Best Places to Stay for a Wild Adventure in the White Mountains

Within the White Mountains lie hundreds of trails to explore, dozens of peaks to summit, and an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.

White Mountain National Forest — the easternmost national forest in the country — has almost 800,000 acres of wilderness for residents and visitors alike to adventure through.

It’s the Granite State’s only national forest and welcomes upwards of six million people every year. The forest is mostly known for its majestic peaks that sit over four thousand feet above sea level and are blanketed with the rock that gives the Granite State its name.

There are a plethora of things to do no matter your adventure choices. Top activities include visiting some historic towns, driving along scenic roads, hiking, backpacking, and checking out the fall colors. But visitors also enjoy taking a dip in swimming holes, kayaking through rivers, and eating at some of the best restaurants in the region.

After a long day journeying through the woods or scaling the mountainsides, a proper night’s rest is well deserved. Whether you prefer epic and luxurious resorts, quaint rentals, or stunning cabins, the White Mountains  has the perfect place to stay for everyone.

1. Lumen Nature Retreat

Why you should stay: three words: seclusion, silence, and saunas.

• Nearest town: Woodstock
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $138/night

You’d never know that a major interstate lies a few hundred feet from Lumen Nature Retreat. The rushing waters of Eastman Brook silence the sounds of civilization. And yet, the town of Lincoln is only a few miles away, allowing easy access to the gateway of the White Mountains and the adventures you’ll have there.

The real reason to stay at Lumen is to escape into a world of your own. Even though there are 20 cabins, six A-frame tents, and nine safari tents to choose from, each space is surrounded by beautiful trees that create privacy throughout your stay. Communal areas like the large fire pit, cornhole boards, and tubular bells help build a sense of community.

If you can swing it, the best place to stay is in one of the Hygge cabins along the river. You’ll have your very own kitchenette including a small fridge and a loft space for extra sleeping quarters.

Related read: The Ultimate Fall Color Guide for the White Mountains, New Hampshire

2. Omni Mount Washington Resort

Why you should stay: It’s one of the grandest resorts in New England.

• Nearest town: Bretton Woods
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $269/night

The large, impressive structure that you can easily see while on top of the Northeast’s tallest mountain is none other than Omni Mount Washington Resort. It’s well over 100 years old and yet boasts some of the most modern amenities hotels have to offer.

Whether you want a romantic day at the spa, a romp around the surrounding mountains, or a relaxing afternoon out on the porch, the resort has you covered.

Even though the White Mountains are chock full of incredible things to do, you don’t have to leave this resort to have a jam-packed itinerary. The hotel offers guided historic tours, nature walks, birding lessons, an art room for the whole family, and guided adventure treks.

When you book a stay, just tell the concierge what you want to do while you’re there and they will take care of everything.

3. Huttopia White Mountains

Why you should stay: there’s a heated, saltwater pool.

• Nearest town: Albany
• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $94/night

There are several Huttopia locations around North America, but, arguably, the best one is found in the White Mountains. Over 50 acres of land, Huttopia White Mountains is home to 102 accommodations and a boatload of activities. From renting canoes and paddle boards to magic shows and an open-air cinema, Huttopia White Mountains is ideal for any age.

The best time to visit is during its peak season (late June to early September) when Huttopia offers its most extensive programs.

Every morning, kiddos from the age of five through twelve can partake in treasure hunts, crafts, and outdoor games. There’s also beach volleyball courts, ping pong tables, a baseball field, playground, and even Petanque (kind of a combination of bocce and curling, but done in a sandpit). Neither you nor your kids will be bored if you stay at Huttopia.

4. The Glen House

Why you should stay: to be the first one up the Mount Washington auto road.

• Nearest town: Gorham
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $229/night

In one of the most unique locations in New Hampshire, The Glen House is your one-stop destination for adventure. There are events year-round focusing on the outdoor scenery that surrounds the hotel. The hotel has a direct connection to Great Glen Trails, an outdoor adventure organization that takes you on guided tours on land and water.

Not only are you across the street from Great Glen Trails, but you’re only twenty minutes to Storyland, twenty-five minutes to North Conway, and within a half-hour of several ski resorts. It’s the perfect basecamp no matter your adventure.

5. White Mountain Hotel

Why you should stay: best view from a hotel restaurant in the Whites.

• Nearest town: North Conway
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $148/night

With craggy cliffs as its backdrop, the White Mountain Hotel is like no other. This small, family-run resort has some of the best packages a hotel has to offer. If you’re looking for a golf getaway, book their 18-hole or 9-hole packages. If romance or relaxation is your vacation of choice, they’ve got packages for that as well.

Plus, the hotel is only a few miles from the historic town of North Conway. From classic train rides and playgrounds to perfect brunch spots and historic general stores, this hotel is the place to stay for your visit to the Whites.

6. River Walk Resort

Why you should stay: the resort has one of the largest lagoon pools in New England.

• Nearest town: Lincoln
• Sleeps: 12 guests
• Minimum Stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $209/night

The pool at River Walk Resort is one of the property’s highlights and it even turns into a skating rink in the winter. The resort also boasts an enormous game room with arcade games, foosball, air hockey, a pool table, and so much more.

The games don’t end there either. Head to The Backyard where you can play some bocce, frisbee, or hike on some of the surrounding trails. Then head to the in-house winery (you read that right) before heading to the resort’s La Vista restaurant for dinner.

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