Pinkham Notch - New Hampshire

A mountain pass in the White Mountains of north-central New Hampshire, Pinkham Notch has been a hub for hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing on the Presidential Range of the White Mountains since the 1920s.

Pinkham Notch was discovered in 1784, but its isolation prevented further development for several years. Nature lovers will appreciate the rugged terrain, home to a number of rare ecosystems. The wildlife at Pinkham Notch is diverse and includes chipmunks, raccoons, white-tailed deer, black bears, and moose and red-spotted newt. At the lowest elevations of Pinkham Notch is Northern Hardwood Forest which is filled with sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch. Hikers will love Mount Washington, often climbed from Pinkham Notch, and there are numerous trail approaches from the Pickham Notch Visitor's Club. Although trails seem short, most involve at least 4,000 vertical feet of climbing, including an ascent of the rocky summit cone and the boulder-strewn upper slopes. And be aware: the weather changes very quickly, and one must be prepared for extreme conditions. There are also plenty of opportunities at Pinkham Notch for alpine and Nordic skiing; The Wildcat Mountain Ski Area, offering groomed ski trails and lifts, is one of the best-known alpine skiing resorts and and is the best choice for less-experienced skiers. The Great Glen Trails, suitable for Nordic skiing, offers a large, groomed trail system that also includes the lower half of the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and Joe Dodge Lodge are on Route 16, 18 miles north of North Conway, N.H., and 10 miles south of Gorham, N.H.