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Recreation
The White Mountain National Forest draws millions of visitors each year for world-class hiking, skiing and camping adventures in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. With 1200 miles of hiking trails, 400 miles of snowmobile trails and 23 developed campgrounds, the People's Forest has something for everyone.
Know where you're going? Select the Recreation Areas in the upper right corner and use the drop-down to find an area.
Know Before You Go
Recreation Conditions Report
| Area Name | Status | Area Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Basin Campground | Open | Trailhead open |
| Blackberry Crossing Campground | Open | |
| Boulder Loop Trailhead | Open | |
| Brickett Place Interpretive Site | Closed | |
| Cold River Campground | Open | |
| Covered Bridge Campground | Open | |
| Crocker Pond Campground | Open | |
| Dolly Copp Campground | Open | |
| Dolly Copp Picnic Area | Closed | |
| Fourth Iron Campground | Open | |
| Hancock Campground | Open | This campground is open year-round, with no services in the winter months. |
| Hastings Campground | Open | |
| Jigger Johnson Campground | Open | |
| Lincoln Woods Trailhead | Open | |
| Lower Falls Recreation Site | Closed | |
| Passaconaway Campground | Open | |
| Rocky Gorge Scenic Area | Open | |
| Russell Pond Campground | Open | Loops G & H are temporarily closed for road repairs from damage that occurred this winter. |
| South Pond Recreation Area | Closed | |
| Sugarloaf I Campground | Open | |
| Sugarloaf II Campground | Open | |
| Tripoli Road Camping Area | Open | |
| Waterville Campground | Open | |
| White Ledge Campground | Open | |
| Wild River Campground | Closed | |
| Wildwood Campground | Open |
Spotlights
Dolly Copp Campground
Located along the Peabody River, this site has ample opportunity for small family picnics or large group gatherings. The large picnic pavilion, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, was rebuilt in 1996 using many of the original timbers, along with trees planted by the same 1936 CCC crew.
Welch-Dickey Trailhead
The Welch-Dickey trail is extremely popular due to it's relatively easy access to fine views. The trail varies through shady hardwood forests to open expansive views. I the summer, wild bluberries can be picked as you approach the summit. There is some rock scrambling required along this trail, so come prepared with appropriate footwear. Trail is marked by yellow markers.
There are many scenic areas along the ledgy 4.4 mile loop.
Lower Falls Recreation Site
Lower Falls is the most popular destination on the Kancamagus Highway. It is a beautiful spot where the Swift River drops many feet over smooth granite rocks into a large pool. It is an ideal place to picnic, sun bathe, and swim. There is an 80 car parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables with charcoal grills. Visitors should be aware that the rocks can be quite slippery and during high water extreme caution should be exercised while visiting the falls and the river. By ordinance of the Town of Albany, alcohol is prohibited at this site.
