Katelyn Michaud
Spring in the White Mountains is a beautiful experience. Not only will you get to see Mother Nature wake up from her long winter hibernation, but you don’t have to battle the crowds to visit all your favorite places. Sure, there may be a little mud here and there (and spring flowers), but don’t let that deter you from having a great time discovering all the best things to do in the Greater Lincoln area this spring. Here's a few spring bucket list ideas.
ATV Tours
There’s a reason they call it mud season in the mountains! Get a little dirty with DirtVentures! Rent an ATV and hit the trails for some adrenaline-packed fun. The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail is a perfect trail for beginners who love a beautiful view. Ride along the river through farmlands and woods. On the Explore NH Tour, Jericho Mountain is dubbed the “Ride the Wilds” thanks to the incredible views of Mount Washington and the Presidentials.
Helicopter Ride
Book the ultimate White Mountains experience this spring with Vertical Ventures Aviation! Based out of Whitefield, you'll get an epic birdseye’s view of the White Mountains from their air conditioned Robinson R-44 helicopter. Choose from a variety of tour types that will bring you over Mount Washington, Franconia Notch and beyond to discover the beautiful White Mountains from the sky. What a fun spring date idea!
Waterfall Hikes
TLC might have sung “don’t go chasing waterfalls,” but chasing waterfalls in the western White Mountains is one of the best outdoor activities to do during spring. With lots of rain recently combined with the snowmelt, the waterfalls are cascading with great strength and power. The Falls on the Basin-Cascades Trail is a beautiful waterfall along the 1.1-mile Basin-Cascades Trail in Lincoln. Arethusa Falls is a 4.2 mile out and back trip and Ripley Falls is a nice 1.2 mile out and back trip - both to gorgeous waterfalls. If you’re up for a challenge, on the western slopes of Mount Moosilauke, you’ll find the tall and free-flowing Beaver Brook Cascades. It’s one of the most dazzling waterfalls along the Appalachian Trail.
Yoga
After a day of hiking, you’ll need to stretch and recover for the next day. Why not take a yoga class at Live a Little Fitness? Yoga classes are open to all levels with a focus on poses and breathing that will positively affect your body and soul. Live a Little Fitness also offers Pilates and strength training classes to keep you moving and grooving throughout your stay in Lincoln.
For a true White Mountains experience, sign up for a Mountaintop Yoga session on top of Loon Mountain. Take the scenic Gondola Skyride to summit and practice your mountain pose while taking in the panoramic views of the White Mountains.
Beer and Wine Tasting
The western White Mountains is quickly becoming a hotbed for breweries and wineries. Inside the lobby of the RiverWalk Resort, you’ll find Seven Birches Winery, home to award-winning wine. Take the “Meet the Winemaker” tour and discover how they make all their wine in-house. Don’t forget to stop by the new Atrium Wine Bar and enjoy your favorite wine on the outdoor patio. Nearby you’ll find One Love Brewery serving up a variety of German-style beers. The legendary Woodstock Inn Brewery is located in North Woodstock and is home to a plethora of delicious beers. Take your beer tasting tour on the road, with a designated driver of course, up I-93 to Franconia to sip the beer at Iron Furnace Brewing. Iron Furnace may be a relatively new brewery to the local scene, but they have made a big splash already. After a pint, head north to Schilling Beer Co in Littleton where you can try one of their award-winning beers with their delicious pizzas.
Mountaintop Service
Starting in June, join Loon Mountain Ministry for their summertime mountaintop services at the Summit Amphitheatre on Loon Mountain. Hop on the gondola and travel the 2,109 feet to the summit and celebrate God and the Great Outdoors. Surrounded by the mountains, you’ll celebrate God through readings, song, and community. Everyone is welcomed to join locals and visitors alike and enjoy one of Lincoln’s true treasures.
Zipline
Zipline through the trees as the buds are starting to bloom and what better way to experience the beauty of the White Mountains then flying high on one of the three zipline courses at Alpine Adventures. Alpine Adventures is home to the first “treetop” canopy tour in New England. The original Tree Top Canopy Tour is family and beginner friendly. If you have a need for speed, try the Super Skyrider Tour where you can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour! For something closer to town, challenge your mind and body on the Thrillsville Aerial Park. And new this Spring, Alpine Adventures will be offering Guided Treks on their private 300-acre Barron Mountain.
Relax at the Spa
Springtime is all about rejuvenation and growth. After a long winter, your body and skin could use a refresh. Head to Solstice North Day Spa in the lobby of the RiverWalk Resort for a complete head to toes refresh. Try a Riverstone Massage that will be sure to melt away all your tension and soothe your aching muscles. Renew your skin with one of the many facials, and you’ll leave the spa glowing and ready for spring!
Lace Up Your Hiking Boots
Get outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air. With thousands of miles of hiking trails in the White Mountains, you’ll never run out of trails to explore. From the popular Lincoln Woods Trail to Franconia Ridge Loop, you can enjoy quiet wooden trails or high elevation alpine trails with panoramic views.
With fewer crowds and blooming flowers and trees, don’t miss all the wonderful things to experience in the White Mountains. Make the RiverWalk Resort your home base while you explore all the incredible things to do in the area this spring.
