Conway
1 hostel · dorms from $38
North Conway is the main base for the White Mountains.
Points of interest
- Kancamagus Highway
- Cathedral Ledge
- Outlet shopping
- Mount Washington nearby
State guide
Things to do in New Hampshire
The White Mountains, with serious hiking, the Kancamagus Highway and Mount Washington's wild weather, plus lakes, the historic port of Portsmouth and no sales tax.
2
Hostels across its 3 main cities
5.1
Average, from 96 reviews
3–4
Days to do it properly
Live free or die
New Hampshire is a small New England state with a big outdoors. Its state motto is 'Live free or die', and it has no general sales tax and no state income tax, which draws shoppers from neighbouring states. Most travellers come for the White Mountains, the most rugged mountains in the Northeast.
The Presidential Range includes Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, with some of the most extreme weather on earth recorded at its summit. You can hike, drive or ride a historic cog railway to the top. The Kancamagus Highway is one of the most famous autumn drives in the country, and Franconia Notch has gorges, waterfalls and the Appalachian Trail. In the south, Lake Winnipesaukee is the centre of a lakes region, and Portsmouth, on the short coastline, is a historic port town with a lively food scene.
Give New Hampshire three or four days, ideally with a car. Summer and early autumn are best for hiking, late September to mid-October for the leaves, and winter for skiing and snowshoeing.
Where to base yourself
North Conway or Gorham for the mountains, Portsmouth for the coast.
Gorham
1 hostel · dorms from $58
A small town at the foot of the Presidential Range.
Points of interest
- Mount Washington Auto Road
- Appalachian Trail
- Moose tours
Portsmouth
A historic port with a lively food scene.
Points of interest
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Market Square
- Prescott Park
Regions of New Hampshire
Mountains in the north, lakes in the middle, and a short coast in the south-east.
White Mountains
Hiking, climbing, autumn drivesThe Presidential Range, Franconia Notch and the Kancamagus Highway.
Lakes Region
Lakes, boating, summerLake Winnipesaukee and the towns around it.
Seacoast
Portsmouth, beachesA short Atlantic coast with Portsmouth and Hampton Beach.
Great North Woods
Remote, mooseThe empty, forested far north.
Monadnock and Merrimack Valley
Small towns, Mount MonadnockThe south-west, with one of the most climbed mountains in the world.
Things to do
Things to do in New Hampshire
In the White Mountains, hike in the Presidential Range, where the huts of the Appalachian Mountain Club offer beds high on the trails. Reach the summit of Mount Washington on foot, by the Mount Washington Auto Road or on the Cog Railway, the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway. Drive the Kancamagus Highway, especially in autumn, stopping at waterfalls and lookouts.
In Franconia Notch State Park, walk the boardwalks of the Flume Gorge and ride the aerial tramway up Cannon Mountain. North Conway is the main base, with outdoor shops, tax-free outlets and access to climbing and hiking. Rumney is one of the best-known rock-climbing areas in the East.
In the south, swim and boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, and walk Portsmouth's historic streets, including the Strawbery Banke Museum, a neighbourhood of restored historic houses.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Most hiking trails in the White Mountains are free, though parking at many trailheads needs a recreation pass. Driving the Kancamagus Highway costs nothing.
Portsmouth's historic centre and waterfront are free to wander, and shopping is free of sales tax.
Lake beaches in state parks charge a small entry fee.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Portsmouth has the best restaurants in the state, with seafood, oysters and craft breweries. Elsewhere, expect diners, pubs and hearty food for hikers.
Maple syrup, apple cider doughnuts and pick-your-own apples in autumn are local traditions. On the coast, try lobster rolls and fried clams.
State-run liquor stores sell alcohol without sales tax, and are often on the highways.
Nightlife
Going out
Portsmouth has the liveliest nightlife, with bars, breweries and live music. North Conway has pubs and après-ski bars.
In the mountains and lakes, evenings are quiet.
Most hikers are up early.
Getting around
Getting around
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is the main airport, and Boston Logan is around an hour from the south of the state. Concord Coach Lines buses run from Boston to the White Mountains and Portsmouth.
Amtrak's Downeaster stops in a few southern towns on the way from Boston to Maine.
A car is the easiest way to reach trailheads, lakes and the Kancamagus Highway. Roads are icy in winter.
Costs
What New Hampshire costs
New Hampshire is moderately priced, with busy, more expensive autumn and ski seasons. There are a few hostels and hiker bunkhouses in the White Mountains, and campsites are cheap.
There is no general sales tax, but meals, rooms and car hire carry an 8.5 per cent tax. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
The Cog Railway and Auto Road are expensive extras.
Safety
Safety and scams
New Hampshire is very safe. The real risks are in the mountains.
Mount Washington's weather is notoriously dangerous: winds can exceed hurricane force and temperatures drop fast, even in summer. Check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast, carry layers and turn back if conditions worsen.
Watch for moose on roads at dusk, and check for ticks after walks. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Hiking, leaf season and lake summers.
Late September to mid-October
Autumn colour
White Mountains
The Kancamagus Highway at its busiest and best.
June
Mount Washington Road Race
Mount Washington Auto Road
A gruelling run to the summit.
December to March
Ski season
White Mountains
Skiing at Cannon, Loon and Bretton Woods.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels across New Hampshire, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
June to September is the hiking season. Late September to mid-October is peak autumn colour and busy. Winter brings skiing and snow. Spring is muddy and has black flies.
Jan
Ski season
Feb
Ski season
Mar
Late skiing
Apr
Mud season
May
Black flies
Jun
Hiking begins
Jul
Peak summer
Aug
Summer
Sep
Autumn colour begins
Oct
Peak autumn colour
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Ski season begins
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Concord, rounded. The mountains are much colder.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on White Mountains prices.
Treat these as a guide. Autumn and ski season cost more.
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New Hampshire questions
The ones we get asked most.
Can I drive up Mount Washington?
Yes, on the Mount Washington Auto Road in summer, or take the Cog Railway. Both charge fees.
Is there really no sales tax in New Hampshire?
There is no general sales tax, but meals, rooms and car hire are taxed at 8.5 per cent.
When is the best time for autumn colour in New Hampshire?
Late September to mid-October.
Do I need a car in New Hampshire?
Yes, for trailheads and scenic drives. Buses reach some towns from Boston.
Is Mount Washington dangerous?
Its weather can be extreme, even in summer. Check the forecast and turn back if needed.
How many days do you need in New Hampshire?
Three or four for the White Mountains and Portsmouth.
Where should I stay in the White Mountains?
North Conway or Gorham, or at hiker hostels and huts on the trails.
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