Aug 303 min read

The Wonders of the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

With hiking trails suited for all fitness levels and breathtaking scenic areas and overlooks, it's a nature lover's paradise. While fall is my favorite season to visit due to the stunning foliage, summer is also great for swimming and cooling off in the river.

Here are some hikes and scenic areas I recommend visiting that I enjoyed this summer.

The Kancamagus Highway

Spanning 34.5 miles between Lincoln and Conway, the Kancamagus Highway offers breathtaking mountain views throughout the year. This scenic route is ideal for leisurely stops to soak in the natural beauty, with plenty of hiking opportunities along the way.

Two notable hikes are Boulder Loop and Potash Mountain—keep reading to learn more about them!

Boulder Loop Trail

The Boulder Loop Trail is a 3.7-mile loop and is considered easy to moderately challenging. It's a popular spot for camping and hiking so expect to see other adventurers. The best times to visit are from May through October.

Since it's a loop trail, you can start in either direction, but I recommend going left uphill, or clockwise at the first fork for an easier ascent. The trail passes by several large boulders, winding up a series of ledges that offer wide-open views of the surrounding area.

Length: 3.7-mile loop
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Fee: $5 to park at the trailhead

Lower Falls - Scenic Area and Swimming

Lower Falls is a popular spot on the Kancamagus Highway. The Swift River drops many feet over smooth granite rocks into a large pool. It is an ideal place to picnic, sun bathe, and swim.

There is an 80 car parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables with charcoal grills. Visitors should be aware that the rocks can be quite slippery and should be careful when walking around the river.

After our hike, we cooled off with a refreshing swim. The water is icy cold but revitalizing, especially after a hot day filled with sweat, sunscreen, and bug spray. A rock in the swimming hole is great for jumping off, though the water isn’t very deep, so use caution, and the waterfall offers a natural back massage!

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

Not far from the Boulder Loop Trail and Lower Falls is the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, another must-visit spot in the White Mountain National Forest. This area features a stunning 10-foot drop and rapids through the gorge.

From the parking lot, it's a short and easy walk along the Swift River, leading to a footbridge that crosses the river. You can stand directly above the gorge for viewing and photos, making it a perfect spot to take in the beauty of the landscape.

Potash Mountain

Potash Mountain is a rewarding hike offering scenic views and a moderate challenge for hikers. This trail winds through lush forests, with steady inclines leading to a stunning summit view. It’s a perfect adventure for those looking to enjoy the White Mountains without an overly strenuous climb.

I found this hike more challenging than the Boulder Loop Trail, though the summit views may have been even better. What’s cool about Potash is that it offers two summit views! The first viewpoint is about 1.6 miles into the hike, and from there, you can continue on to the true summit at the 2.0-mile mark.

Note: After rain, the trail can be a bit more difficult, as the rocks can get slippery. Also, near the start of the trail, you’ll need to cross a river. It wasn’t a problem for us, but we did have to carefully navigate the rocks to avoid getting our feet wet!