White Mountains Travel Guide: Skiing, Rumney Climbing & Lakes
Positioned precisely where the Lakes Region meets the High Peaks, VIBE Basecamps offers unparalleled access to Central New Hampshire's premier outdoor destinations. This regional travel guide is curated by local adventurers to help you maximize your time on the dirt, rock, and snow. From world-class crags to hidden swimming holes, the best of the White Mountains sits right outside your front door. More detailed guide available when you book.
Fall Foliage, Hiking, Biking, Breweries, Disc Golf, Music & More!
Foliage
Lakes (see summer)
Hiking: So much so close!
Biking
Northern Rail Trail: 15 min., 59 miles of well-maintained crushed stone through lakes and forests
See summer for Mountain Biking info.
Disc Golf
Right out the door at Tenney! And see the 7 other courses in "Summer" above!
Winter Sports Near Our Official Indy Pass Lodging Partner Site
Winter in Plymouth is legendary, and our property places you in the heart of the action. As a premier destination for winter sports, we are proud to offer a central launching pad near multiple Indy Pass ski resorts. Whether you are shredding the legendary terrain at Cannon, exploring the family-friendly glades at Ragged Mountain, or taking advantage of our direct ski-in/ski-out access right here at Tenney Mountain, you spend less time driving and more time on the snow.
Ski/snowBoard
Tenney: Ski-In Ski-Out! Indy Mountain. 2,100' Elevation, 1,500' vertical drop.
Cannon: 40 min. Highest ski elevation and longest vertical drop in NH. Indy Mountain. 4,080 Elevation, 2,180 vertical drop.
Loon: 30min. 4th highest elevation and 2nd most vertical drop in NH. 3,050 Elevation, 2,100 Vertical drop.
Waterville Valley: 30 min. Indy Mountian. 3rd highest NH elevation at 4,004' and 4th most vertical drop 2,020'.
Ragged: 30 min. Indy Mountain. 2,250 Elevation, 1,250 Vertical drop.
Campton Ski Area: 20 min away, a great little beginner and family friendly hill with Lodge. Often has music. 1,400' Elevation, 240' vertical drop.
Cross County Ski
Green Woodlands Foundation 20 min. Featured in OUTSIDE Magazine as one of the countries best trail systems, 50+ kilometers of wilderness ski trails open to the public during the winter season. The trails have been designed primarily by John Morton, a former Olympian and ski coach.
Loon 30 min. has a trail system along the Pemigewasset River that ascends the shoulder of Black Mountain.
Waterville: 30 min. Explore 70+km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, weaving deep into the White Mountain National Forest.
Uphill & BackCounty Ski
Pike Glades: 30 min. NH Granite Backcountry Alliance. Free with several zones. 2,200' Elevation, 1,500 vertical drop.
Mt. Cardigan: 15 min (Wellington State Park Trailhead), 30min (AMC trailhead) Among the most historic runs in New England. Mount Cardigan—“Old Baldy” is the 2nd highest peak in southern New Hampshire and the crown jewel of a 1,200-acre reservation owned by AMC.
Tenney: 2 uphill routes - 1 mid-mountain and 1 summit. Uphill New England member.
Ragged: Uphill New England member
Waterville Uphill New England member
Plymouth's secret Backcountry area: In a good snow year this zone is only 10 min away. Our hardcopy guidebook at the Basecamp gives details to this off the radar stash.
Tubing/Sledding
Tenney: Right out the backdoor of the Basecamp!
snowshoe/winter hike
Waterville: Snowshoe adventure can be a self-guided, casual, spur of the moment walk in the woods or a daylong trek to a local summit. Waterville's XCountry Trails are open to snowshoeing.
Alpine Adventures: 30 min.
Fatbiking
Waterville
Ice Skating
Tenney: A small outdoor trail great for families. A first in 2025/26, let's see if it sticks around!
Plymouth State University: 13 min. Awesome high quality rink.
Langdon Park (off Route 3 / Merrill St) Town of Plymouth, a small outdoor rink.
Snowmobile
Right from Tenney NH Snowmobile Trails
Ice Castles 30 min.
Winter zip line 28 Min. Alpine Adventures
Off Road Adventure 28 Min. Alpine Adventures
Disc Golf: White Mountain Disc Golf 15min
Summer Adventures at Newfound Lake, Squam Lake & Polar Caves
When the ski season wraps up, Plymouth transforms into a vibrant summer playground. Rock climbers will find themselves just a 10-minute drive from Rumney Rocks, a world-renowned destination for sport climbing. If you prefer a day on the water, you are perfectly positioned between the crystal-clear shores of Newfound Lake and the tranquil waters of Squam Lake. Families can also explore the historic glacial boulder caves at the nearby Polar Caves Park.
Lakes
Newfound Lake (Wellington State Park): 15 min. The largest swimming beach in the NH State Park system and the cleanest lake in NH. Clean, beautiful, sandy, shallow entry to water is perfect for families. Nice hiking trail around the lake too!
Stinson Lake: 15 min. The largest lake within the White Mountain National Forest. Another clean, beautiful lake with boat ramp.
Squam Lake: The second largest lake in NH, "On Golden Pond" is a beauty of a lake with much of the surrounding area conserved. Head to Chamberlin Renyolds Memorial forest for a relatively short walk into some amazing beaches with views.
Polar Caves: 5min.
A bit pricey but very fun for kids and even adults. Explore a series of mini-caves - at least one of which holds ice as late as August - so it's a nice way to cool down. There is also a boulder maze that is fun to explore/play hide and seek in. If you are into feeding deer and geese, "gold mining" and gift shops there is that as well.
River Tubing:
Rent a tube in town and hit the Pemi and Baker Rivers via public launches or take an excursion with Plymouth Ski & Sports.
Hiking: so much so close!
Swimming:
See lakes above and these other spots as well!
Whales Tale Water Park: 30 min.
Sculptured Rocks 15 min.
Smarts Brook Swimming Hole 23min
Pemi River 13min. Downtown Cartop Boat Access
Mt. Biking
Tenney: Ride the snowmobile trail system and stay tuned for Tenney's trails!
NEMBA: 9 min. Gyroscope trails, 10min. Fox Park, Whitten Woods 20min.
Northern Rail Trail: 15 min., 59 miles of well-maintained crushed stone through lakes and forests
Loon: 30 min. Largest Mt. Bike Park in the Whites!
Waterville: 30 min.
Class VI Roads Near the Mountain
- Pike Hill Road (Hebron / Plymouth Line): Located just south of Tenney Mountain. The northern/eastern end out of Plymouth starts as a steep, maintained gravel climb. Once you cross into Hebron and hit the unmaintained Class VI section, it becomes a rugged, rocky, and rowdy track that runs along the high ridges near the mountain. [1, 2, 3]
- Tenney Hill Road & Tenney Lane (Hebron): Situated right on the southwestern slopes connecting toward Newfound Lake. These are legal Class VI woods roads that offer steep climbing and rugged double-track riding. [1, 2]
- Wade Hill Road / Wade Road (Hebron): Located just southwest of the Tenney land area. This is a popular, heavily wooded Class VI route that ascends a steep hill. It is known by local riders for being muddy with smaller ruts and loose rocks—perfect for a rugged mountain bike trek. [1, 2]
- Talcott Road to Old Stage Road (Bridgewater): Located just a short ride south of the mountain area. This interconnected system of Class VI roads features a long, gradual descent (or a brutal climb if ridden north) with steep sections that open up to panoramic, high-point views of the local valley. [1]
Disc Golf
Tenney: Open by Memorial Day pending weather. Out the back door! And we provide two baskets and discs for extra fun at Basecamp.
White Mt. Disc Golf: 15 min.
Loon: 30min Highest course in NH! Tee off at 2,733ft.
Waterville: 30min Two options: The Snow's Mountain and Town Square
Twin Barns Brewery 30 min
Oliverian: 35 min
Rivendell: 35 min
Local Plymouth Breweries, Dining & Downtown Culture
After a long day of outdoor exploration, head just minutes down the road into downtown Plymouth, NH to experience our classic New England college town culture. Treat your group to craft drafts at local staples like The Last Chair Brewery, grab a hearty post-hike meal on Main Street, or stock up on fresh local ingredients at the markets. Our area blends rugged backcountry access with the convenience of exceptional dining, coffee shops, and local shopping.
For Spring (and any time of year really)
Dining
Backcountry Grill at Tenney (often has music)
Last Chair Brewery 4min.
Plymouth has lots of places to eat including Italian, Greek, various Asian options, Bistros, and more!
thrift shopping 10 min.
Ladders
Step Ladders
Restore: Pemi Valley Habitat for Humanity
Flip N Boomerang
Repurpose