How to Spend 1 Day in the White Mountains

1. Depart from Lincoln, NH (8:45)

I have set Lincoln as the starting point. Additionally, it is home to the White Mountains Visitor Center. The visitor center open at 8:30 so you could make a quick stop. However, it is going to be a long day to squeeze everything in, so make sure to try and be to the flume gorge about the time it opens at 9am.

2. Flume Gorge (9:00)

Just north of Lincoln is the Flume Gorge. It is the longest hike on this itinerary so it is nice to do it first so that you won’t be tired. The entire trail is a 2 mile loop, but I would plan for 90 minutes to stop and see everything.

3. The Basin (10:45)

The Basin is a short drive from the Flume Gorge. Additionally, be aware that the trail can be accessed from parking lots on both sides of the highway. Unfortunately, Google Maps only recognizes one lot so it will try to reroute you up and back. Additionally, the hike itself is a short walk, so plan for 30 minutes out and back.

4. Optional: Polly’s Pancake Parlor (11:30)

If you are getting hungry and would like to make a brunch stop, Polly’s Pancake Parlor would make a great pit stop! However, I know that my wife wouldn’t consider it “optional”. We actually ate there twice!  Additionally, they are open until 2pm (3pm on weekends).

5. Mt. Washington Auto Road (1:30)

It is about 1 hour to drive from Polly’s to the start of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. It takes about 30 minutes to drive up to the top of Mt Washington. However, it takes a little longer coming down as you will want to stop a few times to let the brakes cool down. Additionally, you will want to leave time to hike around and stop in the visitor center.

We are squeezing this all in one day, so you will just have about 45 minutes at the top. If you want to spend more time, consider cutting some of the optional stops below or adding a second day.  Lastly, if you are afraid of heights or driving amongst cliff ledges, you might consider the Mt Washington Cog Rail. However, it is definitely more expensive.

6. Conway and the Kancamagus Highway (4:30)

It is about 45 minutes to drive from Conway to Lincoln without stopping. However, there are some great stops here if you still have the energy! Additionally, there are numerous scenic overlooks or you can just enjoy the view from the car.

7. Optional: Albany Covered Bridge (4:40)

If you love covered bridges, this one is an easy stop as it is just off of the Kancamagus Highway. Also, it only adds 5-10 minuets and you can actually drive through it. Make a quick stop, turn around and head back on your journey!

8. Optional: Lower Falls (4:50)

If you are running low on time, this would be a good one to skip as you don’t want to miss Sabbaday Falls! However, the Lower Falls are spread out and not a dramatic or large waterfall. Additionally, if you have two days or skipped the auto road, this is only a short walk from the parking lot. Also, it is a fun place for the kids to walk around and possibly wade in the river.

9. Optional: Rocky Gorge Scenic Area (5:15)

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is another stop that is only a short distance from the parking lot. The gorge has some large rocks that the kids can climb around on. Additionally, if you have extra time, the trail continues over a bridge up to a tranquil pond. However, if you are behind schedule, this is another one you can skip to make it Sabbaday Falls.

10. Sabbaday Falls (6:00)

Sabbaday Falls is probably the best stop on the Kancamagus highway. Additionally, it is a short hike to the waterfall and there are some bridges and stairs to make it up to the top. The trail is about 0.7 miles out and back so plan for about 30 minutes.

11. Return to Lincoln (7:00)

Head back to Lincoln to close out a long day! There are a lot of restaurants in Lincoln so you can find a place for dinner as well.

12. Other Options

Mount Washington is the longest stop on this trip. If you were to cut that out, you would potentially have time to stop at one of these other family-friendly options: Clark’s Bears (in Lincoln), Story Land (in Glen, just north of Conway), Santa’s Village (in Jefferson, north of Mt Washington) or the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (in Franconia, north of Lincoln).