White Mountain National Forest

Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions

Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…

Lincoln Woods Trail Closure

UPDATE:  Lincoln Woods Trail will close beginning June 15th through November 2026 when when restoration work commences.  See the Lincoln Woods Trailhead page for more information.

Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement

Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant…

Overview

White Mountain National Forest spans approximately 800,000 acres across New Hampshire and western Maine, encompassing some of New England's highest peaks and over 1,200 miles of trails including 100+ miles of the Appalachian Trail. The forest is currently open year-round with winter conditions now in effect. Key alerts include: abnormally dry conditions persist; fire restrictions implemented September 22, 2025 due to drought prohibit fires outside designated metal fire rings at developed sites; Hayes Copp Ski Trail is closed for timber harvest operations through November 24, 2025; Sawyer River Road in Bartlett remains closed due to storm damage; and seasonal road closures are active for winter. Multiple Forest Supervisor's Orders remain in effect including wilderness restrictions, food storage requirements, alpine zone camping prohibitions, and various trail-specific regulations. The forest offers 21+ developed campgrounds, extensive hiking from easy walks to above-treeline challenges, and popular scenic drives including the Kancamagus Highway. Visitor passes or permits may be required for certain areas. Contact: (603) 536-6100.

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