The Northern White Mountains are home to many different ski resorts, but what is there to do in the summer? Never fear, your summer Northern White Mountains one-night travel itinerary is here.
Starting off the morning
Depending on where you are starting off your travels, there are multiple great options for breakfast. If you are anywhere near Sugar Hill, or up for a drive, you cannot skip Polly’s Pancakes. This NH classic has been around for over 75 years and serves a delicious breakfast (or lunch!) alongside superb mountain views.
Exploring the area
Post-breakfast, there are many ways you can go about your day. If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday in the summer, one of our favorite ways to spend the summer morning is perusing the Littleton Farmers Market. With the cutest vendors and great views of the Ammonoosuc River, you cannot go wrong with a stop here. After this, you could walk across the Riverwalk Covered Bridge to access downtown Littleton for some more shopping, and don't forget to check out the longest candy counter in the world at Chutters!
Looking for other things to do in Littleton, NH? Visit our Littleton blog to learn more!
Adventurous activities
A great way to adventure in this area of the Whites is by biking! There are plenty of bike trail systems in the area that are perfect for beginners and experts alike. You can visit Bike the North Country's website to find out more information on the trail systems in Bethlehem, Littleton and Franconia, and see what the best option is for you!
Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola is a great place for those who are looking to bike, and those who are looking for other adventures as well. There are endless opportunities to fun with their bike rentals and bike paths, canopy tour, skyway gondola and more!
Keep in mind bicycle safety when visiting these trails, and don’t forget your helmet! We also recommend a visit to Littleton Bike and Fitness for a tune up before getting out.
We know that this region of the Whites can sometimes be chilly in the summer, and if that is the case, sometimes an indoor option may be needed. If you are still interested in an adventurous activity, you could check out North Country Climbing Center in Lisbon, NH for some indoor rock climbing. This gym is just minutes away from downtown Littleton, and it is perfect for those cooler days you may want to spend inside.
The Northern White Mountains region is home to many of our major attractions! You can learn more about them here.
Lunch time
Lunch time! Luckily, the Littleton area is home to some amazing restaurants, all with their own unique charm. A fan favorite is Schilling Beer Co. located right on the Ammonoosuc River. They are serving up great pizzas, great beers, and great vibes. With two different restaurants on site, Schilling Beer Co. is the perfect place to find some delicious food in Littleton.
Afternoon exploration
In the Northern Whites, there are so many fantastic activities to fill your summer day that it can be hard to choose just one. Whether you are looking for a small hike or a chill walk, there is something for everyone here! Franconia Notch is a perfect spot for all of this.
If you are looking for a moderate walk, two great options are the Flume Gorge Trail or Basin Cascade Trail. Both trails are around 2-2.5 miles and feature multiple gorgeous waterfalls and views. Reservations and fees are required for the Flume Gorge, so don’t forget that if you are looking to visit.
If you are looking for a hike rather than a walk, the Lonesome Lake Trail never fails to impress. A relatively moderate hike, the Lonesome Lake Trail brings you to a lake perched prettily in the mountains. This trail is perfect for those looking for a little more than the walks, but something equally as rewarding.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is a perfect spot for those looking to go on a short walk with spectacular views. By just taking the around 8-minute tram ride up, you can access the loop trail and the observation tower at 4,080 feet. The breathtaking views of Cannon Mountain’s summit cannot be beat.
Finishing off the day right
Finally, the day is wrapping up and it is time to find dinner. There are some awesome finds around, but make sure you save room for dessert!
Rek’-Lis Brewing in Bethlehem, NH is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious food, craft beers, and homemade cocktails in a super cool atmosphere. The main restaurant is open every day, but you can check out their Pint House Thursday-Sunday, featuring food trucks in the summertime!
We hope you have saved room for dessert because next on the list is Super Secret Ice Cream, just down the street from Rek’Lis. With their homemade ice cream, funky flavors, and local ingredients, this stop is the perfect ending to a summer day.
Staying the night?
If you are staying the night, there are many different lodging options in the area. You could book a campsite at one of the many nearby campgrounds such as Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch, or Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch. If you are looking for accommodations inside, there are plenty of lodging options in the area.
Happy travels!
