A vast Appalachian forest of peaks, wilderness areas, and alpine scenery in New Hampshire and Maine.
White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is a federally managed forest in the northeastern United States, stretching across the White Mountains of New Hampshire and a smaller portion of western Maine. Established in 1918, it represents one of the earliest and most significant outcomes of the Weeks Act of 1911, which authorized the federal government to acquire private land to protect watersheds and timber resources. Today, it encompasses roughly 750,000 acres of mountainous terrain, including many of New Hampshire's highest peaks, and supports a blend of conservation, recreation, and limited commercial use such as logging.
The forest is defined by its rugged mountain ranges, deep river valleys, and extensive tracts of designated wilderness. Iconic landscapes include Franconia Notch, the Presidential Range, the Pemigewasset Wilderness, and the Sandwich Range, all of which draw hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Appalachian Trail passes through more than 100 miles of the forest, connecting these ranges and reinforcing the area's deep ties to long-distance hiking culture in the eastern United States.
Despite sometimes being casually called a national park, the White Mountain National Forest is a working forest administered by the U.S. Forest Service. It is the most eastern national forest in the country and the only national forest in either New Hampshire or Maine. Its proximity to major Northeastern population centers, combined with its dramatic scenery, extensive trail network, and winter ski areas, makes it one of the most heavily used outdoor recreation landscapes east of the Mississippi River.
