New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest is in the northern part of the state. The park's 777,496 acres offers opportunities for hiking and camping. The park's Mount Pemigewasset hike is a three-mile trek that affords views of the mountains without much effort. If you are looking for a longer hike, the nine-mile Franconia Ridge Loop takes you to the summits of Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette. Both trails begin in Franconia Notch.
White Mountain National Forest Headquarters
Forest Headquarters
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
603-536-6100
fs.fed.us
New Hampshire's Mount Washington Auto Road is one of the state's most popular attractions. Mount Washington is New England's highest peak, sitting 6,288 feet above mean sea level. You can opt for a guided tour up the mountain or drive yourself up. In early September, the road is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the guided tour, you are provided a CD or cassette that fills you in on the mountain's history. The road is also open to motorcycles.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
Route 16, Pinkham Notch
P.O. Box 278
Gorham, NH 03581
603-466-3988
mtwashingtonautoroad.com
The annual Hopkinton State Fair takes place in Contoocook, New Hampshire, on Labor Day weekend. This annual fair features a horse show, all types of competitions--from baking goods to animals--and a demolition derby. A petting zoo section is set up for kids. Contoocook is about 20 minutes from Concord and 45 minutes from Manchester. The fair is open until 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and closes at 5 p.m. on Labor Day.
Hopkinton State Fair
392 Kearsarge Avenue
PO Box 700
Contoocook, NH 03229
603-746-4191
hsfair.org
New Hampshire is home to many lakes and one of the most famous is Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake, which is approximately 28 miles long, is the largest in the state. Many people rent houses or camp along its shores during Labor Day weekend. You can rent sailboats or kayaks and explore one of the lake's islands or rest on the shore and swim if the weather permits.
