New Hampshire - Nature and Scientific Wonders
- By Smithsonian.com
- Smithsonian.com, November 06, 2007, Subscribe
- The White Mountain National Forest contains more than 768,000 acres.
- Seventy-five percent of New Hampshire's 18-mile seacoast is public land and offers a beach experience for everyone: Hampton Beach and its boardwalk (plus events all summer like fireworks, sand sculpting contests and the annual Seafood Festival). In Rye, the classic family-friendly sandy beach at Wallis Sands Park. Prime birding paths, salt marsh and the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park. Beach and lighthouse views at Great Island Common in New Castle.
- Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. The world record for the highest ground wind speed of 231 miles per hour was recorded on Mt. Washington on April 12, 1934.
- The White Mountains of New Hampshire incorporate 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, including the Presidential Range.
- Where once the mills led the industrial development of New England and the nation, leading edge technology now advances the economy. In 1823, Nashua Manufacturing Company established the first company mill town to follow Robert Owen's model fromn Scotland. In 2001, Dean Kamen introduced the Segway from his headquarters in Manchester—in a converted 19th century mill.
Carter Notch Hut on the Appalachian Trail (a 161-mile route from west to east through the White Mountains National Forest)
The Carter Notch Hut on the Appalachian Trail blends New Hampshire forest traditions (the original rustic hut for hikers was built in 1904) and eco-tourism. The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association's Sustainable Lodging Program has awarded "Environmental Champion" status to the Appalachian Mountain Club's White Mountain Hut System for its leadership role in reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
The best way to get to the Carter Notch Hut is to participate in the AMC's Presidential Range Hike, a trip run once each summer. It is a spectacular nine-day trip across New Hampshire's White Mountains, hiking over 50 miles of scenic trails between Franconia and Pinkham Notch, including many on the Appalachian Trail. It allows you the opportunity to climb Mt. Washington and at least a dozen peaks over 4,000 feet.
Subscribe now for more of Smithsonian's coverage on history, science and nature.
Comments