Things to do in Grafton County

No. 5 of Ski Resorts in New Hampshire

Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley Resort is located in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, USA, about a 2-hour drive from Boston. It is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest and is famous for its all-inclusive resort experience. Developed in 1966, the resort was once one of the birthplaces of American ski culture and still retains a strong skiing tradition. Waterville Valley Resort provides 100% artificial snowmaking and nighttime snow trail maintenance services on two peaks, with 265 acres of snow trails, 4,004 feet above sea level, a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, and a wealth of facilities and services. It also has the premier cross-country ski trail system in the Northeast, with more than 72 kilometers of professionally groomed and maintained snow trails winding deep into the White Mountain National Forest. With its compact layout, family-friendly facilities and year-round natural adventures, Waterville Valley has become a "one-stop" resort in New England, especially for tourists who seek convenience and diverse experiences.

No. 8 of Ski Resorts in New Hampshire

Cannon Mountain Ski Resort

Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is located within Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, United States, and features a combination of natural scenery and skiing experiences. The ski resort's runs cover various difficulty levels from beginner to intermediate and above, making it suitable for families and advanced skiers. The iconic lift can quickly transport visitors to the summit, where they can overlook the magnificent snowy views of the White Mountain National Forest. The ski resort has comprehensive facilities, offering ski equipment rentals, professional ski lessons, and a kid-friendly activity area. The summit restaurant serves hot food and drinks, perfect for a break. The runs are well-maintained, and with moderate crowds on non-holiday weekdays, it provides a comfortable skiing experience. There are many motels and homestays in the surrounding towns, suitable for multi-day stays. Regarding transportation, it is approx. a 2-hour drive from Boston, and the I-93 highway along the way is cleared of snow promptly in winter. It is recommended to book lift tickets on the official website in advance, as prices are more favorable on non-weekend days. Outside the ski season, the lift is open for sightseeing, where you can experience fall foliage and summer hiking. Note that some steep runs require intermediate or higher skills. Beginners are advised to choose lower-area practice runs or join group lessons.

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

White Mountain National Forest

White Mountain National Forest is a large mountain forest preserve in New England. It is famous for fall foliage. From late September to mid-October, the deciduous forests across the mountains turn gold and crimson, attracting many visitors to see the leaves. One highlight of the area is the Mount Washington Cog Railway, one of the world's earliest mountain cog railways, which still operates today. Riding this cog train slowly up to the summit offers expansive views of the forest, and the cars retain a vintage design and bright paint. The Kancamagus Highway is a classic self-drive route through the forest, with multiple overlooks and trailheads along the way, ideal for stopping to enjoy the view or for short hikes. The forest has an extensive network of trails, from easy valley walks to multi-day ridge crossings, making it an important destination for outdoor hiking enthusiasts.

No. 14 of Ski Resorts in New Hampshire

Tenney Mountain Resort

Franconia Notch State Park

Flume Gorge

The canyon is captivating with its towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls. The canyon route offers a variety of walking trails, bridges, and waterfalls for visitors to explore. A wide array of native plants, wildlife, and unique geological views can also be found here.

Loon Mountain Resort

Clark's Bears

Clark's Bears is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, United States, near the scenic White Mountain National Forest, and is a historic family theme park. Founded in 1928, it started as a small roadside attraction and, after nearly a century of development, has become one of the most popular family-friendly travel destinations in the New England region. It cleverly combines animal exhibits, railroad experiences, history, culture, and family entertainment, attracting a large number of visitors every year. A highlight here is the professionally trained black bear show, where visitors can observe black bears performing climbing, balancing, and other actions up close, and learn about their habits and conservation through educational exhibits. In addition, the park features a steam train, where visitors can ride a vintage train through forests and valleys to experience a fun railroad adventure. Other popular attractions include water rafting, a Victorian-style village, antique American steam engines, interactive museums, and various children's play facilities, which are both entertaining and educational, making them suitable for visitors of all ages to enjoy together.

Ice Castles

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves