Everyone knows that of all the people, places, and things New Hampshire is known for, the White Mountains are one of the first destinations that comes to mind.
Throughout the years, this scenic mountain range has remained a popular, year-round tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, river tubing, zip-lining, and so much more.
Many have successfully hiked the 48 four-thousand footers within the Granite State, all of which are in the White Mountains National Forest. The tallest of these is Mount Washington, standing at 6,288 feet according to Encyclopedia Britannica. But after Mt. Washington, which of New Hampshire’s mountains is the second tallest?
Mount Washington (named after our first president, George Washington) is part of the Presidential Range, a 19-mile range in Coös County comprised of 13 mountains, according to 4000footers.com. So, it makes sense that the next tallest mountain in New Hampshire would bear the name of our country’s second president, John Adams.
Yep, you guessed it: the second tallest mountain in the Granite State is Mount Adams, standing at 5,774 feet. Continuing the pattern of US presidents, the third tallest New Hampshire mountain is Mount Jefferson, named after Thomas Jefferson. It’s there where the trend ends, as the next tallest mountain shares the same name as John Adams’ cousin, Sam Adams. He was not a president, but rather a political philosopher and statesman. At least we’re keeping it in the family.
To learn more about the Presidential Range, click here.
(Mount Adams NH from Madison by Paulbalegend/ CC BY-SA 3.0 (No Changes Made)).
Here are some popular mountains for those of you looking to take up skiing.
Most Popular Ski Mountains to Learn How to Ski or Snowboard in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont
These are the best ski mountains to learn how to ski or snowboard in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Bradford Ski Area- Haverhill, Massachusetts
This is a hill. Seriously. If you are an intermediate or above, don’t go here. If you are a beginner/trying to sharpen up some simple skills…it is a must.
Perfect place to get your bearings. Tiny mountain perfect to learn how to turn, stop, get confident, and more.
Excellent for families or kids on the Northshore of Massachusetts.
Wachusett Mountain- Princeton, Massachusetts
Another perfect beginner mountain for Massachusetts. This is more in central Massachusetts. Perfect for short day trips before heading up to the bigger mountains. Again, a beginner mountain for sure.Nashoba Valley Ski Area- Clinton, Massachusetts
McIntyre Ski Area- Manchester, New Hampshire
Another phenomenal beginner mountain. Great place to learn. Great place for kids. ALSO this is in Manchester, NH. An easy mountain to get to. Excellent for quick day trips, after school, ect.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area- Clinton, Massachusetts
Haven’t skied this little mountain in years. Found in central Mass, near Lowell, this is another great beginner mountain. It is small, has a few trails to get your legs ready for the season or start gaining some confidence..
Crotched Mountain- Bennington, New Hampshire
This mountain is a bit bigger than the previous beginner mountains. It is certainly still a beginner mountain, but this mountain has some steeper terrain available. Great for night skiing and great for learning the terrain park.
Mount Sunapee Resort- Newbury, New Hampshire
Sunapee is a great transition mountain. Sunapee absolutely has intermediate levels and some expert terrain. They also have their own designated beginner area. The whole beginner area is its own mountain. One of the peaks is dedicated to learning zone. One lift for this whole beginner area. Perfect place for families of many ski levels. Split up all over the mountain – something for everyone.
Gunstock Mountain Resort- Gilford, New Hampshire
Another transition mountain. Great for learning and advancing in one day. Gunstock is not a massive mountain, but has some big trails. Good beginner terrain and intermediate. There is also expert level, but not overwhelming.
Cranmore Mountain Resort- Conway, New Hampshire
My favorite. This is where I really learned. They have amazing beginner classes and programs. The picture is their penguin kids camp mascot. Cranmore is also a mountain for everyone. Right downtown North Conway, NH – close to bars, restaurants, Santa’s village. Great area, great mountain, has perfect beginner, intermediate, and some expert runs. Another transition mountain.
Waterville Valley Resort- Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Another transition mountain. Good terrain for everyone. Hard trails, easy trails, beginner area. Great downtown/activity based area. Wonderful family get away.
Loon Mountain Resort- Lincoln, New Hampshire
Transition mountain. Similar to Cranmore in the sense that it is a great area for families and beginners. Downtown Lincoln, where Loon is, is gorgeous, festive, fun, and has restaurants and shopping for the whole family. Tons of terrain here.
Bretton Woods- Carroll, New Hampshire
A luxurious middle mountain. Groomed to perfection, Bretton Woods takes pride in their mountain. Great place to learn from the professionals. Also plenty of big terrain for other family members. If you are learning as an adult, and can afford it, this would be a great place to learn.
Stowe Mountain Resort- Stowe, Vermont
Big mountain with some great trails for everyone. This mountain is no joke. It is huge and has plenty of terrain. Many peaks, many lifts, many areas to improve. Another mountain with a private beginner only lift/beginner only trails.
Source : Wokq
