Backpacking opportunities abound in the White Mountains. From easy strolls into the wooded environment to challenging climbs above treeline. Before heading out, be prepared with the 10 essentials (map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, flashlight or headlamp, matches/firestarters, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind gear and a pocket knife). The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable even if it is forecasted to be a gorgeous day.
Backpacking Areas
Androscoggin Ranger District.
Located on the northern part of the forest in New Hampshire
and western Maine, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities.
Challenge yourself in the Presidential Range including Tuckerman Ravine or the
Great Gulf Wilderness; enjoy the beauty of the area at places like Glen Ellis
Falls; get away from it all along Scenic Route 113 or in the Wild River and Caribou-Speckled
Wildernesses. Recreational opportunities abound: hiking, camping, hiking, biking,
fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing
and much more.
AlbanyBrook Trailhead
Appalachia Trailhead
Caribou East Trailhead
Caribou West / Mud Brook Trailhead
Carter / Moriah Trailhead
Castle Trailhead
Centennial Trailhead
Chandler Brook Trailhead
E Royce / Spruce Hill Trailhead
Gentian Pond Shelter
Great Gulf Link Trailhead
Great Gulf Wilderness Trailhead
Hastings Trailhead
Haystack Notch East / Miles Notch South Trailhead
Haystack Notch East Trailhead
Howker Ridge Trailhead
Huntington Ravine Trailhead
Imp Trailhead
Kilkenny Ridge Trailhead
Lowes Path Trailhead
Mill Brook Trailhead
Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead
Pinkham Notch Trailhead
Rattle River Shelter
Rattle River Trailhead
Starr King Trailhead
Stony Brook Trailhead
Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Wild River / Basin Trailhead
Pemigewasset Ranger District.
Located on the western portion of the Forest, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Bisected by Interstate 93, you can jump off at exit 28 and escape up to Waterville Valley or push on a little further to exit 32 and relish the day traveling through the mountains on the
Kancamagus Scenic Byway; challenge yourself at the world renowned Rumney Rocks Rock Climbing Area; seek renewal in the large and remote Pemigewasset Wilderness;
brag about the one that got away at Russell Pond. Recreational opportunities seem limitless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross
country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Saco Ranger District.
Located on the southeastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Journey across the
Kancamagus Scenic Byway; experience the famous Mt Chocorua area; find solitude in the Presidential Range-Dry River or Sandwich Wildernesses; or discover the
beauty along Scenic Route 113. Recreational opportunities are endless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry),
snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Davis Path Trailhead.
The trailhead has ample parking. The Davis Path is one of the oldest and longest routes approaching Mt. Washington and totals over 14 miles in length. Daytrippers access Mt. Crawford at 2.2 miles from the parking lot.