‘Season of the Mud’, in Lincoln, NH

A post-winter, pre-spring getaway with adventure, great food & scenic views

APRIL 2025–As winter fades away and spring begins to take hold, mud season settles into the White Mountains, bringing melting snow, muddy trails, and a quieter, more laid-back vibe to Lincoln, NH. While some see it as an in-between season as they wait for the summer sun to appear, some travelers know mud season as one of the best times to visit Lincoln. With fewer crowds, unique outdoor adventures, and delicious eats, Lincoln becomes a hidden gem this time of year. Whether you prefer the outdoors or being cozy inside, there’s no shortage of things to do. Now get your waterproof boots ready and discover why mud season in Lincoln is worth the trip!

Outdoor Adventures: Zip-lining & Gondola Riding 

One of the best ways to take advantage of mud season is to embrace it. Thankfully, these five outdoor activities provide the perfect outlet to get outside. 

Zip-lining with Alpine Adventures

If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie or are looking to feed your adventurous spirit, Alpine Adventures is the place for you. Their Spring Skyrider Zipline Tour includes four zip-lines, one racing zip-line, and five suspension bridges that place you over 250 feet in the air. The tour begins at their office location on Main Street, where you will gear up and learn the basics. From there you’ll hop onto the shuttle that takes you to the base of the trailhead. Then you will hop on the 6×6 Pinzgauers for a quick off-road ride up to the start of the course. You can expect a 2-3 hour tour with panoramic views and thrills for days.

Scenic Gondola Rides

Zip-lining not quite your style? No problem. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, take a scenic ride on the Gondola Skyride at Loon Mountain or the Aerial Tramway at Cannon Mountain. The Gondola Skyride at Loon fits four people in one gondola, offering a more intimate ride to the top of the peak. The Aerial Tramway at Cannon is sizably larger in comparison and can accommodate larger groups who want to ride together. Both gondola rides offer breathtaking views of the White Mountains as they awaken from winter’s grasp, with snow-capped peaks giving way to lush greenery. 

Hiking Enthusiasts Paradise

For those who love hiking, the Artist Bluff trail near Cannon Mountain is a great option. The short, but rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail leads to a breathtaking overlook of Franconia Notch. While it can get a little muddy, it’s manageable with good hiking boots. Another must-visit is The Flume Gorge, a stunning 2-mile loop featuring waterfalls, covered bridges, and towering granite walls. Springtime brings rushing waters and fewer visitors, making it one of the best times to enjoy this natural wonder.

Where to Eat & Drink

Despite being mud season, also known as the off-season, Lincoln’s top restaurants and bars remain open, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy any craving.

• Alpine Pizza: Perfect for a post-adventure bite, this spot serves some of the best hand-tossed pizza in town—and it’s conveniently located near Alpine Adventures.
• One Love Brewery: This cozy, German-inspired brewery offers hearty meals, craft beers, and weekly events like happy hour (4-5 PM on weekdays), trivia Tuesdays, and live music on Saturdays.
• SnowFish Sushi: Lincoln’s only sushi spot, SnowFish is a fantastic choice for fresh rolls, poke bowls, and Japanese cuisine, conveniently located near Riverwalk and South Peak Resort.
• Seven Birches Winery: A great place to unwind with locally made wines and tastings from around the world.
• Bluebird Martini Bar: This speakeasy-style bar offers handcrafted martinis, artisan charcuterie boards, and even a billiards room for a fun, sophisticated night out.

Relaxation & Entertainment

Mud season is also a great time to slow down and indulge in indoor activities.

• Jean’s Playhouse: Catch a live performance, from musicals to comedy shows. With this winter season marking their first year-round programming since 2019, there’s always something entertaining on stage.
• Spas & Wellness: Book a pampering session at Mountain Time Spa, Viaggio Spa, Solstice North Day Spa, or Luminous Day Spa for a day of relaxation.
• Live a Little Fitness: Whether you’re into yoga, spin classes, or boxing, this Riverwalk-based fitness studio offers a variety of options to keep you moving.

Stay Together in Style

After a day of exploring trails, ziplining, or sipping martinis, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy and spacious home base—and Lincoln has some incredible options. Whether you’re traveling with extended family, a group of friends, or multiple families, there are a variety of upscale yet reasonably priced rental properties that can comfortably accommodate 8 to 25 guests.

Many of these homes—like those at South Peak Resort—are thoughtfully designed with both comfort and luxury in mind. Think roomy living areas with mountain views, large kitchens perfect for group meals, and high-end amenities like jacuzzis, billiards rooms, wine cellars, and expansive porches or decks ideal for soaking up the spring sunshine. These rentals give you the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of a home, with easy access to Lincoln’s downtown dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities.

Year-Round Excitement

While some people might be hesitant to visit during this in-between season, mud season in Lincoln offers a unique charm. The combination of adventure, beautiful scenery, and fantastic food—without the peak-season crowds—makes it a great time to explore this White Mountain gem. Whether you’re off-roading, ziplining, hiking, or simply sipping a martini, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lincoln, NH, even in the muddiest months!

So, if you’re looking for a getaway filled with adventure, great food, and stunning landscapes, don’t overlook mud season in Lincoln—it just might be your new favorite time to visit!