Additional Information & Directions

Rangers' Offices

Supervisor’s Office:

Plymouth Office:

  • Address: 1171 NH Route 175, Holderness, NH
  • Phone: +1 (603) 536-1315
  • Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
  • Visitor information services and accessible restrooms.

Bethlehem Office:

  • Address: 660 Trudeau Road, Bethlehem, NH
  • Phone: +1 (603) 869-2626
  • Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
  • Visitor information services (not fully accessible) and outdoor accessible vault toilets.

Visitors Centers

Lincoln Woods Visitor Center:

  • Location: Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln, NH
  • Phone +1 (603)630-5190,
  • Hours: Daily: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
  • Located 5 miles east of Lincoln, this site serves as the starting point for outdoor activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. There is a parking area, visitor information cabin, trailhead for the Lincoln Woods Trail, a 180 foot (55 m) suspension bridge, and flush toilet facilities, and all wheel chair accessible. A pedestrian walkway, accessible from the parking area, offers views up the Pemigewasset River.

Gateway Visitor Center:

  • Location: Interstate 93, Exit 32, Lincoln, NH,
  • Phone: +1 (603) 745-3816.
  • Hours: Daily: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Has a full interpretive display that provides a history of the Forest and its evolution. Tactile, hands-on displays as well as an audio-described tour. Restrooms.

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC):

  • Maintains eight huts along the Appalachian Trail each able to sleep from 36-90 people with propane power, running water and full course meals available at some. By reservation only
  • Phone: +1 (603) 466-2727
  • Appalachian Mountain Club

Campgrounds

There are 23 campgrounds in the White Mountain National Forest. Some are year-round, but most operate mid-May to mid-October. They have tent pads, picnic tables, fireplaces or fire rings, running water and toilets. All campgrounds provide basic services, with no hookups. Daily fees are charged to help cover costs and entrance signs identify fee areas.

Kancamagus East and West NH

WildwoodHancock
Big RockPassaconaway
Jigger JohnsonCovered Bridge (Reservable)
Blackberry CrossingWhite Ledge (Reservable)

 

 

 

Backcountry

  • A number of organizations maintain small shelters, and tent platforms throughout the Forest. The Appalachian Mountain Club’s AMC White Mountain Guide provides a comprehensive listing of shelters. It is available at Visitor Information Centers.
  • There are 112,000 acres of Congressionally-designated wilderness.
  • Leave-no-trace camping is allowed subject to restrictions on wood or charcoal fires which are detailed in a pamphlet entitled: Welcome to White Mountains National Forest, available to read or print from that link or at Visitor Information Centers.
  • Appalachian Mountain Club Store

The following restrictions apply to all of the congressionally Designated Wildernesses, that is: Presidential/Dry River, Pemigewasset, Great Gulf, Caribou-Speckled Mountain

  • No motorized equipment or mechanical transport (wheelchairs are an exception).
  • Hiking and camping group size must be limited to 10 people or less.

Additional regulations for Presidential/Dry River and Pemigewasset:

  • No camping, wood or charcoal fires within 200 feet (61 m) of any trail except at designated campsites.

Stay Safe

For any emergency in White Mountain National Forest, dial 911 from any phone.

Wildlife

Black bears, moose and deer roam the White Mountains. Never leave food or scented items (deodorant, air fresheners) in your car or bring it into your tent. Bears have a keen sense of smell and will detect them. Do not approach animals, particularly young ones as the parent may be nearby. To avoid encounters while hiking, make noise so that the animal knows you are coming. Give all animals their space, and never feed any park wildlife. Stay alert and do not exceed the speed limit while driving. Hundreds of moose are hit each year, with fatal results for some drivers.

Weather

Other natural dangers in the park come from the weather. Hypothermia is a concern at higher elevations where temperatures can drop below freezing throughout the year. Dress in layers, and be prepared for storms and rapid changes in temperature. When storms are approaching avoid open areas such as the summits of the park’s many granite domes; lightning strikes these areas regularly. If a storm does approach, get off of high, open ground. When hiking wear sturdy footwear and drink plenty of water – if you are thirsty that is an early sign of dehydration.