This sprawling 777,608-acre forest, which extends from northern New Hampshire into western Maine, features 1,200 miles of hiking trails and 100,000 acres of wilderness. The forest is a Mecca for hikers, campers, canoeists, hunters, fly fishermen, mountain bikers, downhill and cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Wildlife includes black bear, moose, great horned owls, peregrine falcons, 70 species of songbirds, bald eagles and a wide assortment of ducks and hawks.
No-trace backcountry camping is permitted under restricted conditions. Lean-tos and cabins can be rented from the forest service, and there are wilderness campsites throughout the forest.
There are visitor centers in Pinkham Notch, Gorham, New Hampton and Woodstock all in New Hampshire. There is a fee to park in some forest areas.
The road through Crawford Notch goes back to stagecoach days and even earlier. Native Americans had trails through this region and hunted in the forests and fished the plentiful rivers. Tourism brought expansion to this region... more than 100 year ago. The early "Crawford Road" was upgraded as part of it's inclusion into the New Hampshire State Highway System.
In the early 1900's the scenic mountain road was 
known as NH Route 18, today it called US Route 302. The winding road is part of the White Mountain Trail, a National Scenic Byway. One visit here and you will understand. The mountain cliffs, clear streams, trees and rock formations are most impressive.
There are several roadside parking areas. Do not park directly on Route 302. There are many photo opportunities.
Some of the roadside wonders include:
SILVER CASCADE
see photos left
Silver Cascade gurgling mountain stream bursts from the side of a mountain, under Route 302 and beyond. Route 302 is winding and quite steep at times, be especially careful when hauling a trailer.
Scenic Route 302 travels through the White Mountain National Forest and Crawford Notch.
- Sources include: USDA Forest Service: White Mountain National Forest.
