New Hampshire Activity Guide 

Welcome to New Hampshire! Planning a New Hampshire vacation with the Appalachian Mountain Club? Read on for suggestions on making the most of your trip, whether you stay close to the lodge or venture around town for local sightseeing.  

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AMC Cardigan Lodge 

Cardigan Lodge is the perfect basecamp for families, hikers, and backcountry skiiers looking to explore the beauty of New Hampshire’s Western region. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, here’s how to make the most of your visit. 

Pricing: At Cardigan kids stay free, with one child’s accommodations and meals comped for every paying adult. AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.  

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The Lodge 

Cardigan Lodge is located on a 1,200-acre reservation owned by AMC and is a short 2-hour drive from Boston. If you join us during Cardigan’s full-service season (April 24, 2025-November 1, 2025), your stay includes dinner, breakfast, and trail lunch. Cardigan’s self-service season (November 2, 2025-December 31, 2025) is an affordable option and gives you access to the full kitchen to prep your own meals before getting outdoors. Linens, towels, soap and shampoo are provided year-round. 

On warm days, relax on the porch or explore the pond after your hike. If you prefer to be indoors, there is a large dining room with tables and a comfortable sitting room on the main floor, as well as a small library/game room downstairs. Room styles within the lodge range from large bunkrooms to double beds—so whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a group adventure with friends, AMC’s got you covered. 

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 

• Hiking: Hikers of all ages can enjoy a hike up Mount Cardigan, with its 360-degree views of surrounding White Mountains. Start just outside Cardigan Lodge on the Manning Trail, then follow the Holt Trail for 1.8 miles to the summit of Cardigan. If you’re looking for a more accessible walk, take advantage of the All Persons Trail that AMC’s professional trail crew built to federal accessibility guidelines. 

• Mountain Biking: Explore options for both beginners to advanced riders through Green Woodlands Foundation and Highland Mountain Biking Park. 

• Swimming & Paddling: Take a short drive to Newfound Lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Or drive for just under an hour and enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, which is ringed with beaches and charming tourist towns. 

• Skiing: The ski trails on Mount Cardigan and neighboring Firescrew are among the most historic runs in New England. Grab a copy of AMC’s Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast, a cult classic among Eastern powder seekers. 

• Climbing: Rumney Rocks is one of the premier sport climbing destinations in the country. 

• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer, moose, and a variety of bird species along the trails. 

Family-Friendly Activities 

• Nature Scavenger Hunt – Engage kids in an exciting scavenger hunt along Cardigan Lodge’s 1-mile nature trail, which features interpretive displays.

• Pond Exploration – Enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the lodge’s pond, perfect for picnicking and catching newts.

• Campfire Nights – Gather around the campfire for s’mores, storytelling, and stargazing in the lodge’s big backyard.

• Snowshoeing & Winter Fun – In colder months, try snowshoeing on groomed trails or build snow forts and sled down gentle slopes near the lodge. 

Shopping, Sights, and Food Nearby 

• The Mill Fudge Factory & Ice Cream Café – A must-visit spot for homemade fudge and delicious ice cream treats. 

• Cardigan Country Store – Grab snacks and local goods before heading out of town. 

• Sculptured Rocks Natural Area – Explore unique rock formations carved by centuries of rushing water. 

• Polar Caves Park – (Seasonal) Adventure through granite caves, a fun excursion for all ages. 

• Ruggles Mine – (Seasonal) Tour an old mica mine and learn about the area’s mining history. 

AMC Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch 

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Joe Dodge Lodge is the ideal jumping off point for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re setting out on a scenic hike, enjoying a peaceful retreat, or seeking winter thrills, this guide will help you make the most of your visit. 

Pricing: AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.  

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The Lodge 

Joe Dodge Lodge is located right across a walking path from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and offers private rooms and bunkrooms. Breakfast and dinner are included in most room packages, and lunch is available for purchase at the Black Moose Deli, a full-service deli offering hearty trail lunches and a variety of hot and cold plates. Trail lunches can be ordered the night before for those planning an early start. 

Joe Dodge Lodge also offers complimentary activities, including guided day hikes to nearby scenic destinations, instructional talks on outdoor skills or natural history, and in-depth evening programs featuring films and guest speakers presenting on topics from astronomy to winter hiking. The Children’s Discovery Room offers natural history resources, books, and games for families looking for a break from the outdoors or a retreat during inclement weather. 

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 

• Hiking & Backpacking: Start your adventure on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, leading to Mount Washington’s summit, or explore the gentler Square Ledge Trail. For other trip ideas and detailed route information, purchase AMC’s White Mountain Guide or Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains. 

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Enjoy winter sports at nearby Wildcat Mountain, known for its stunning views and excellent slopes. The boldest and most experienced skiers skin up to ski Tuckerman Ravine. 

• Biking: Ride scenic trails in Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, just a short drive away. 

• Paddling & Swimming: Visit nearby lakes and rivers, such as Echo Lake, for a refreshing dip or paddle adventure. 

• Photography & Fall Foliage: Capture breathtaking autumn colors in the White Mountain National Forest. Here are our tips for taking majestic fall foliage photos. 

Family-Friendly Activities 

• Short Hikes & Nature Walks – Enjoy gentle hikes like the Lost Pond Trail, perfect for kids and beginner hikers. 

• Wildlife Watching – Spot moose, birds, and other wildlife along Pinkham Notch trails. 

• Nature Scavenger Hunt – Engage young explorers by identifying trees, animal tracks, and mountain streams. 

• Storytelling & Stargazing – Gather around an evening campfire at Joe Dodge Lodge for tales and celestial wonders. 

• Winter Fun – Try snowshoeing, sledding, or building a snow fort during the colder months. 

Shopping, Sights, and Food Nearby 

• Pinkham Notch Visitor Center – Convenient on-site dining with hearty meals for hikers and families. Check out the Trading Post for AMC merch, maps, guides, and gear to get you outdoors. This Mount Washington trails tee by Burgeon is the perfect souvenir to prove you know your way to the top! 

• Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery – Enjoy locally brewed craft beer and delicious barbecue. 

• Mount Washington Auto Road – Drive or take a guided tour up the highest peak in the Northeast. 

• Glen Ellis Falls – A short hike to a stunning waterfall, perfect for a quick nature break. 

• Jackson Covered Bridge – A picturesque New England landmark. The bridge is nicknamed Honeymoon Bridge from the tradition of lovers kissing under it for good luck.  

AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch 

Surrounded by the majestic White Mountains, the AMC Highland Center is the perfect home base for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers. Whether you’re setting off on a mountain adventure or simply relaxing at the lodge, the Highland Center is the ideal gateway. Pack your gear and get ready to explore! 

Pricing: AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.  

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The Lodge 

Built on the site of the historic Crawford House hotel and nestled at the southern base of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire’s Crawford Notch, the Highland Center is AMC’s premier White Mountain lodge. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations in one of the most accessible locations in the White Mountains. There’s no need to drive to the southern Presidential peaks when you’re staying at the base of Crawford Path, and AMC’s hiker shuttle makes it easy to get to other popular White Mountain destinations without worrying about finding a parking spot. 

Guests at the Highland Center enjoy a breakfast buffet and hearty, home-cooked dinner to bookend their day. Trail lunches are available for adventures outdoors. After dinner settle in for a lively conversation or evening presentation by the fireplace. Highland Center guests have free use of the  L.L.Bean gear library, which offers boots, backpacks, outerwear, snowshoes, and more to borrow for free. The on-site retail store offers books, maps, AMC apparel, gear, USFS parking passes, and last-minute items. Our friendly staff are always available to assist with weather, trail conditions, and other information. 

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities 

• Hiking & Backpacking: From the Highland Center’s front door, a moderate two- to three-hour hike will take you to spectacular views on top of Mount Willard. The Highland Center is also a popular place to rest up before tackling the Franconia Ridge Trail Loop; the trailhead at the Lafayette Place Campground is less than half an hour’s drive away. For other trip ideas and detailed route information, please inquire with Highland Center staff or purchase AMC’s White Mountain Guide or Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains. 

• Biking: Ride along the trails and roads near the lodge for a mix of paved and dirt paths. 

• Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Enjoy groomed trails and fresh powder during the winter season. Whether you’re a first-timer or a snowshoe pro, we’ve got some tips for you. 

• Paddling & Fishing: Explore nearby lakes and rivers, including the Saco River, for a day on the water. 

• Photography & Fall Foliage: Capture stunning autumn colors and scenic mountain views throughout the notch. Use our fall foliage tracker to time your visit to peak colors. 

Family-Friendly Activities 

• Highland Center Children’s Playscape – Features boulders, logs, and tunnels to mimic the natural features of the White Mountains. 

• Easy Hiking Trails – Explore kid-friendly trails like the Sam Willey Trail and the Around-the-Lake Trail for gentle adventures. 

• Nature Discovery Programs – Join AMC’s guided nature walks and hands-on educational activities. Ask for a junior naturalist book at the front desk—if your child completes the guide, they will receive a special badge at a naturalist induction ceremony! 

• Wildlife Spotting – Look for moose, foxes, and a variety of birds in the Crawford Notch area. 

• Indoor Learning & Games – Spend time in the lodge’s family-friend game room, which has air hockey and ping pong tables. 

Shopping, Sights, and Food Nearby 

• AMC Library and Archives – Housed inside the Highland Center, with thousands of documents, maps, photographs, and other items dating back as far as the organization’s founding in 1876. 

• The Macomber Family Information Center – (Seasonal) Located in the historic Crawford Depot, this is a former train station renovated by AMC. The information center houses interpretive displays, an information desk, and a small gift shop that stocks last-minute hiker supplies, guidebooks, and souvenir items. An excursion train runs periodically when Crawford Depot is open. 

• Crawford Notch State Park – Explore waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views in this breathtaking natural area. 

• Super Secret Ice Cream – A fun stop for imaginative ice cream flavors after a day of adventure. 

• Arethusa Falls – Take a rewarding hike to one of New Hampshire’s most stunning waterfalls. 

• Bretton Woods Canopy Tour – Experience thrilling zip lines through the forest. 

• The Willey House Historic Site – Read the haunting story behind the Willey Family tragedy 

Join In and Get Out 

AMC’s New Hampshire lodges are open to all, and you’ll enjoy your stay even more as an AMC member. Your membership is a tax-deductible contribution to AMC’s mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Member benefits include up to 20% off AMC lodging, 20% off AMC books and maps, and up to 20% off gear and merchandise. Membership also follows you home, unlocking access to thousands of free activities to get outside with people near you. Join AMC today!