Experience Summer
The White Mountains are a beautiful and scenic area to visit, especially in the spring and summer months. South Peak Resort is a great place to base your explorations of the area, as it offers a variety of options for outdoor activities and attractions. In the warmer months, you can enjoy hiking and biking the many trails in the region, as well as fishing and swimming in the crystal clear streams and lakes. The town of Lincoln also has a charming main street with shops and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.
Skiing & Snowboarding
A nice walk through the woods and a brisk ride on your bike are two of life’s most simple pleasures: why not combine them? South Peak and Loon Mountain Resorts offer guests and residents several scenic trails and pathways ideal for taking your mountain bike out for a spin through the idyllic New Hampshire countryside. We compiled a list of a few of our personal favorites below.
J. E. Henry Trail1-mile family-friendly trail begins at the entrance of South Peak Resort and runs adjacent to the Pemi river. An ideal, short trip for a cyclist, this leisurely route is lined with beautiful wildflowers for that extra aesthetic value. This is a dog-friendly trail, so watch out for furry friends while on your bikes.
South Peak Escape RouteA 2.3-mile moderately challenging loop trail great for walking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
East Ridge TrailA 2.3-mile circular trail near Lincoln, New Hampshire. East Ridge is generally considered a low-impact route for those not looking to break too much of a sweat.
Serendipity Loop TrailThis easy 2.3-mile loop trail near Lincoln, NH, is a popular trail for biking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Golf
Some folks can’t wait to hang up their skis, break out the nine iron, and head back on the fairways when the snow thaws and the temperatures go up. Several golf courses are located in the Western White Mountains region, including the Waumbek Golf Course in Jefferson and the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch. Many local hotels and resorts also offer golf packages, allowing visitors to plan a golfing vacation in the area easily.
Just a short drive from South Peak in Thorton, NH, is Owls Nest: a Jack Nicklaus-designed public golf course that has been described as “the best value in the Northeast, if not the country.” Owl’s Nest is New England golf at its finest. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the White Mountains that will challenge you to stay focused on your game just as much as the elevation changes. Perfect for both serious and casual players alike, the fairways and greens at Owl’s Nest are well-groomed, and the staff is friendly and usually happy to offer tips and tricks to help you play your best round. Download their app for exclusive offers, log your scorecards, join the leaderboard, book tee times, and more.
Want a more relaxed fall game? Try Jack O’Lantern in nearby Woodstock. Located on the banks of the Pemi River and offering 360° views of the mountains, you can’t beat a quick round of golf right in South Peak’s backyard. Jack O’Lantern offers an 18-hole, 2010-yard, 71-par course with challenging water holes, a full-service pro shop complete with club rentals, and a quaint, quintessentially New England, covered bridge. Check directly for full details and the schedule of operations.
Rafting & Tubing
When the weather’s warm and there’s not a cloud in the sky, nothing beats hopping in a raft and seeing the sights of summer from the water. Or maybe, if you’re feeling a little more mellow, a lazy trip down the river on an inner tube is the way you want to spend an idyllic summer afternoon. The Pemigewasset River runs through Lincoln, New Hampshire, and remains an extremely popular spot for both rafting and tubing excursions. There are several ideal starting points for a trip down the river, including the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center where attendants help visitors get underway quickly and safely. From there, you can float down the river and take in the naturally beautiful scenery of the White Mountains. Another starting point big with enthusiasts is at the Peabody Slab, where you can begin your adventure and travel down the gentle currents of the Pemigewasset River.
Hiking
At its essence, living at South Peak is about enjoying the natural beauty of the White Mountains. For some, it’s a daily walk-and-talk through the neighborhood, for others, the 6-hour-strenuous Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop which ascend three peaks, including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range – Mount Lafayette.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a popular destination for hikers of all ages and skill levels due to their wide range of trails and stunning views. Located in the Western White Mountains, the town of Lincoln is a prime spot for anyone looking to get back in touch with nature, with easy access to some of the best trails in the area.
Loon Mountain, in particular, offers more than three miles of trails leading to the summit. From the top, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Washington and Mount Moosilauke near the Vermont border. For beginners or those with young children, the Georgiana Falls trail offers a short, flat route that follows an old snowmobile trail. It ultimately leads to a beautiful 30-foot waterfall that’s sure to amaze both young and old. For more experienced outdoorsmen, the Mount Lafayette Loop is a 9.5-mile loop trail that climbs 3,900 feet. Seasoned hikers will be challenged and rewarded in equal measure, as the view from the peak of the trail is the sort that needs to be seen to be believed.
In addition to these trails, the White Mountains are also home to a section of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which passes through the Presidential Mountains and offers even more hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities. The Welsh Dickey Trail, located near Lincoln, is also a popular destination for hikers, with a robust climb to a picturesque mountain peak.
Swimming
Is there anything more refreshing than a cool swim in clear freshwater on a hot summer’s afternoon? We didn’t think so. Luckily for South Resort Peak residents, the nearby Pemi River is a fantastic, fun, and safe place to enjoy a dip when the weather warms up. One of the standout features of the Pemi is the pools formed by the natural rock formations that run along the entirety of the river’s length. These pools are unique in that they vary in size and depth, providing a range of swimming and wading options for people of all ages and abilities.
The largest and deepest of these pools is known locally as “The Basin.” It is a popular spot for jumping and diving, and its deep water makes it perfect for experienced swimmers. For less experienced swimmers or those who prefer a more leisurely swim in shallower waters, there are also pools perfectly suited for wading in waist-high or simply splashing around.
While swimming in lakes and rivers is a summer staple for some, it’s important to know the waters are safe for swimming. Thankfully, the pools in the Pemi river are as clean as they are beautiful. The water is regularly tested and treated by local officials to ensure it is safe for visitors. There are also lifeguards on duty during the peak summer months to provide additional safety and assistance.
Swimming pools are great, but they lack the appeal of being surrounded by nature while you enjoy the water. The pools in the Pemi River are a unique way to keep cool during those warm summer months while still embracing the authentic natural beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Swimming
The Pemigewasset River, also known as the Pemi, is known all around New England for its abundant population of native brook trout, and its healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. The river is also home to other fish species, including smallmouth bass, fallfish, and chain pickerel. Unsurprisingly, this makes it something of a hidden gem for fly fishing.
Stocked yearly by New Hampshire Fish & Game with trout, bass, and Atlantic salmon, the Pemi becomes much wider in Lincoln, offering an exciting array of fast and slow water to satisfy many fishing preferences. Despite easy access off parallel Interstate 93, most of the river’s corridor is still undeveloped wilderness, offering anglers peace, tranquility, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day.
Anglers can access the river from several points along its banks, including the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and the Peabody Slab. These are popular starting points for a fly fishing trip on the Pemi and offer easy access to the river and its fish. In addition to these well-known fishing spots, there are more than a few less-frequented spots worth exploring. For example, the stretch of the river between the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and the Loon Mountain Resort is particularly popular with fly fishermen, as it is home to large populations of brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Fishermen also appreciate the crystal-clear waters of the Pemi that make it much easier to see any potential catches swimming beneath the surface.
LOCAL TIP: The upper stretches of the Pemi north of Lincoln are your best bet for native trout. If pond fishing is your preference, try the headwaters of Profile or Echo Lake in Franconia Notch. Be sure to visit Mountain High Fly in downtown Lincoln for guided tours, fly fishing classes, and all your angling needs.
Swimming
Zip Lines
Alpine Adventures – Attention thrill seekers: if you’ve ever dreamt of ziplining across a 1500’ ravine, 240’ above the ground at 60MPH, or catapulting down a four-story ramp in a snow tube into a stunt airbag, Lincoln is one of the few places you can make your wishes come true! Alpine Adventures operates year-round, including zipline tours, an Off-Road Adventure Tour in a military Pinzgauer transport, a self-guided aerial challenge course, and more. Push yourself to places you didn’t think possible while enjoying the beauty of the White Mountains – all in your backyard at South Peak. Alpine Adventures