New Hampshire’s White Mountains region is filled with fun around every scenic turn. With 17 major attractions, amazing local shops and restaurants, and opportunities for outdoor exploring, you could easily fill your whole trip with exciting activities.
But what about a classic White Mountains road trip?
This easy White Mountains road trip will take you from Eaton to Albany along pretty winding roads, and it’s perfect if you have kids in tow or just want a “go with the flow” kind of day.
*For this adventure, bring a detailed paper map or screenshot your phone directions prior to departure, as cell service is very limited during portions of this drive.*
Scroll to the bottom of this blog for a suggested route.
FOSS MOUNTAIN (Eaton, NH)
Start your adventure with a short hike up Foss Mountain. This scenic peak, managed by the Eaton Conservation Commission, has views stretching from Ossipee Lake all the way up to Mount Washington Valley and the northern Presidential Range (as well as the western reaches of Maine). The gently graded trail to the summit is 0.8 miles out and back, making it a great option for families. In season, hikers are welcome to gather blueberries from designated areas – review trail signage along the way to ensure you are picking from the proper location.
Interested in this stop?
Please note, to access the small parking lot and trailhead, you will need a high clearance vehicle and must be comfortable traversing a narrow, single lane dirt road with various obstacles. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended.
If the parking lot is full, please park in the Winter Lot and walk up or come back another day. There is no parking available along the road.
MADISON BOULDER NATURAL AREA (Madison, NH)
As big rocks go, Madison Boulder is so mind-bogglingly massive, it begs for an in-person visit. Enjoy a short and peaceful walk through the woods in search of North America’s largest glacial erratic. Can you guess how gargantuan this hunk of granite is?
(If you’re exploring from afar, we’ll fill you in: Madison Boulder measures 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height (above the ground), and 37 feet in width, and weighs upwards of 5,000 tons. Wow!)
CHOCORUA LAKE (Tamworth, NH)
Take a dip or a quick paddle or just stop for pictures! Chocorua Lake* is photo famous for a reason.
To recreate this photo, park in the small lot on the southern end of the lake, just off Chocorua Lake Road. Enjoy the sights of the famous “NH” bridge, as well as colorful canoes and kayaks floating across the lake with craggy Mount Chocorua in the distance.
The Chocorua Lake Conservancy provides public access to Chocorua Lake and the Little Lake at two CLC-owned properties: a three-acre area known as the Grove by the Narrows Bridge at the south end of the lake and a 17-acre area known as the Island between Old Route 16 and the lake on the east side. (Information courtesy the Chocorua Lake Conservancy website.)
Similar to other stops on this road trip, parking at Chocorua Lake is limited. If you can’t find a space, please continue on to Tin Mountain Conservation Center.
TIN MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION CENTER (Albany, NH)
Wrap up your day with a wander through Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s impressive property. Forested trails with all sorts of flora and fauna, a scenic pond, and accessible paths across the street are just the start of Tin Mountain’s impressive offerings. Peruse their extensive, nature-focused library and observe the educational taxidermy. Then? Consider a donation or purchase a souvenir from their gift shop in support of Tin Mountain’s environmental education efforts.
Explore our White Mountains itineraries and trip ideas for additional inspiration! There are many beautiful routes in our region, including driving to the top of Mount Washington and traveling across the iconic Kancamagus Highway.
