The height of New Hampshire is not only in its mountain range of the White Mountains but in its beauty. Mt. Washington is 6, 288 feet and is the highest peak in the northeast. From its summit, at the Mount Washington Observatory, one can see from the Atlantic Ocean in the east across Vermont to New York’s Adirondack Mountains in the west, to Canada in the north and to Massachusetts in the south. Mt. Washington was a part of a land grant known as Sargent’s Purchase. It was ascended in 1642 for the first time and its changing face is a continual challenge for climbers. Originally called Agiocochook by Native Americans, Mount Washington itself is surrounded by 52 acres of the Mount Washington State Park where visitors will find the old and some modern buildings of a “City Among the Clouds.” Early buildings were of stone with chain anchors. Fire destroyed much in 1908, but rebuilding now gives access to the summit.
Because of its location and height, Mr. Washington has some of the most extreme weather in the world for a settled area with temperature average of 27.1 degrees Fahrenheit. It has had 231 mph wind velocity at one time. Even in summer there may be fog, driving rain, strong winds and even snow. This area is pristine wilderness.
The Auto Road is a driving adventure of continuous weather changing conditions on Mount Washington. Mt. Washington Valley has many spectacular scenic roadways especially to view the vibrant colors of fall.
From Bretton Woods, take the Cog Railway to Mt. Washington on the steepest railway track in the world. One ton of coal and 1000 gallons of water are needed for each passenger car to reach the top.
New Hampshire’s largest lake is Winnipesaukee located in Weirs Beach.
An aerial cam at Cannon Mountain gives a fabulous view of New Hampshire. This is in the Franconia Notch State Park. It has a geological wonder through a natural chasm, over covered bridges, past waterfalls and beautiful views.
Mt. Chocorua was named for an 18th century tribal chief who was killed by white settlers at the peak of the mount. The Chocorua and Tamworth Villages border the White Mountain National Forest. They provide many outdoor recreational activities including the Barnstormers, one of the oldest summer theaters. In winter is the sled dog race, while summer offers a working farm for grinding corn, pitching hay, churning butter and a host of farm animals to enjoy.
White Mountain National Forest in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is the area where hikers can find 48 mountains that reach 4000 feet or more. This line of mountains, known as the Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia and reaches the most difficult part here in the White Mountains. A highway, Kancamagus, from Lincoln to Conway was named for an early Penacook Indian Chief known as “Fearless One.” In this area is the Old Man of the mountain.
Snowmobile tours and rentals are available for the White Mountains. Also at Lincoln, NH is the winter playground of Loon Mountain for skiing, but opens for summer fun with the exploring of the glacial caves, Lost Loon gold treasure hunt and rock climbing. A Whale’s Tale water park, named best in class of water parks in America is located at Lincoln.
For the historical enthusiast, in Concord is one of New England’s finest museums with 400 years of history of the area. Salem is home to the Stone Henge of the United States. Possibly built by a native American culture, a maze of man-made chambers, walls of ceremonial meeting places, America’s Stonehenge is likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States, It is an accurate astronomical calendar. There are various inscriptions within the construction.
At Mt. Lafayette a monster is climbing the mountain. Everywhere in New Hampshire are farms of pure maple sugar and everywhere in New Hampshire are vacation rental facilities available for your stay in the area.