountains summer activities. Trails are fully open, waterfalls are running, and all major attractions are operating on full schedules. Late August is a favorite for hikers who want cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. If you’re planning around a specific activity like the Cog Railway, a waterfall hike, or Echo Lake Beach, booking accommodations two to three months in advance is recommended for peak summer weekends.

WANT MORE IDEAS? Visit https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/ and https://www.visitmwv.com/