Live Well CT Hiking Photo .JPG

Live Well CT

A Long Weekend in New Hampshire's White Mountains

A Long Weekend in New Hampshire's White Mountains

Growing up in Connecticut, New Hampshire was always a go-to vacation destination for my family. I have so many fond memories swimming and fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee, visiting Santa’s Village and playing countless games of mini-golf, but it’s really been as an adult that I’ve come to appreciate the area’s vast natural beauty. Life is lived slower and immersed in the bountiful nature. There’s just something about it that makes you feel like you can breath deeper and truly unwind.

Extending 87 miles across northern New Hampshire into Maine are the White Mountains. They are part of the Appalachian Mountains and feature the tallest, most rugged and most beautiful peaks in northeastern United States. There are over 700 named white mountains, including 48 4,000 footers (i.e. having an elevation greater than 4,000 feet). Visitors from around the world visit to hike, rock climb and ski on these mountains, which has contributed to a thriving brewery, winery and restaurant scene. It’s truly nature’s playground and an amazing place to visit year-round. My friend Sam has a goal of hiking all 48 4,000 footers in his lifetime, and I think it’s officially a goal of mine, too. Two down, 46 more to go!

We planned our most recent trip around October’s infamous foliage and boy are we glad we did. Pictures just do not do it justice, it’s something that must be experienced first hand.

There is so much to do and see in the White Mountains that this post will barely skim the surface, but it’s a good launching point for first-timers and regular visitors alike. Below you’ll find our long weekend itinerary including where we stayed, which hikes we did and which restaurants/breweries/wineries we visited. Let me know if you have any questions!

WHERE TO STAY:

First things first: Book your stay at least a month in advance. This is not your typical commercial area lined with a hotel on every corner…. most accommodations are simple cabins and motels (which is fine, because most of your time will be spent outside, after all!), and they book up quickly. I recommend using the town of Lincoln as your base — it’s centrally located close to all of the mountains and there are great restaurants, wineries and breweries.

Start by checking the usual suspects (Expedia, Booking.com and Air BnB) along with Pemi Cabins, Green Village Cabins, RiverBank Motel and Cabins and Parker’s Motel. We recently stayed at Parker’s Motel — it wasn’t glamorous, but it was perfect for what we needed. Unit 16 is a pet-friendly cabin with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and a living room. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to have some space to spread out and bring their pups along!

HOW TO GET THERE:

The Lincoln area is a very easy ride from most New England states. It’s less than two hours from Boston, 3.5 from central Connecticut and just under six from New York with beautiful scenery along the way. While there are some very small regional airports in New Hampshire, if you’re flying in, check out Logan (BOS), JFK and Newark (EWR) and rent a car for the trip (you’ll need to it explore the area, anyways).

WEEKEND ITINERARY:

Now let’s get into the fun stuff. We left central Connecticut around 11:00 am on Friday and stopped for lunch in White River Junction, the cutest little town on the way in Vermont. Tuckerbox and Piecemeal Pieces are great options for a quick lunch and coffee to break up the drive. We arrived to Lincoln at about 4:00 pm, checked in and immediately left for Artist’s Bluff; our first hike of the weekend at sunset.

FRIDAY EVENING: ARTIST'S BLUFF / BALD MOUNTAIN (1.8 MILES; 1-2 HOURS)

2750 NH-18, Franconia, NH 03580
All TrailsDirections (10-15 minutes from Lincoln)

Artist’s Bluff/Bald Mountain is a great introduction to the White Mountains and a big bang-for-your-buck hike. The entire loop is less than two miles and is perfect for beginner hikers, children and pets, but experienced hikers will also appreciate the awesome views with minimal effort.

After just 15 minutes, you’re on top of Bald Mountain with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s a great place to pack dinner or a drink and watch the sunset. Hop back on the loop and a mile later, you’ll be on Artist’s Bluff overlooking Echo Lake (this is where this post’s cover photo was taken). It’s one of the more touristy hikes because of the distance, but definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area.

Later that evening, we went to The Common Man Restaurant for dinner and drinks. It is a beautiful old house that was converted into a restaurant and has the coziest vibe. The food was excellent and so were the drinks; I would definitely recommend it.

SATURDAY: MOUNT GARFIELD (10.1 MILES; 6-8 HOURS)

Bethlehem, New Hampshire 03574
All TrailsDirections (15-20 minutes from Lincoln)

Our first full day in the White Mountains began with our go-to breakfast spot, White Mountain Bagel Company. Then, we set our sites on Mount Garfield, one of the famous 4,000 footers. Unlike many of its peers, Garfield is quite gradual in its ascent, which makes the 5 mile trek to the peak very manageable*. Almost the entire trail is through the woods (not above tree-line), but once you get to the peak, you’re met with outstanding 360 degree views that will absolutely take your breath away. We packed lunch and snacks (there is a Price Chopper right in downtown Lincoln) and ate it at the peak to take it all in.

In total, the hike took us about six hours. So while it’s not overly challenging, it is 10 full miles that takes some time to get through (something to keep in mind when considering bringing pets and children).

Saturday evening we had dinner and drinks at Covered Bridge Farm Table. It has a great outdoor space overlooking the Pemigewasset River and Blair Covered Bridge and an awesome menu featuring local cuts and produce. Definitely make a stop here and get the cowboy chips for an app, you won’t regret it!

*If you’re looking for a hike that is a bit more difficult and offers miles of above tree-line views, definitely do Mount Moosilauke. We did this 8.2 mile trail in May 2019 and it was absolutely incredible — we felt like we were walking on the moon. I can’t wait to do this one again someday.

If you’re up for two 4,000 footers in one weekend, doing both Garfield and Moosilauke would make for an epic trip. Check out the weather beforehand and plan to do Moosilauke on the clearer day, as it’s primarily above treeline and you’ll appreciate the views so much more with blue skies and no haze. I’ve also heard that Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop is amazing (it’s next on my list!), and Mount Washington, of course, if you’re really up for a challenge.

SUNDAY: WELCH AND DICKEY (4.4 MILES; 4 HOURS)

Thornton, New Hampshire 03285
All TrailsDirections (25 minutes from Lincoln)

Although we thought Garfield would be the highlight of the weekend (and it was awesome, don’t get me wrong), I think we actually saved the best for last with Welch & Dickey. It was easily one of my favorite hikes I have ever done. After a 30 minute walk through the woods, you’re met with gorgeous panoramic views that just keep getting better and better as you approach the two main peaks — Welch and Dickey. Most of it hike is above treeline, meaning you have spectacular views the entire time.

It’s a four mile hike that takes about four hours because there is so much to stop and see along the way. If you’re looking for a half-day hike that delivers on views with moderate difficulty, this is it. I’m not sure I’d recommend it for children (there are several steep and rocky areas that were challenging), but most dogs should be able to do it if you’re looking to bring the pup along.

A few minutes away is an adorable little brewery called Dam Brewhouse, where we enjoyed a couple of beers to celebrate our efforts for the weekend. Then we made our way back to Lincoln for One Love Brewery and Seven Birches Winery — Pro Tip: Put your name in at One Love (they almost always have an hour plus wait), then go to Seven Birches while you wait, they’re 500 feet from each other. Both spots are great and must-dos when you’re in the area. Try the cider flight at Seven Birches, it was damn good!

Our last dinner of the trip was at Gypsy Café; the highest-rated restaurant in the area on Yelp (and for good reason). Their menu and décor is super eclectic and their Navajo Pumpkin Pasta with Shrimp is to. die. for. Be sure to call early and make reservations, it’s a small place that books up quickly!

I can’t wait for you to take your own trip to the White Mountains. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have!

Have you done any of the White Mountain’s famous 4,000 footers? Leave a comment below!

One-Pan Autumn Medley

One-Pan Autumn Medley

Butternut Squash Turkey Chili

Butternut Squash Turkey Chili