Passes
The White Mountain National Forest strives to preserve and protect the many resources of the Forest, while at the same time making those resources available to the public for a variety of uses and experiences. In order to balance the many demands on the Forest, and to promote sustainable management of our local resources, fees and/or permits may be required for the occupancy and special uses of Forest Service land.
By purchasing a pass, you help us increase the quality of all visitors experiences at recreation areas around the forest and to enhance the protection of your National Forest's natural resources.
Who Needs a Pass?
Most White Mountain National Forest lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Certain developed sites require payment of a recreation fee. Other sites, including forest campgrounds and a couple recreation sites are managed by concessionaire and are not covered by the recreation pass. These areas may require additional fees.
How to obtain a White Mountain National Forest recreation pass:
Annual passes can be purchased in the following ways.
- From a variety of Local Vendors
- Online Annual Pass Get a Pass Site Pass
- At our Offices
You can also print an order form and send a completed copy to us (allow 10 days turnaround time for mail orders).
Passes bought at our offices can only be purchased using cash or check or credit card.
Additionally, White Mountain Forest Annual Passes are awarded to those individuals who complete 16 hours of volunteer service on the Forest. Contact your local District Ranger's office for details.
Day passes can be purchased at self-serve pay stations on sites where pay stations are maintained.
The following list identifies Recreation Sites that require a valid Recreation Pass and have a self-serve pay daily pass station for your convenience. Valid passes include the daily pass, White Mountain National Forest annual passes, as well Interagency Passes and Golden Age and Access passes. Any one of these passes can be displayed on the windshield of the parked vehicle authorizing the holder use of the site. The closing dates for sites not maintained in winter are variable and dependent on weather. Feel free to contact the Ranger District offices or check the website for current conditions.
Using a Pass
Day pass pay stations are self-serve. Fill out the pass and return your portion to your vehicle and display it prominently on the dash of your vehicle. Annual passes and Interagency pass should display the card on the dash of the pass-holder's vehicle while parked at a fee site.
Sites by Ranger District
Not Maintained In Winter (No fee in winter)
- Dolly Copp Picnic Area Day Use Area
- Glen Ellis Falls Day Use Area and Trailhead
- Wild River Trailhead
Maintained for Winter Use (Fee Year-Round)
- Great Gulf Wilderness Trailhead
Not Maintained In Winter (No fee in winter)
- Ammonoosuc Ravine Trailhead
- Long Pond Day Use Area
- Osceola Trailhead
- Otter Rocks Day Use Area
- Rumney Rocks II Day Use Area
- Zealand Picnic Area
- Zealand Trailhead
Maintained for Winter Use (Fee Year-Round)
- Beaver Brook Picnic Area
(ski trails) - Crawford Path Trailhead
- Beaver Brook Trailhead
(in Kinsman Notch) - Lincoln Woods Trailhead
- Livermore Road Trailhead
- Rumney Rocks Day Use Area
- Welch-Dickey Trailhead
Not Maintained In Winter (No fee in winter)
- Boulder Loop Trailhead
- Brickett Place Day Use Area
- Lower Falls Day Use Area
- Rocky Gorge Day Use Area
- Russell-Colbath House Day Use Area
- Sabbaday Falls Day Use Area
Maintained for Winter Use (Fee Year-Round)
- Champney Falls
- Covered Bridge Day Use Area
- Diana’s Baths Day Use Area
- Piper Trailhead
Frequently Asked Questions
Recreation fees are authorized via the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Ninety-five percent of fees paid through the Recreation Enhancement Act stay local to help the Forest maintain high quality recreation facilities and trails.
The following sites are maintained by Concessionaire: