National park · United States
White Mountain National Forest
Go for a day hike from I-93 or the Kancamagus Highway: most trailheads are free, but expect a US$5 day-use fee at some lots and US$5 per night for dispersed camping; skip the Mount Washington summit by car on a clear summer weekend and hike it midweek instead.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,237 km²1,250 sq mi
approximate
Established
1911
Best months
Jun–Jul, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- New England ↗Major interstates (I-90, I-95, I-93) use cashless tolling; rental cars often charge via plate billing or transponder. Some state routes may still accept cash.
- New England ↗Many coastal inns, ferries and restaurants run Memorial Day–Labor Day only; confirm before booking off-season.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 3,237 km²1,250 sq mi
- About 800,000 acres (3,237 km²) across New Hampshire and Maine (check).
- Established
- 1911
- Best months
- Jun–Jul, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Boston
White Mountain National Forest is a working forest, not a gated park: 800,000 acres (3,237 km²) of New Hampshire and western Maine, 1,200 miles (1,900 km) of trails, and no entrance fee at the boundary. You pay only where a sign marks a fee area — about US$5 per vehicle at some trailheads and picnic grounds, about US$5 per night for dispersed camping, US$25–35 at a developed campground (2026 estimates). The Appalachian Trail runs 170 miles through it, Mount Washington (6,288 ft / 1,917 m) is the highest point in the Northeast, and the Presidential Range carries some of the worst weather in the country, with freezing temperatures and hypothermia possible in any month. Treat it as two different trips: valley and notch walks from I-93 or the Kancamagus Highway for a first visit, and a properly equipped alpine day only if you have the gear and a weather window.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1911.
Size and age
3,237 km²1,250 sq mi · national park since 1911
About 800,000 acres (3,237 km²) across New Hampshire and Maine (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Boston.
Why go
- 1,200 miles (1,900 km) of trails, including 170 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the forest.1,200 miles (1,181 mi) of trails, including 170 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the forest.
- Mount Washington, at 6,288 ft (1,917 m), is the highest peak in the Northeast and the largest alpine area in the eastern US.
- A full range of activities: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, snowshoeing and skiing.
- 184 bird species recorded, plus moose, black bears and peregrine falcons on the cliffs.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanDeep snow; many roads and campgrounds closed
- FebCold and snowy; winter gear essential
- MarMud season; trails soft and icy
- AprMud season; some roads still closed
- MayCampgrounds open mid-May; cool and quiet
- JunLong days; black flies early in the month
- JulWarm valleys; afternoon storms on peaks
- AugWarm and busy; book campsites ahead
- SepClear, cool; fewer crowds after Labor Day
- OctFoliage peak; Kancamagus traffic heavy
- NovCold; many facilities closed
- DecSnow; ski areas open, services limited
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MooseMay–Jun, Sep–Oct · Kancamagus Highway and northern sections; a collision hazard on roads. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Black bearsApr–Oct · Never leave food or scented items in a car or tent. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Peregrine falconsApr–Jul · Released birds returned to nest on some cliffs; some routes close seasonally. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Migratory and summer birdsMay–Sep · 184 species recorded, 110 in summer. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Boston
I-93 north through the forest; exit at Campton or Lincoln.
2–2.5 h
Open the page →
From Manchester, NH
I-93 north; nearest airport with fewer airlines and no international service.
1.5 h
From New England region
Regional guide to planning the wider trip.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Southern White Mountains | Campton, Waterville Valley and Osceola areas; closest to Boston. | Open; some campgrounds reservable. |
| Kancamagus Highway | Route 112 between Lincoln and Conway; trailheads, campgrounds and the Lincoln Woods visitor center. | Open; day-use fees at some lots. |
| Presidential Range | Mount Washington and the northern peaks; alpine terrain and the highest weather risk. | Open; trails not for beginners. |
| Evans Notch | Western Maine section near Bethel; quieter trails and campgrounds. | Open; seasonal road closures. |
Sketch map
- 1Supervisor's Office, Laconia · Headquarters≈43.529, -71.470Map ↗
- 2Campton Visitor Center · Gate≈43.855, -71.650Map ↗
- 3Gateway Visitor Center, Lincoln · Gate≈44.045, -71.670Map ↗
- 4Lincoln Woods Visitor Center · Trail≈44.060, -71.590Map ↗
- 5Mount Washington summit · Summit≈44.270, -71.303Map ↗
- 6Dolly Copp Campground · Sleep≈44.330, -71.220Map ↗
- 7Evans Notch Information Center, Bethel · Gate≈44.404, -70.790Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest entry | Free | person | No general entrance fee for the forest itself. |
| Day-use fee at some trailheads and picnic areas | US$5 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; charged where signs mark a fee area (check). |
| Dispersed camping | US$5 | night | 2026 estimate; some areas free (check). |
| Developed campground | US$25–35 | night | 2026 estimate; varies by site and season (check). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | year | 2026 estimate; covers federal fee areas, not WMNF day-use fees. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
General visiting no permit
Overnight backcountry camping no permit
Group size in designated wilderness permit or guide
Park rules
- Wilderness group size
- Hiking and camping groups must be 10 people or fewer in designated wilderness.
- Fires
- No wood or charcoal fires in Great Gulf Wilderness or the Cutler River Drainage; other areas have distance rules from trails.
- Alpine zone camping
- No camping in the alpine zone except on 2 ft (61 cm) or more of snow; no fires.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; store food and scented items securely.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all rubbish; check current backcountry rules at a visitor center.
Where to stay
In the park
Developed campgrounds
23 campgrounds, most open mid-May to mid-October; tent pads, tables, water and toilets, no hookups.
In the park
Dolly Copp Campground
Largest campground, on Route 16 near Gorham; good access to Mount Adams and Mount Washington.
In the park
AMC huts
Eight huts along the Appalachian Trail sleeping 36–90 people; reservation only.
Near the park
Gateway towns
Hotels, inns and B&Bs in Lincoln, North Conway, Jackson, Franconia, Glen, Lisbon and Waterville Valley.
Safety
Severe weather on high peaks high
Hypothermia high
Lightning on open summits medium
Moose and deer on roads medium
Accessibility
- Lincoln Woods visitor center has wheelchair-accessible parking, flush toilets and a pedestrian walkway with river views.
- Gorham and Plymouth ranger offices have accessible restrooms; the Bethlehem office is not fully accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect alpine plants.
- Carry out all rubbish and follow leave-no-trace rules.
- Keep group sizes within wilderness limits to reduce impact.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter White Mountain National Forest?
There is no general entrance fee. Some trailheads and picnic areas charge a day-use fee of about US$5 per vehicle (2026 estimate), and developed campgrounds cost roughly US$25–35 per night. Dispersed camping is about US$5 per night in some areas and free in others.
What are the best hikes in White Mountain National Forest?
For an easy walk, the Lincoln Woods Trail is flat and starts at the visitor center. For a challenge, hike Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine or the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. The forest has over 1,200 miles of trails, including 170 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
When is the best time to visit White Mountain National Forest?
June, July, September and October are the strongest months: long days, clear weather and full services. October brings peak foliage and heavy traffic on the Kancamagus Highway. Winter is for snowshoeing and skiing, with many roads and campgrounds closed.
Do I need a permit to camp in White Mountain National Forest?
No permit is required, but rules apply. Groups in designated wilderness must be 10 people or fewer, fires are banned in some areas, and alpine-zone camping is only allowed on at least 2 ft (61 cm) of snow. Check current rules at a ranger office or visitor center.
Is White Mountain National Forest safe for beginners?
Lower valley trails are fine for beginners, but high-elevation trails are not. Mount Washington and the Presidential Range have some of the worst weather in America, with freezing temperatures possible year-round. Turn back if conditions worsen.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go