By Lisa Marie Mercer
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, This four-season mountain playground boasts a variety of activities for people of all ages and of all levels of fitness. As if that was not enough, the New Hampshire towns that surround the mountains are quaint and beautiful, and offer wonderful dining and shopping options. In fact, if you are looking for bargains on outdoor gear, you can find some sweet deals at the outlet stores. While the White Mountains offer a variety of recreational opportunities, skiing hiking and cycling are the most popular.
White Mountain Skiing
From the gnarly Tuckerman's Ravine, to the meticulously-groomed and elegant Bretton Woods, the White Mountains satisfy every type of skier. Bretton Woods, with its views of the Mount Washington Hotel is the place to go for a romantic ski weekend. Intermediates enjoy Attitash. For those who don't get enough skiing in the day time, visit Cranmore and take in some night skiing.
White Mountain Hiking
Whether you want to take an easy nature trail or a challenging hike, the White Mountains have it all. If you like chasing waterfalls, an easy 1/2-mile hike on Diana's Bath in Bartlett will satisfy your yearnings. Those who are looking for a challenge should check out the 4000'ers, which are mountains whose summits are over 4,000 feet. Examples include Hancock North and South, Jackson and Cannon. if you're looking for a true challenge, Mount Washington has a 6,288-foot summit.
White Mountain Biking
The 25-mile Cherry Mountain loop traverses through varied terrain. Along the way, you'll pass a number of cascading waterfalls. The trail rises to an elevation of 1506 feet.The 6.8-mile Hastings trail begins at the State line on US Rte. 2, and leads to Hastings, Maine. In the summer, Bretton Woods offers lift-serviced biking for mountain bikers.
Resources
About the Author:
Lisa Marie Mercer is the author of "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "101 Fitness Tips for Women," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and a novel, "Reflections in the Snow." She's been a fitness professional since the '70s, and has lived in New York City, Boston and Italy.
