A Winter Getaway in the White Mountains and Great North Woods

During February of 2024, travel photographer and content creator Jackie Krawiecki (@_jkrow) traveled to New Hampshire and set out to find what makes a winter getaway here so unique.  Her trip took her all over the northern part of the state, including up Mt Washington, to frozen waterfalls, and to enchanting waterfalls. She’s put together an itinerary that has just the right mix of outdoor adventure, cozy accommodations, and gourmet food too! Use her guide to inspire your New Hampshire winter getaway.

If you’re looking for a unique winter getaway destination, you’re in the right place. New Hampshire's White Mountains and Great North Woods are your ticket to an unforgettable cold-season adventure.

From the thrill of dog sledding through pristine snowy trails to cozying up at a charming mountain inn at the end of the day, these are the best things to add to your New Hampshire winter itinerary.

Dog Sledding with Muddy Paw Sled Dog

New Hampshire has a rich dog sledding history, making dog sledding one of the best things to do in NH in the winter.  Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel offers an authentic experience, where you'll learn about the history of dog sledding, bond with the dogs, and get to see firsthand how much these dogs love to mush.  Plus, you're supporting a good cause, as Muddy Paw Sled Dog owns and operates a nonprofit Sled Dog Rescue and Education Center to help give sled dogs and rescues a second chance.

Stay in a Mountain Inn

Embrace the local charm of New Hampshire by staying in a cozy mountain inn. The Wentworth Inn is one of many to choose from in the area and is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of winter adventures.

Mount Washington SnowCoach Tour

Make your way up to the extreme winter alpine zone of Mount Washington, while comfortably seated in a heated SnowCoach. This is your chance to witness breathtaking views from the tallest mountain in the Northeast USA without the strenuous hike. Just remember, you’ll be able to step outside for a short time once you get up there, so bundle up!

Fine Dining at 1869 Room, The Wentworth

On our visit to NH, we learned that there are some fantastic fine dining options in this region that you cannot miss. The 1869 Room at The Wentworth Inn serves up locally sourced dishes prepared by their talented culinary team. It gets busy though, so make sure to book in advance!
 

Snowshoe to Beaver Brook Falls

You can’t visit NH in the winter without visiting a frozen waterfall, and Beaver Brook Falls is just about as accessible as they get. The falls are located just off the road and transform into a stunning ice sculpture in winter that you won’t want to miss.

Wine and Cider Tasting at Alpine Garden Winery

While you’re in the area, pop in for a quick wine and cider tasting at Alpine Garden Winery. This local gem crafts unique wines and ciders using local fruit and minimal intervention.
 

Explore the Enchanted IceCastles NH

The ice castles at IceCastlesNH are crafted from - you guessed it - ice, which offer a magical experience with tunnels, slides, and hand carved sculptures. As you can imagine, the ice castles are a super popular seasonal event, so you’ll want to book ahead online before you go.

Hike to Diana's Baths

A short, accessible hike leads you to Diana's Baths, where cascades and waterfalls freeze into stunning natural ice sculptures in winter. The 0.6-mile trail is manageable with microspikes when it snows. Diana’s Baths is part of the White Mountain National Forest and a National Forest Pass is required.
 

Take a Winter Train Ride

The Cog Railway offers a unique winter experience, providing scenic views of the White Mountains as you ascend part way up Mount Washington. This historic railway is a cozy way to enjoy the snowy landscape and is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the mountain without a strenuous hike.

Eat Wood Fired Pizza at Flatbread Company

Make sure you stop for a bite at the Flatbread Company in North Conway, where the wood-fired pizzas are made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. It's a popular spot, so you might have to wait, but the delicious, artisanal pizzas are well worth it.

Each of these experiences offers a unique way to enjoy winter in New Hampshire's White Mountains and Great North Woods. Whether you're speeding across the snow with sled dogs, savoring a gourmet meal, or wandering through a magical ice castle, there's no shortage of ways to make your winter adventure in NH ultra special.

This abridged guide gives you a taste of the winter magic awaiting in New Hampshire. For a deeper dive into these experiences and more, check out the full blog post on www.theadventuresatlas.com.