|
|
The White Mountain National Forest is the second most-visited national park in the U.S. BBOnline tells you just why.
White Mountain National Forest
18 Mayville Road
Bethel, Maine 04217
(207) 824-2134
Toll-Free: (800) 832-1355
www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain
Sprawled across 780,00 acres in New Hampshire and Maine, this national forest offers the visitor a varied landscape: rivers, gorges, ravines, waterfalls, ponds and lakes and alpine mountains towering up to more than 6,000 feet, including the highest in the Northeast - Mt. Washington.
The forest has about 1,200 miles of hiking trails which include 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail and 23 wooded campgrounds. You can do some downhill and cross-country skiing, canoe or cruise down its many scenic byways. The forest is New Hampshire's favorite haunt for mountain bikers.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Major roads through the forest such as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and Route 302 with their spectacular views of the Presidential Mountain Range, connect to the hiking trails. As for mountain biking, the forest has a vast network of unpaved forest roads that traverse almost the entire forest.
The only areas mountain biking is not allowed is the Appalachian Trail and the 5 designated wilderness areas: the Presidential Range/Dry River Wilderness, the Sandwich Range Wilderness, the Great Gulf Wilderness, the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Caribou/Speckled Mountain Wilderness. No logging or commercial industry is allowed in these areas.
Biking trails include the Cherry Mountain Loop, Greeley Pond Trail, Livermore Road and the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. So get ready for some adventure during your stay at your Naples Bed and Breakfast.
For Kids
Kids will enjoy the educational interpretive programs and activities in the Visitor's Center. They'll find the forest during Fall especially beautiful with the glowing golds and oranges of the foliage. In fact, many visitors turn up just to capture this sight.
Wildlife in the White Mountains National Park
Wildlife in this region includes black bears, foxes, beavers, river otters, turtles, whitetail deer, moose, snakes, turtles and 184 species of birds. If your heart is set on moose, head to the Kancamagus Highway and northern-most areas of the forest. Sightings mostly happen at dusk or dawn.
At the southern end of this national forest, you'll find a 25- acre wetland filled with wild creatures.
Camping
There are rustic campgrounds without flush toilets and running water as well as those with these facilities and more. However, don't expect telephones, RV hook-ups or dump stations in any of the campgrounds here. For back-country camping opportunities, check with the Ranger Stations.
Historic Sites
The White Mountains National Forest goes back to 1918, which has resulted in the presence of several places of historic interest here like farms, mills, logging camps, old railroads and cemeteries. According to the Native American tribes in Maine, the White Mountains are a spiritual place. Head to this park from your Naples Inn and recharge your spiritual energies.
Mt. Washington Valley
This is one of the hotspots near the national forest. It has some notable attractions such as the historic Mount Washington COG Railway that takes you up to the summit of the mountain. The train departs from a station on the outskirts of North Conway. The valley also has some charming covered bridges.
Tips
The weather in the White Mountains is unpredictable, so carry protection from rain wind and cold. And don't forget the water, a good map and first aid kit.