White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian Trail

White Mountain National Forest is primarily located in New Hampshire, with less than 5% of its area in Maine.  It was established in 1918 to protect the land from uncontrolled development that had been damaging the area in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  Katherine S. Walden was pivotal in securing and preserving thousands of acres of old-growth forest.  Her husband, Arthur T. Walden, developed the Chinook dog breed, which was later designated as the official state dog of New Hampshire.

The Swift River Bridge in Conway is a charming, covered bridge built in 1870 after floods washed away its predecessor.  Spanning 129ft (39m) over the river, it sits near the Kancamagus Highway, a 35mi (56km) scenic byway that winds through the White Mountains, offering spectacular views reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

A short distance from the highway is the popular Sabbaday Falls, plunging 45ft (14m) into a pool below.

Another must-see is Franconia Notch, a stunning mountain pass once home to the iconic Old Man of the Mountain rock formation.  Although the formation collapsed in 2003, it remains a beloved symbol of New Hampshire’s scenic landscape.