Lodge in White Mountains at Start of Scenic Byway

Locals call it “the Kanc"—a 35-mile roadway that spirals up into the wilderness of the White Mountains. Officially, though, it's called the Kancamagus Highway, and it was originally built in the 1960s to provide drive-in access to New Hampshire’s rocky gorges and plunging waterfalls. The road soon became one of the first officially designated National Scenic Byways, and it's lined with picnic areas and rest stops. Kancamagus Lodge resides right at the entrance of the Kanc, centrally positioned for trips up to the mountain vistas by car or for hikes to nearby forest campgrounds.

Fire pits with grilling areas lend to a laid-back atmosphere at the lodge. The guest rooms here feature simple decorations, and steam-bath showers and private balconies accent some accommodations.

Kancamagus Lodge has two onsite eateries, including one of the area’s only sports bars, CJ’s Penalty Box, whose walls are lined with screens to watch the game. Upstairs at Brittany’s Food & Spirits, chefs prepare a menu of comfort-food favorites with creative twists. With views of the surrounding mountains, diners can dig into steak, seafood, vegetarian options, and specialty hamburgers with toppings such as stroganoff sauce, onion rings, and jalapeño peppers.

Lincoln, New Hampshire: Small Town Conveniently Located Near Ski Hills and Forests

Formerly a mill town, Lincoln is home to a modest collection of roadside diners and antique shops. But many are drawn to Lincoln for its proximity to the White Mountains. Kancamagus Lodge sits just 1 mile from Loon Mountain and nearly 370 acres of New England–style skiing. Most of the trails skew toward intermediate skiers, whereas experts take advantage of the top-to-bottom runs and 15 acres of slopes. Terrain parks act as wide-open playgrounds of ramps and sliding rails for boarders, and a snow-tubing park was recently added for younger kids. Come summer, Loon Mountain opens up its climbing walls, mountain-bike trails, and one of New Hampshire's longest gondola rides.

Kancamagus Lodge also puts visitors less than 10 miles from the Flume—a natural gorge framed by towering granite walls with a rushing stream at the base. Photogenic nature scenes can be found at almost every turn here; birch trees jut out of the cliffs, and thick mats of moss are spread over rocks. Hikers flock to the area to navigate the wooded trails and catwalks, and on warmer days, travelers can shake hands with their reflection on the surface of various glistening lakes. The late spring in particular is an ideal time to visit, when snow melt from the winter builds up in the streams and gushes over the waterfalls.