White Mountain National Forest: top natural sights
Situated in New Hampshire, White Mountain National Forest is an incredible place to explore on walking tours. This vast wilderness is a hiker's paradise and is home to some fascinating natural sights - read our guide to find out what you can expect to see here.
You can explore the White Mountains as part of trips Appalachain Trail hiking - which is one of eastern North America's most famous trekking routes. Doing so will give you the chance to visit countless towering peaks, make your way through stunning landscapes and even spend some time exploring historic Boston.
What can I expect to see in White Mountain National Forest?
Spanning approximately 800,000 acres, this gorgeous national forest is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and hikers alike, thanks to its abundant hiking trails, lakes and waterfalls.
Boasting six designated areas of wilderness, it is brimming with fascinating natural sights, from the peaks themselves and the stunning views these offer to powerful mammals and a wide variety of birdlife.
One of the best things about hiking here is that many of the paths are above the timberline, which means you get to enjoy exceptional views. Indeed, this area is famous for its stunning scenery, and you'll get the chance to enjoy it at its best with what is widely regarded as one of New England's best routes, the Franconia Ridge Hike.
Along the way, you'll cover three mountains - Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette. These vast natural wonders offer an incredible trekking experience and, if you ascend the highest point on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, you'll be able to see out over three states.
During your hike, you will get a taste of different weather zones, including the alpine and the temperate. As you do so, keep an eye out for the changes in the nature surrounding you.
Another thing this region is famous for is its rapidly changing weather conditions - clothes for wet and cold weather, which can come on without warning, are essential when hiking here.
Among the mammals to look out for are bobcats, moose, black bear and coyotes, while there are also close to 200 species of bird in the area.
What else will I see on my adventure break?
Adventure tours that take you to the White Mountains can also whisk you to a number of other exciting destinations along the famous Appalachain Trail.
Your trip will set off from the New York/Newark area, from where you'll travel through the Catskill Mountains and into Massachusetts. Here, you'll find the Berkshire Mountains and their tallest peak, Mount Greylock.
After having a chance to amble through the Berkshire's woodland, you'll drive into the foothills of the Green Mountains, where you'll camp for the first night of your ten-day tour.
Locally known as 'the Greens', the Green Mountains National Forest is a great place to start stretching your legs in practice for more challenging hikes later on in the tour. You'll have a couple of options when it comes to the route you follow - including shorter walks through woodland and the tougher Stratton Mountain Trail.
The next two days will be spent enjoying the fantastic sites and hiking paths of the White Mountains, after which you'll make your way to Baxter State Park. This peaceful wilderness has been virtually untouched for centuries, which means exploring it makes for a real sense of adventure.
It is here that you will find the official start point of the Appalachain Trail, Mount Katahdin. The scenic footpaths you will follow will be a real heaven for nature lovers and those simply keen to get away from it all, as you'll wander down tranquil forest tracks, coming across pretty streams and still, clear lakes.
Spend the final two days of you walking holidays in the USA getting a taste of city life by heading into historic Boston. Here, you can walk Boston's famous Freedom Trail, which takes you past a number of important historical sites.
Before you leave, you'll have ample opportunity to sample the fantastic seafood New England has a reputation for, as well as have a night out on the town with your fellow travellers.
Brimming with awe-inspiring natural sights, walking tours of the White Mountains are a great choice for eager adventurers and nature lovers alike.
