This New England Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
New England is a region in the northeast United States comprised of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. New England’s geography is diverse, with hilly and mountainous terrain in the north, with part of the Appalachian Mountain range extending into New England, southern areas carved out by the Connecticut River Valley, coastal plains near the Atlantic Ocean, and forested areas farther inland. With such a varied terrain, it is hard to take in all of New England, and sometimes the best way to see more is to pack up the car and set off on a road trip.
White Mountain Trail
The White Mountain Trail is a 100-mile National Scenic Byway that is one of the best ways to view New England’s mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes. The trail is a loop that winds through parts of the 800,000 acres of the White Mountains. While it is possible to complete the route in as little as two-and-a-half hours, any lover of the outdoors will want to turn it into a whole vacation. The region’s many attractions, including natural landmarks, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities, are available just a short stroll from the car. The loop is accessible year-round, offering different experiences with the changing of the seasons, whether that be copper-colored fall foliage or snow-dusted mountain peaks.
Flume Gorge
The trail starts at the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock, which has different audio-visual and interactive exhibits, free brochures, maps, and information on the best things to see and do along the route. The trail heads north from North Woodstock and leads naturally to the first stop, the Flume Gorge within Franconia State Park. The gorge spans 800 feet and is walled in by granite that ranges in height between 70 and 90 feet, and 12 to 20 feet apart. Visitors can get out of the car and walk the 2-mile trail, which is composed mainly of packed gravel with boardwalk sections that allow for a closer look at the granite and the flora that grows from it.
Mount Washington
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in Bretton Woods, an area within the town of Carroll. It is the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway, which transports passengers to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in New Hampshire, and, in northeastern North America, at 6,288 feet in elevation. Remarkably, it is open year-round, and in the winter, the station is equipped with warming huts and firepits to sit beside while enjoying complimentary hot beverages.
Spend the evening at Omni Mount Washington Resort and Spa, a historic hotel with luxurious accommodation options of standard queen-bed rooms, or king-bed premier rooms that allow guests to wake up and look out the window at the surrounding mountains. The resort offers a multitude of activities year-round, from alpine and Nordic skiing, horseback riding, and various treatments to enjoy at the 25,000-square-foot spa.
Waterfalls
The stretch of road after you leave Bretton Woods is dotted with many cascading waterfalls. Silver Cascade is an easily accessible roadside waterfall that is a combination of plunges and cascades, which flows over the southwest side of Mount Jackson. The parking lot for the falls is at the opposite side of the road from the viewpoint of the falls; therefore, caution should be exercised when crossing over for a better look.
Arethusa Falls are located farther down the road. Unlike Silver Cascade, Arethusa Falls are accessible from a 1.5-mile trail, with parking just off the main road. Arethusa Falls is said to be the highest waterfall in New Hampshire, as the water that falls from it does so in one, 160-foot continuous drop.
Attitash Mountain Resort
The Attitash Mountain Resort is located at the halfway marker of the White Mountain Trail. It is a year-round destination, offering guests over 350 rooms, suites, townhouses, and trailside accommodations. The resort doubles as a ski resort in the winter with 68 different trails, and an outdoor retreat in the summer with several hiking and biking trails available. The opportunities are endless across the two mountain peaks and 300 acres.
Scenic Overlooks
The Albany Covered Bridge was originally built in 1858 and spans 120 feet across the Swift River. It has regularly been repaired, restored, and repainted over the years to keep it as well-maintained as it appears today. Interpretive panels are attached to either side of the bridge, with a fishing pier on the north side of the bridge. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter months; however, foot traffic is still welcome.
The drive towards Lincoln as you near the end of the route has several scenic roadside overlooks. The Pemigewasset Overlook has a covered pavilion with signage that details the views of the Osceola Mountains in the distance.
The White Mountain Trail has no shortage of waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, historical landmarks, and luxurious resorts. The great thing is its year-round accessibility, which makes it appealing regardless of levels of activity, whether you want to enjoy skiing in the winter months or hike trails to cascading waterfalls in the summer. While activities change with the seasons, one thing remains constant on the White Mountain Trail, and that is the scenery you can take in along the road.
