Top 8 Mountain Passes in White Mountain National Forest

For breathtaking vistas, View from the Piper Trail Saddle provides extensive views stretching southward and northeast across the White Mountains. Franconia Notch, traversed by the Franconia Notch Parkway, offers dramatic, glacier-carved scenery with views of Cannon Mountain and Mount Lafayette. The Kancamagus Highway, which includes Kancamagus Pass, is renowned for its exceptional scenic beauty, especially during fall foliage, with numerous overlooks like Hancock Overlook and Pemigewasset Overlook.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Pinkham Notch is a popular starting point for various trails on Mount Washington, including the extremely steep Tuckerman Ravine for backcountry skiing. For cyclists, Evan's Notch offers varying gradients, with the approach from the south being a tougher climb. Mount Passaconaway also presents a difficult trail to its peak, rewarding with beautiful views.

The passes are rich in natural wonders. Franconia Notch features the impressive Flume Gorge with waterfalls and covered bridges, Echo Lake, and The Basin, a large granite pothole. Pinkham Notch boasts glacial cirques like Tuckerman Ravine and Huntington Ravine, and the accessible Glen Ellis Falls. Along the Kancamagus Highway, you can find Lower Falls, Sabbaday Falls, and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Crawford Notch offers beautiful sites such as Silver Cascade and Flume Cascades, and is home to Saco Lake, the headwaters of the Saco River.

The White Mountain National Forest passes are beautiful year-round. Fall is particularly celebrated for its spectacular foliage along routes like the Kancamagus Highway. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural features. Winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, especially in areas like Pinkham Notch and Cannon Mountain.

Absolutely. Franconia Notch State Park is very family-friendly, offering the Flume Gorge, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake for swimming and boating. A paved recreational path runs the length of Franconia Notch, perfect for biking and walking. The Kancamagus Highway provides access to easy walks to waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls, and various campgrounds for family stays.

The region offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like the Zealand Trail or Sabbaday Falls Trail, as well as more challenging mountain hikes such as the Mount Washington Summit loop. For road cycling, routes like the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race course or the Pinkham Notch and Evan's Notch loop are popular. Explore more options in our guides for easy hikes, mountain hikes, and road cycling routes.

Yes, the White Mountain National Forest offers glimpses into its history. Along the Kancamagus Highway, you can visit historic sites like the Albany Covered Bridge and the Russell-Colbath House. While the Old Man of the Mountain in Franconia Notch collapsed, its site remains a significant symbol of New Hampshire's heritage. Evan's Notch, particularly on its south side, also features some historic sites.

Many passes are easily accessible by car. Franconia Notch is traversed by Interstate 93 (Franconia Notch Parkway), and the Kancamagus Highway connects Lincoln and Conway. Crawford Notch is accessible via Route 302. Parking areas are available at various points of interest, trailheads, and visitor centers, such as the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Note that some roads, like Bear Notch Road, are gated in winter and typically open around April.

Camping is a popular way to experience the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch offers Lafayette Place Campground and Cannon RV Park. Along the Kancamagus Highway, there are six campgrounds available for those who wish to extend their stay and explore the wilderness. These provide excellent bases for hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.

Cyclists often enjoy Evan's Notch, known as one of the quieter notch climbs with new asphalt as of 2020. The approach from the north is more gradual, while the south offers a tougher climb. Bear Notch Road, repaved in late 2020, connects the Kancamagus Highway to Route 302, offering a good workout with a reasonably gentle gradient from the south and more consistent climbs from the north. It's often car-free for a week or so after winter gates open.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the quiet solitude of places like Evan's Notch for cycling, or the rewarding views from challenging peaks like Mount Passaconaway. The scenic drives, especially during fall foliage, are a major draw, as are the opportunities for hiking to waterfalls and exploring glacial formations.