Epic drives & unparalleled beauty in the White Mountains

Franconia Notch State Park is a slice of heaven on earth. Walk along the cliffside boardwalks of the waterfall-filled Flume Gorge, visit the New England Ski Museum, or take an epic ride on the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. This state park is one where you can enjoy Mother Nature firsthand and get away from it all. Echo Lake Beach offers water-lovers the chance to swim, boat, or fish-- if hiking isn't your cup of tea. The bike path and campground add even more adventure to your trip. Franconia has it all. Winter comes with gorgeous snow covering the land, but fall foliage in the park isn't something to be missed either. Summer months can get crowded, but hiking in good weather is great here. Whenever you choose to visit, add the park to your list of must-sees! The views alone are worth it!

It all started in 1928 when the Clark family opened up a stop for travelers to meet their sled dogs and enjoy treats from up north. A few years later, the Clarks obtained a trained black bear, which really piqued the curiosity of passersby. One of the Clark sons went on to train bears here, and began running a bear show. Today, you can find circus acts of all kinds, a climbing wall for kids, a Segway safari, and much, much more. There's even a water raft ride that will knock your socks off! Clark's Trading Post is a legendary tourist stop that has been a family favorite for decades. Several museums, including an old fire station, can be found on the property for those not only wanting thrilling adventures, but some interesting learning opportunities as well.

Sure, hiking and driving up the mountain are great, but taking a train ride with the Mount Washington Cog Railway is a whole different ballgame. Travel up the mountain the same way folks did back in 1869, and you'll find yourself mesmerized by the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway train. Once at the top, a museum, gift shop, and the Mount Washington Observatory will be waiting. You'll feel as if you are a part of history when riding the cog railway, which a man named Sylvester Marsh dreamed up after nearly losing his life attempting to make it up the summit. Remember to book your tickets in advance! The locomotives at this magical New Hampshire treasure offer a trip of a lifetime that feels simultaneously nostalgic and exhilarating.

Before you hit the pavement on the Kancamagus Highway, first learn to pronounce its tongue-twister of a name (it's pronounced Kank-ah-mah-gus... or you can refer to it as "The Kanc.") Take the nearly 35-mile highway along Route 112 during the fall, and you'll quickly see what all the hype is about. There are SIX campgrounds along the route as well as plenty of hiking, and waterfalls galore. Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge are just a few of the iconic cascades that attract the attention of everyone passing by. The towns of Lincoln and Woodstock offer great restaurants and friendly faces along your journey. While the Highway is at its prettiest in the fall, it's a great drive (and a lot less crowded) in the spring and summer as well.

Zebulon Northrop Tilton (What a name!), or "Zeb" for short, was the captain of a schooner that delivered cargo by sail all over New England during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Named after that impressive American folk hero, Zeb's General Store proudly sells New England-made goods of all kinds, and encompasses Zebulon’s passionate spirit. Whether you stop in to check out the old Coca-Cola fountain, purchase some candy, souvenirs, or speciality items, or simply want to see what all the chatter is about, Zeb's will welcome you with open arms. If you want nostalgia, this is the place for you. The general store is covered from wall to wall with old-fashioned treasures, so your eyes won't be bored. Head there early in the morning to beat the rush. This stop may be a quick one, but it's definitely worth your time!

Hop on board the Conway Scenic Railroad for a train experience that's been a local favorite since the 1870s. Trains have been a key part of America's history of innovation and business, and having the opportunity to ride historic routes is special on so many levels. Choose the Notch Train, and you'll be cruising along what was once the Mountain Division Line of the Maine Central Railroad. This five-and-a-half-hour trip takes you back in time with commentary about the past, as well as insane views of the forested, mountainous New Hampshire landscape. Or, select the Valley Train to enjoy an old passenger car excursion that can last anywhere from 55 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. Conway has dining options for those interested, and additionally allows well-behaved pets. What a bonus!

Where to even begin on this huge paradise of pure fun!? Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park offers ziplines to mountains coasters, hiking to rope courses, and chairlifts to summer mountain tubing. This park has it all, and that's just what it offers in the summer! Snow skiing and tubing, in addition to rides and activities the whole family will enjoy, are offered in the winter for the full experience. A weekend trip or an entire vacation will have you wanting to return again and again. The lodges have any dining option or amenity you may need, and passes are made available to those in the area wanting to keep the adventure going all season. Just a mere chair lift up to those incredible mountain views is worth the trip out, let alone the thrilling shenanigans you can get into while here!

Boasting nearly 6,000 acres of what seems like never-ending beauty, Crawford Notch State Park is a gem that you'll want to visit when in the area. Countless hiking trails and waterfalls can be found around every bend, so grabbing a pair of sturdy shoes and a camera is highly recommended! The park's Wiley House is a popular spot to visit. Originally called the Old Notch House, the Wiley family was living here in 1928 when a drought followed by a terrible storm caused an avalanche behind the home. The entire family disappeared during the madness, and the house has since garnered attention due to mysterious occurrences... and due to the fact that the house still, somehow, stands. If ghost stories and waterfalls aren't your scene, perhaps camping out and taking on the challenging hike to the top of Mount Crawford is!

Stop what you're doing and look up images of the Mt. Washington Auto Road, immediately. The panoramic views you'll see on this 7.6-mile winding toll road are insane. Drive it yourself and take it all in at your own speed (with caution, of course) or kick back and relax with a wide variety of guided tours. Let someone else do the driving so you're able to really gawk at the mountains and skies that go on for miles, or hop in with a professional for a tour that includes seeing rare birds of the area. For those wanting to experience the beauty on foot, a shuttle bus is made available. Bring a jacket for the high-altitude weather, and come prepared to be amazed, whether you're driving or not, because this is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. Once you've conquered the drive, make sure to pick up a bumper sticker; it's a badge of honor for cars that have made it to the top!