10 Incredible Things to Do in Lincoln NH in Winter
Lincoln is a beautiful mountain town in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Although Lincoln is a year-round destination, it is one of the best places in the state for a winter getaway! There are endless winter activities in Lincoln for the entire family, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Lincoln also has one of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire and a stunning ice castle. No matter what you want to do when visiting Lincoln in the winter, there is something to do for everyone! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Lincoln NH in winter!
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Tips for Visiting Lincoln NH in Winter
Pack warm clothes. Winters in Lincoln are cold and snowy, so it is crucial to pack warm clothes. The weather in the mountains can also change quickly, so having the appropriate layers and gear is necessary when exploring. I recommend packing warm boots and multiple layers to prepare for the cold weather. You can learn more about how to layer your clothes in the What to Wear Winter Hiking Guide!
Be careful. Winter in Lincoln brings many risks, so you must take caution with anything you do and ensure you have the proper equipment and skills for your adventure. If there is ever a situation where you are uncomfortable, please make the safe decision to turn around. There are many tours and guides that you can take to adventure in the White Mountains in winter that provide you with the appropriate gear and have trained guides to ensure your safety.
Buy any tickets in advance. If you plan on skiing, tubing, taking a tour, or anything that includes buying tickets, I recommend getting them in advance. Typically, you can find the best deals online when you purchase the tickets ahead of time instead of buying them when you arrive. Buying them in advance will also ensure your spot for the activity.
Start your days early. Although winter is not the busiest time in Lincoln, there will still be crowds. Starting your day early will allow you to avoid most crowds. Since the winter days are short, you will also be able to take advantage of the daylight if you start it early!
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Many of these places have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Where to Stay in Lincoln NH in Winter
Lincoln has year-round accommodations for every budget. Whether you want to stay in a cozy cabin to in a hotel next to a ski resort, Lincoln has accommodations for everyone!
What to Pack When Visiting Lincoln NH in Winter
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and warmth on your trip, you need insulated hiking boots.
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
The Best Things to Do in Lincoln NH in Winter
Loon Mountain Resort
Skiiers from all over the US travel to Lincoln in winter to ski on Loon Mountain. Loon Mountain is among the largest ski resorts in New England, with 61 trails on 370 skiable acres. And the best part? You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you ski! And do not worry if you do not want to downhill ski! Loon Mountain also offers a tubing park and cross-country ski trails. Loon Mountain offers something for everyone in winter!
Cannon Mountain Ski Resort
Are you looking to ski at the highest ski area in New Hampshire? Cannon Mountain sits at 4,081 feet tall and has 97 trails on 285 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski resorts in New England! Because it sits in Franconia Notch, it has gorgeous views of the White Mountains that will leave you speechless while you ski. If you love to ski and are visiting Lincoln in the winter, you have two incredible ski resorts to choose from, and you really cannot go wrong with either!
Winter Gondola Skyride
If you want beautiful views without skiing, look no further! Loon Mountain offers a Winter Scenic Skyride with breathtaking views of the White Mountains. It is the longest Scenic Gondola Skyride in New Hampshire at 1.3 miles long, where you can enjoy views from the ride and the top of Loon Mountain. The Winter Gondola Skyride is one of the best things to do in Lincoln NH in winter!
Lincoln NH Ice Castle
Did you know New Hampshire is home to one of only a few Ice Castles in North America? Professionals build the ice castle each year using hundreds of thousands of icicles. You can walk around the Ice Castle and explore ice slides, fountains, and tunnels. Visiting the Ice Castles is one of the best winter activities in Lincoln for the entire family!
Riverwalk Rink Ice Skating
If you want to ice skate in Lincoln in winter, the Riverwalk Ice Skating Rink is perfect! The RiverWalk Resort has an outdoor pool that turns into a beautiful ice skating rink in the winter. If you stay at the RiverWalk Resort, you receive free admission. And the best part? You get to ice skate with beautiful views of Loon Mountain. Ice skating at the RiverWalk Resort is a fun thing to do in Lincoln NH in winter!
The Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular things to do in Lincoln in summer and fall. But did you know it is open in the winter? Although you cannot hike the entire 2-mile trail, you can still enjoy a peaceful walk through the 90-foot gorge and its frozen waterfalls. Part of the boardwalk gets removed in the winter, so you can only hike a section of the trail, but it is worth it! The Flume Gorge Trail is icy in the winter, so I highly recommend wearing the appropriate winter hiking gear and shoe traction when you hike it. You will quickly realize why hiking the Flume Gorge is one of the best things to do in Lincoln NH in winter!
White Mountains Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains is one of the best things to do in the winter! Lincoln is home to many beautiful trails that lead to mountain summits, waterfalls, and scenic vistas that are great for snowshoeing. There are plenty of easy trails throughout the White Mountains to enjoy a stroll if you want something less strenuous. You can also join a tour from Alpine Adventures if you want to snowshoe with a professional guide!
Ice Climbing With a Guide
A unique thing to do in Lincoln in winter is ice climbing! The International Mountain Climbing School offers a variety of guided trips for all levels and provides you with the gear and safety tips you need. Their experienced guides are flexible to accommodate your skill levels, so you can have fun climbing frozen waterfalls! Climbing frozen waterfalls is one of the best winter activities, and you will not be disappointed with the adventure.
Franconia Notch Stables Sleigh Ride
One of the best winter activities in Lincoln is the Franconia Notch Stables sleigh rides! Franconia Notch Stables is in Franconia, just north of Lincoln, and offers year-round fun! In the summer, you can go horseback riding, and in the winter, you can take a sleigh ride. The sleigh rides bring you around the farm, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is a magical and unforgettable winter activity in Lincoln NH!
Kancamgus Highway
Did you know the Kancamagus Highway is open year-round? The Kancamagus Highway is maintained in the winter, allowing you can drive the beautiful scenic drive through snow-covered mountains. The scenic overlooks are stunning in the winter, especially after it has snowed recently. There are also plenty of things to do along the Kancamagus Highway in the winter! You can snowshoe in Lincoln Woods, cross-country ski on Greeley Ponds Trail, or explore frozen waterfalls. The Kancamagus Highway has many fun winter activities in Lincoln NH for the entire family!
If you want to visit Lincoln NH in winter, this guide is the perfect place to start planning! It has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Lincoln NH in winter.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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