White Mountains
Go for mountain hiking, scenic drives and New England fall color, with trailheads and towns close enough to plan each day around one area.
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The White Mountains are a mountain region in northern New Hampshire, mostly inside the White Mountain National Forest. Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Hiking trails run from easy walks to hard summit climbs, and scenic roads such as the Kancamagus Highway cross the forest. Franconia Notch is a short drive from Lincoln, and Lincoln, North Conway and Littleton work well as bases.
The area suits hikers, leaf-peepers and families who want time outdoors without a big-city schedule. Fall foliage usually peaks in late September and early October at higher elevations and somewhat later in the valleys. Summer is the main hiking season, and winter brings skiing. Plan at least three or four days to cover the main areas, and more if you want to hike several peaks.
White Mountains in five
- Check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast before you hikeWeather on the Presidential Range can change quickly and be much colder and windier than in the valley. Check the observatory's forecast on the morning you climb.
- Book the Auto Road or Cog Railway for the summitBoth summit routes run in the warmer months on set schedules, so check each operator's season before you plan the day. Book online ahead for clear weekends.
- Rent a car at Manchester or Portland, MaineTrailheads and scenic drives are spread across the valleys, and public transit is thin. Manchester-Boston Regional and Portland International are the closest airports with rental desks.Getting around
- Book huts and forest campsites months aheadAppalachian Mountain Club huts and White Mountain National Forest campgrounds fill up in peak season. Reserve through the AMC and recreation.gov.
- Pack a warm layer and a shell for any summit tripSummit temperatures can sit near freezing with strong wind even in July, so a fleece and a wind shell go in the pack for any hike above the treeline.Clothing
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Visa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA; others need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary at restaurants and bars; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC-5 Eastern time, daylight saving (UTC-4 in summer)
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryDeep snow, skiing
- FebruaryCold, ski season
- MarchMud season
- AprilMud, quiet
- MayBlack flies, green
- JuneSummer hiking
- JulyWarm, clear
- AugustEarly color, warm
- SeptemberPeak foliage
- OctoberCooling, quieter
- NovemberClosures, quiet
- DecemberCold, snow starts
Right now in White Mountains
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
19
- Feels like
- 16°
- Humidity
- 46%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 3%
White Mountains
06:23 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today15°6°3%Monday: Fog. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Tue13°9°20%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Wed19°9°5%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Thu16°9°59%Thursday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Fri16°10°62%Friday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 62%.
- Sat11°7°65%Saturday: Rain. High 11°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Sun9°2°45%Sunday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 45%.
Updated 02:58 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Portsmouthabout 1 to 1.5 hours by car from North ConwayA harbor town with seafood and old streets, a change of pace from the peaks.
- Portland, Maineabout 1.5 to 2 hours by car from North ConwayA harbor city with the Old Port restaurants, a good add-on for a longer drive.
- Franconia Notchabout 15 to 30 min by car from LincolnFlume Gorge and the Basin, with short walks and views along the notch.
- Kancamagus Highwayabout 1 hour by car, end to end without stopsA scenic forest road with pullouts, overlooks and short walks.
Before you go to White Mountains
Rules for White Mountains, checked
- Visa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding; other passports need a US visa. Check your eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- The legal drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Camp only where the White Mountain National Forest allows it. Check current campground and backcountry rules with the US Forest Service before you pitch a tent.
- Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance. Mobile signal is patchy in the valleys and on many trails, so save emergency numbers offline.
Plan around White Mountains
The state, its parks and the rules for the White Mountains
Read the guideGetting around the mountainsRental cars, shuttles and drive times between the valleys
Read the guideWhere to stayNotch towns, mountain huts and what each area is good for
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs an ESTA and how to apply before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsTypical prices for lodging, food and summit rides
Read the guideTrip ideasLoop routes through the notches and along the Kancamagus
Read the guideWhite Mountains FAQ
How many days do you need in the White Mountains?
Three to four days cover one summit day, the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. A week lets you use two bases and add a longer hike. A weekend works for one hike and one scenic drive.
Is the Kancamagus Highway worth driving?
Yes, if you want forest views and short walks. It runs about 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, so allow most of a day with stops, and expect slow traffic in peak fall color.
When is the best time to visit the White Mountains?
Late summer and early fall. July and August suit hiking, and September through October brings foliage. Winter is for skiing and snowshoeing, and some roads and trails are closed.
Do you need a car in the White Mountains?
Yes for most trips. Trailheads, notch towns and scenic drives are spread out, and public transit is limited. A car gives you the summit, the Kancamagus and the valleys.
Is it safe to hike Mount Washington?
Yes for prepared hikers who read the forecast. Summit weather can change quickly, so carry layers and turn back if cloud or wind builds.
Do you need a visa to visit the White Mountains?
It depends on your passport. Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA before flying to the US, and others need a visa. Check travel.state.gov before you book a flight.