White Mountains
White Mountains
The Mt. Washington Valley has something worth doing in every season — from powder days at Attitash to peak-foliage drives on the Kancamagus. Here's where to go and where to eat.
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Franconia Ridge Loop
The most celebrated day hike in New Hampshire: 8.4 miles, 3,800 ft gain, two 4,000-footers (Lincoln and Lafayette), and a fully exposed ridgeline with 360-degree views. Ascend via Falling Waters Trail past three waterfalls to Little Haystack, traverse the ridge, descend Old Bridle Path. About one hour from Bartlett via I-93.
Start by 7am on summer weekends — the Lafayette Place parking lot fills completely by 8.
Diana's Baths
An easy 1.2-mile walk to Lucy Brook's cascading ledges and tiered pools — dramatic in spring snowmelt, lovely all summer. Family-friendly, ADA-accessible trail section, and one of the most accessible "wow" spots in the valley. $5/vehicle at the West Side Road trailhead.
Go early on summer weekends. The pools are perfect for wading with kids.
Arethusa Falls & Frankenstein Cliff
A 4.9-mile loop combining New Hampshire's tallest waterfall (Arethusa Falls, 140+ ft) with dramatic cliff-top views from Frankenstein Cliff. Route 302 runs right through Crawford Notch — this trailhead is about 15 minutes from Bartlett. Especially striking in spring when the falls are running hard.
Do the loop counter-clockwise: Bemis Brook Trail up, Arethusa Falls Trail and Frankenstein Cliff on the way out.
Mount Willard
The best views-per-effort hike in the White Mountains. 3.1 miles round-trip, 895 ft gain, and the payoff is a classic U-shaped glacial notch framed between 1,000-foot cliff walls. Free parking at the AMC Highland Center. Outstanding in fall foliage season.
An ideal second-day hike if you've already done something strenuous — or a great choice when hiking with mixed abilities.
Kancamagus Highway
The premier foliage drive in New Hampshire — a 34.5-mile designated American Scenic Byway with no commercial development, following the Swift River through pure White Mountain National Forest. Stop at Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls (swimming in summer), Rocky Gorge, and Sabbaday Falls. The eastern end starts 20 minutes from Bartlett in Conway.
Drive east to west (Conway to Lincoln) on fall mornings for the best light. Get off the highway and walk to the river at Lower Falls.
Photo: Dmkrusch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Conway Scenic Railroad
Running since 1974 out of North Conway's 1874 Victorian depot, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers two very different rides. The Mountaineer is the showstopper — a 4- to 5-hour round trip up through Crawford Notch on the old Maine Central Mountain Division, crossing the Frankenstein Trestle high above the valley. The Valley Train is a relaxed one-hour ride toward Conway, with seasonal specials like the Halloween Express and Santa's Holiday Express that kids love.
Book the Mountaineer well ahead for foliage season, and spring for Observation Dome seats if they're available. Pre-order a boxed lunch at least 48 hours in advance — outside food isn't allowed on board. About 20 minutes from Bartlett.
Photo: Ken Gallager, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Crawford Notch State Park
A 5,775-acre state park along Route 302 that protects the dramatic pass between Bartlett and Bretton Woods, with the Saco River tumbling down the notch beside the road. At its heart is the Willey House site, named for the family lost in an 1826 landslide, now home to a snack bar, park store, and picnic area. Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade spill down the ledges right beside the highway, Ripley Falls is an easy hike away, and Dry River Campground has sites from late May through October.
Make an afternoon of it: stop at Silver Cascade on the way up, picnic at the Willey House, and hike to Ripley Falls. Arethusa Falls and Mount Willard (both listed separately) are in the park too. About 20 minutes west of Bartlett.
Photo: Bob Linsdell, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
White Mountain National Forest
Established in 1918, the White Mountain National Forest covers roughly 750,000 acres of New Hampshire and Maine, with about 1,200 miles of trails, 23 campgrounds, six wilderness areas, and more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. In Bartlett, forest land starts right outside the door. Bear Notch Road climbs 9 scenic miles from Bartlett Village to the Kancamagus Highway with overlooks along the way, and trailheads for Sawyer Pond, Diana's Baths, and the Presidential Range–Dry River Wilderness are all close by.
Many trailheads and day-use sites require a recreation pass — buy a day or annual pass before you go. Bear Notch Road is unplowed and closed in winter, but it's one of the best foliage drives in the valley from late September to mid-October.
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
The gathering spot for the Mt. Washington Valley — a historic building, a beloved brewery, and a BBQ-forward menu that's earned loyalty across decades. Miss V's Blueberry Ale and Scottie's IPA are the crowd favorites. Major après-ski energy on winter weekends.
Expect waits on peak weekends. Get there early or call ahead.
Ledge Brewing + Taco Bar
The closest brewery to Bartlett — a few minutes off Rt. 302/16 in Intervale, between the Villa and North Conway. Great NEIPAs and rotating taps alongside a solid taco menu. Outdoor seating and live music in warmer months.
As You Wish NEIPA and Hive Mind (honeycomb yeast) are the standouts.
Wildcat Inn & Tavern
The classic Jackson après-ski and any-night bar, in a post-and-beam tavern with tables made from old chairlift parts. Live music four to five nights a week year-round. Garden patio open in warmer months. As much about the atmosphere as the food.
If you're skiing Wildcat Mountain, this is the obvious après destination — 10 minutes from the base.
Red Fox Bar & Grille
Family-owned since 1990, right at the Jackson covered bridge. Everything made from scratch, generous portions, warm hospitality. High energy on ski weekends but a dependable dinner spot year-round. Great burgers.
Call-ahead seating is available and worth using on busy weekends.
Shannon Door Pub
Open since 1953, the Shannon Door is one of the oldest bars in the valley — a cozy, low-key Irish-American pub with live music and great bar pizza. No pretense, full bar, and exactly what you want on a cold night.
One of the few places in the valley that feels genuinely lived-in.
Tuckerman Brewing Co.
Named after the famous ski ravine on Mt. Washington, Tuckerman Brewing grew from a garage operation into one of the most-loved craft breweries in New Hampshire. Tuckerman's Pale Ale is the flagship. Indoor taproom year-round; outdoor beer garden open spring through fall.
About 20 minutes from Bartlett — combine with a morning on the Kancamagus.
Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro
The best Italian food in the valley, in a charming bistro that's been earning its reputation since 1988. Classic pasta, good wine list, intimate atmosphere. Reservations recommended on weekends.
A good option when the group wants something quieter and more sit-down than the brewpubs.
Peach's Restaurant
The dependable morning stop — a family-owned breakfast and lunch café open daily 7am to 2:30pm. Gluten-free options, unpretentious, and exactly right before a hike.
Get there before 9am on weekends or expect a wait.
Red Parka Pub
A White Mountains institution since 1974 — the classic New England ski bar, with exposed timber beams, a legendary salad bar, and the kind of atmosphere that only comes with decades of locals and seasonal regulars. Glen is 10 minutes from Bartlett on Rt. 302.
Order the prime rib and the onion soup. Arrive early in ski season.
Photo: Ktr101, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Matty B's Mountainside Cafe
A laid-back pub and family restaurant in Attitash Mountain Village, right across Route 302 from the Attitash base. The menu runs to wood-fired specialty pizzas, burgers, wings, sandwiches, and poutine, backed by a full bar with local beer on tap. There's a summer patio, live music in the dining room, and a steady après-ski crowd in winter.
An easy walk from Villa Toscana and Villa at Bear Creek — no designated driver required. Hours shift with the seasons (it's typically closed Wednesdays and opens later on weekdays), so check before you go, and expect it to be busy after the lifts close. Takeout is available.
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