White Mountain National Forest Part 2- Required Reading

To really figure out what you want to see in New Hampshire I suggest these books. A traveler with all of these books would have the whole forest covered. I own all of these and they are are valuable resources.

Delorme map and Gazetteer-

   This map book has all of the roads, mountains, most trails and scenic highlights. Indispensable
Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide- This book is over 500 pages. It describes every trail in the mountains. It is a guide book not a first person point of view. It is direct and explains the trail distances, terrain and expected time required. The time required is not very accurate. Most trails require longer than the suggested amount even by those in very good shape.

Waterfalls of the White Mountains- by Bruce, Doreen, and Daniel Bolnick

   If you enjoy waterfall hunting then this will be your bible. It covers the waterfalls and cascades throughout the forest. The book covers both roadside and remote falls. It has driving directions, best swimming holes near the falls, pictures, and trail directions. Very well done.
Ponds Lakes of the White Mountains by Steven D. Smith-

   I believe this is out of print, but if you can get your hands on it, everything I said about the waterfall book is certainly true of this book. It includes a little fishing info along with directions, pictures, and great descriptions right down to sitting rocks to have a picnic.

   The 4000 Footers of the White Mountains- by Steven D. Smith

This is the bible for peak bagging hikers.  Each mountain is outlined with a history, most popular routes, and a view guide. Even though it is extra weight I ALWAYS carry it when hiking a four thousand footer.
Trail Maps- If you buy the White Mountain Guide, it will come with a paper trail map that will fit in your pocket. I also have the Delorme Trail Map and guide. It folds up much bigger, so it is not as easy to put away. It is made with a plastic coating, so it is a bit waterproof and more durable than paper. Both maps are good; just make sure to take one with you heading into the woods.

   There are plenty of other books about the mountains. There are books like “50 best hikes in the White Mountains, books on White Mountain history and other topics. They are very good. I own some of them. I mention these ones because each book covers a specific topic. With this set of books and maps, the mountains are yours to explore.

*Authors Note
   You may have noticed two of the books are written by Steven D. Smith. He is the author of many other books also. He is the owner of “The Mountain Wanderer Bookshop” in Lincoln, NH. I have stopped in a couple times to ask questions, buy books, or to get him to sign a copy of a book I’ve bought. He is a really nice guy. One day this fall I talked to him about mountain lakes for at least 20 minutes. Besides being very friendly he probably knows more about the mountains than anyone. His store is on Route 112 (Kancamangus Highway) just a quarter mile east of the I-93 ramp heading towards Lincoln.