The Kancamagus Highway, located in the White Mountains National Forest, is open to travelers year-round and offers many scenic opportunities.
North Woodstock, NH – The leaves continue to turn and visitors are still flocking to enjoy the foliage this week in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Despite the recent federal shutdown, which affects employees of the White Mountains National Forest (WMNF), visitors are unlikely to be affected in this scenic mountain region.
“With no entrance gate or toll booth, New Hampshire’s White Mountains should appear mostly unaffected to visitors” said Jayne O’Connor, President of the White Mountains Attractions Association (WMAA). “The State Parks are open, the private businesses and the scenic drives are open, and even the National Forest campgrounds are open, because they are operated by a vendor.
“Where visitors will see a difference “she said “is in the federal welcome centers and ranger stations, as these WMNF centers will be closed, so visitors will need to get their maps and services from the private or State visitor centers instead.”
Private and State visitor centers are available in towns such as North Woodstock, Franconia, Littleton, North Conway, Lincoln and Intervale.
Local attractions and New Hampshire State Parks, such as Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch and the lofty Mt. Washington State Park are surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, but are not affected by the shutdown.
“The Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, the Mt. Washington Auto Road, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway and Conway Scenic Railroad’s ‘Notch Train’, all with operations in NH State Parks, are open with all their services available.” O’Connor continued.
The more than 1,200-mile non-motorized trail system throughout the White Mountain National Forest will remain accessible to outdoor enthusiasts, and popular driving tours, such as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, welcome “Leaf Peepers” as usual. “Basically, nothing has changed,” remarked O’Connor. “Visitors can go ahead with their plans. The attractions are open along with restaurants, retail stores, campgrounds and lodging properties.” She stated that the foliage is nearing its peak in many areas and should not be missed.
The WMAA has detailed schedule information of all the White Mountains Attractions and foliage updates at http://www.visitwhitemountains.com. Free area maps and brochures as well as suggested driving/hiking itineraries are available at their Visitor Center located at exit 32 off I-93 in North Woodstock, NH.
About the White Mountains Attractions Association
The White Mountains Attractions Association was founded in 1958 as a co-operative marketing association for the region. In 1983, it was also designated the State’s official Regional Association for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, able to assist the press and visitors with information about the region.
The Association counts among its membership the area’s attractions, including Attitash Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, Conway Scenic Railroad, the Flume Gorge, Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Polar Caves Park, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain.
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The White Mountains of New Hampshire 