Lincoln

Lincoln is a town of 1,600 people (2020) in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The town is home to the New Hampshire Highland Games and to a portion of Franconia Notch State Park. Set in the White Mountains, large portions of the town are within the White Mountain National Forest. The Appalachian Trail crosses the western and northeastern parts of the town.

Understand

Main St in Lincoln

Lincoln New Hampshire was established in 1782. The landscape was filled with rivers, mountains, and forests, which made it perfect for logging. Soon after, sawmills began to appear throughout the town and were powered by the rivers. The population was extremely low in this town for about one hundred years until trains began bringing tourists to Lincoln to view the mountains. Although the population has not grown tremendously, Lincoln attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Get in

By car

Interstate 93, Exit 32. Taking exit 32 will lead you right to Main Street, where you can find anything from hotels, restaurants, shopping, and scenic views.

See

• 1 Flume Gorge, Rt 3, ☏ +1 603 745-8391. The Flume Gorge offers a 2-mile self-guided scenic walk through an 800 foot natural chasm that is situated beneath Mount Liberty. The trail passes over covered bridges and past waterfalls, a scenic pool and mountain views. There is an information center, cafeteria, and gift shop for people to visit to learn more about the Gorge. Though the trails have railings, it is advisable to wear shoes that can hold traction on potentially slippery surfaces. Adults (ages 13+) $14, children (6-12) $11, children ages 5 and under are free (with paid adult). (updated Jul 2017)
• The Kancamagus Highway, Rt. 112. This is probably the most scenic route. The Kancamagus Highway stretches 34 and a half miles from the Pemigewasset River to Conway. There are numerous scenic outlooks and scenic areas, so you will always see people stopped along the way. The scenic areas, which have been designated by the Forest Service to preserve their outstanding or unique beauty, include the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, which is right off of the highway. There are no gas stations or other services along this route.  
• I-93 and Franconia Notch Parkway. From Woodstock north on I-93 to where the highway becomes the Franconia Notch Parkway (in Lincoln), this stretch of road is amazingly scenic. The parkway takes you through Franconia Notch State Park, and between Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges. Beyond the Notch, take Exit 38 and visit the small village of Franconia. Looking for more views? From there, drive up Sugar Hill Road. 
• Ice Castles New Hampshire, 64 Railroad St. (at the Hobo Railroad), toll-free: +1-888-407-4054. Each winter, a giant fortress made up of 25 million pounds of ice is constructed with tunnels, towers, slides, fountains, and arches. It is best to go at night, when the castle that covers over an acre of land is lit up with color changing lights from inside the ice. (updated Jun 2017)

The Flume Gorge

Do

• Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation, 41 Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-9911. open year round. Alpine Adventures has three different zip line tours to choose from that offer extreme heights and beautiful views of the White Mountain National Forest. This is something for everyone to do, whether they're a first timer or a zip line fanatic. Off-Road "Safari" Tours in the private 300 acre mountain terrain combines extreme off-roading, panoramic views, music and fun for the whole family. The new "Thrillsville" Aerial Park includes bridges, climbing walls, bungee trampolines, treehouses, giant swings and more. 
• Basin-Cascade Trail. This trail is an overall moderate trail, beginning at a leisurely pace and ending with some eroded pathways. Highlights include the basin, Kingsman and Rocky Glen waterfalls, and beautiful forestry with white pines. Wet weather could cause problems farther up the path so plan accordingly. Parking is located at the Basin parking lot, off of a well-marked exit from Franconia Notch Highway. 1-2 hr. 
• Hobo Hills Adventure Golf / Pirate's Cove, ☏ +1 603 745-2125. New England's largest adventure golf includes 3 acres of fun, mountain views, uniquely designed playing greens, challenging putts through caves and waterfalls. 
• Hobo Railroad, ☏ +1 603 745-2135. This train ride is a 15-mile, 1 hr 20 min roundtrip train adventure into the woods along the Pemigewasset River in restored vintage coaches. Hobo picnic lunches & ice cream are available. The Station Gift Shop opens at 10AM in season. Weekend departures begin on Memorial Day through mid-June. Daily departures begin late June through fall foliage. Adults $13, juniors (2-11) $10, under 2 free. 
• Out Back Kayak Co., Rte 112 Lincoln Center North, ☏ +1 603 745-2224. Visitors can take ATV tours on 80 scenic acres with a private pond, sand dune, plateau, ample wooded trails and varied terrain along the river. Adventurers can kayak the Pemi either by themselves or with a guide along the 14 mile river. Not a fan of kayaking? There are plenty of other things to do, like paintballing and snow-mobiling. 
• 1 Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Rd, ☏ +1 603 745-8111, toll-free: +1-800-229-LOON (5666). "Gravity's Playground" has summer fun when not skiing and snoboarding its 2100 ft vertical drop. Tubing, superpipe, ice skating, and horseback riding.  
• Creation Station Paint-It-Yourself-Pottery Studio, Main Street (Rt 112), ☏ +1 603 745-8205. 
• 2 Clark's Trading Post, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, ☏ +1 603 745-8913. Daily 9AM-6PM (different forms of entertainment are available at different times; there is a full chart of time listings in Calendar and Schedule section under "Plan Your Visit" on their website). Clark's Trading Post has a family-friendly atmosphere where you can watch trained bears perform a show where they demonstrate different tricks. There is also a 2 1/12 mile train ride through the premises while being entertained by the rabble rousin' wolfeman. Other attractions include a 30ft climbing rock wall designed in the shape of the Old Man on the Mountain, circus acts, and interesting museums of early America; they are not your typical museum, either. Tickets: $16-19 (children under 3 years are free. Season Pass: $59).  
• 3 Whales Tale Water Park, 481 Daniel Webster Highway, ☏ +1 603 745-8810. Peak season: daily 10AM-6PM; during off peak season daily 11AM-5PM. Whales Tale has eleven different attractions including "The Plunge" which is a steep slide that will reach speeds up to 40mph. There is also "Ship Wreck Island" which is geared to family members of every age and "Whales Harbor" which is designed for younger children. If you do not enjoy water slides there are also both a wave pool and 1/4 mile lazy river. $34 for adults and $3 for toddlers; parking and rental tubes are free.  
• Lincoln Cinema IV, 24 Lumber Yard Rd (On the far side of the Lincoln North Shopping Center), ☏ +1 603 745-6239, +1 603 745-6238 (movie line). M-F: first showing at 3PM and last show at 9PM; Sa Su: first showing at 1PM and last show at 9PM. Lincoln Cinema IV is a small four-screened cinema that showcases the most current films available while hoping to have a movie selection age-appropriate available for every family member. They present three showings a day, seven days a week. There is also a full concession stand with name-brand products and freshly popped popcorn. $6.50-8.50 (Sa Su matinees: $6). 
• Lincoln Public Library, 22 Church St, ☏ +1 603 745-8159. M-F noon-8PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. Lincoln Public Library is not only for renting out books, but a place where you can use one of their six computers, fax machine, or bring in your own laptop and take advantage of their wireless internet. The library also provides a preschool story time every Thursday, as well as hosting other community events periodically like library movie day. 

Buy

• Village Shops, Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-9300. Monday-Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM. The Lincoln Village Shops are home to great shops and restaurants. 
• Price Chopper, 10 Lumber Yard Dr (In Lincoln North Shopping Center), ☏ +1 603 745-6835. M-F 24 hours a day. Price Chopper is a family-owned grocery store that has a meat, cheese, deli, seafood, floral, and produce sections. They also have brand-name grocery products as well as the Price Chopper generic products. There is also a beer and wine liquor section in the front left of the store. Other services at Price Chopper are Western Union, Fax services, postage stamps, check cashing, and money orders. 
• Rodgers Ski and Sport, 1 Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-8347. Daily 9AM-6PM. Rodgers Ski and Sport is open all year round selling all ski, snowboarding, and biking equipment. They also carry apparel for your outdoors needs such as helmets, ski jackets, and gloves. Rodgers Ski and Sport also rents out bicycles for $30 a day during the Summer season. Ranges depending on equipment. 
• The Mountain Wanderer, 57 Main St, ☏ +1 603-745-2594. M-Sa 10AM–5:30PM, Su 11AM–5:30PM, closed Th. A map store specializing in New England outdoors and White Mountain hiking. The store has a plethora of various outdoor guide books, and maps relating to New England, and The White Mountains in particular. The owner, and operator of The Mountain Wanderer is a co-editor of the Appalachian Mountain Clubs White Mountain Guide book since 2001, and author of various other White Mountain guidebooks. 

Eat

• Gordi's Fish & Steak House, Rt 112, ☏ +1 603 745-6635. This restaurant is a little less casual and a little more expensive, but the food here is delicious. Gordi's offers Maine lobster, fresh seafood, prime rib, pasta, salad bar, and a kid's menu. 
• El Greco's Pizza, 123 Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-3838. A family-style restaurant, where you can order fresh homemade pizza, calzones, subs, salads and dinners. $7-12. 
• Udderly Delicious, 121 Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-6668. This ice cream shop offers delicious homemade ice cream for all types of people. "Only 8 Frozen Yogurt" is safe for most diabetics and those who are lactose intolerant. Udderly Delicious offers more than just ice cream. They make frappes, floats, old fashioned ice cream sodas, sundaes, banana splits, homemade apple crisp, and the "make your own sundae bar" with over 20 items. There is indoor and outdoor seating, which is perfect for those hot summer days. Master card, Visa and Discover accepted. Gift cards are available. 
• The Common Man, 10 Pollard Rd, ☏ +1 603 745-3463. Dinner: Su-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-9:30PM, Lunch: Sa Su noon-3PM, Lighter Bar n' Grill Menu: F-Su 4-11PM. Finer dining is served in the main dining area where you may order a range of food from prime-rib to baked macaroni and cheese. There is also a comfortable Bar N' Grill section with couches and tables where you can order from both the dinner menu and the Bar N' Grill menu. The Common Man is also available to host group functions. Expect to pay $10-20 a person not including drinks.. 
• Gypsy Cafe (Food From Around the World), 117 Main St (Across the St from the Mill), ☏ +1 603 745-4395. Lunch: daily 11AM-4PM, Dinner: M-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-9:30PM. The Gypsy Cafe is an eccentrically decorated restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu consists of salads, appetizers, entrées, and desserts that are inspired from dishes of many different cultures. The Gypsy Cafe also has a full bar with their specialty drinks being Margaritas and an espresso bar. $7-22. 
• 1 black mtn. burger, 264 Main St, ☏ +1 603 745-3444. 11:30AM-9PM. Burger restaurant which is usually busy, with patio and indoor seating. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and has view of the mountain (open only in summer). Great place to stop for some food after hiking or skiing. They do not take reservations though, so be prepared for more than a 30-min wait, especially in ski season. (updated Jan 2020)

Drink

• CJ's Penalty Box, 11 Pollard Rd, ☏ +1 603 745-4899. Local sports bar with a casual atmosphere. Serves a lot of finger foods, like burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. CJ's is a great place to sit down and watch the game with some friends and it's fairly cheap as well. 

Sleep

Budget

• Mt. Liberty Motel & Cabins, ☏ +1 603 745-3600. Liberty Road. 14 motel units, 8 cabins, located on Pemi River, near all attractions. There is an outdoor pool. Rates: $50 and up (off season) $65 and up (in season). Free Wireless Internet. Open May thru October. 
• Econo Lodge & Suites, ☏ +1 603 745-3661. 53 rooms, heated indoor & seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, guest laundry room, gazebo, Complimentary High Speed Internet Access(Wireless) and deluxe continental breakfast with your stay. $69-300. 
• Pemi Cabins on the river, 460 US-3, Lincoln, NH 03251, +1 603-745-8323. Open year-round and pet-friendly. 18 cozy cabins, as well as comfortable motel rooms.

Mid-range

• Woodwards Resort, 527 US Route 3, toll-free: +1-888-828-6745. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis and racquetball courts, game room, basketball, horseshoes, badminton, golf in the fall and skiing in the winter in spacious two bed rooms. 
• Profile Motel, 391 Route 3, ☏ +1 603 745-2759. Weekly cottages. 20 units, free wireless internet, air conditioning, cable TV, microwaves, fridge, heated swimming pool, BBQ grills, picnic tables, 
• Indian Head Resort, 664 US Route 3, toll-free: +1-800-343-8000. Open year-round. All units feature 50" HDTV 65+ HD Channels. Outdoor heated pool and outdoor pool are open all winter. Inside of the resort is an indoor pool, indoor hot spa, lounge, restaurant, game room and gym. 
• Comfort Inn & Suites-Loon, Route 112 (Kancmagus Hwy), ☏ +1 603 745-6700. There are 82 rooms and suites with new bedding and carpeting. Indoor pool and jacuzzi, exercise room and game room. In the winter, there is a shuttle to Loon Mountain on weekends and holiday weeks. $89 off season to $279 in season. 

Splurge

• InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook, Route 112 Kancamagus Highway, ☏ +1 603 745-9900, fax: +1 603 745-8233. Timeshare resort. Bordering the White Mountain National Forest, all offer mountain views. 1 to 3-bedroom suites and 2-bedroom loft townhouses with fireplace, kitchen, whirlpool tubs and decks. They have a game room, indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor hot tub, tennis and basketball courts, and a gym. For kids, there's a kiddie pool and playground. Daily activities are planned by the staff. Most activities are free to do, like an ice cream social or tie-dye day. They offer outdoor excursions to the guests as well, usually for a small fee. 
• Mountain Club on Loon, 90 Loon Mountain Rd, ☏ +1 603 745-2244, toll-free: +1-800-229-7829. Slopeside at Loon Mountain. Includes a complimentary day membership to the Viaggio Spa and Health Club located in the hotel. 

Go next

Routes through Lincoln

St. Johnsbury ← Franconia ←	N  S	→ Holderness → Concord
Lancaster ← Franconia ←	N  S	→ Ashland → Laconia
Jct W E / S N ← Jct E ←	W  E	→ Conway → Ends at