Hike the challenging trails near Thornton
The tiny town of Thornton, lying in a valley in the White Mountain National Forest, was founded in the mid-17th century and named after Doctor Matthew Thornton, one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence. Though small, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied when you stay in one of the charming Thornton vacation rentals. With the vast 800,000 acres of pristine forest right on your doorstep, the possibilities for outdoor adventures are almost limitless but include hiking along the miles of challenging trails or getting up close to some fascinating wildlife.
Step back in time
To learn more about these forests, you can drive a little further south to the Museum of the White Mountains, which chronicles its history. If you're bringing the family to stay at a Thornton vacation rental, be sure not to miss Clark's Trading Post, a roadside attraction. Here, you can ride their blaster boats, watch the Chinese Acrobatic Troupe in action and board the little steam train. For more fun, visit Santa's Village a few miles north, where you can get into the festive spirit while you ride mini rollercoasters, even in the height of summer.
Lace up your boots or saddle up your horse
Despite such a choice of outdoor activities on offer, there are a few standouts. If you stay in a Thornton vacation rental between spring and fall, you'll be ideally placed for zip lining and biking adventures in the Loon Mountain Aerial Forest Adventure Park. Alternatively, you can saddle up to gallop along the plentiful equestrian trails. With such exciting downhill routes, it's unsurprising that mountain biking is so popular. If you'd like to treat yourself, why not see it all from above, on one of the scenic helicopter flights that take off daily throughout the high season?
Thornton vacation rentals are open year-round
Summer marks the peak season in the White Mountains, so be sure to book up your Thornton vacation rental early. While the weather may be hot around this time, the trails can also be a little crowded. If you'd like a little more peace and quiet, visit outside of the summer breaks in spring and fall, when the weather can still be warm and you may very well have some of the trails all to yourself. Between late November and February, the flurries of snow attract adrenaline junkies, who come to ride the powdery pistes.
Otters and falcons
If you've come to look for wildlife, you're in the right place. There are few places in New Hampshire that measure up to the wildlife sightings in the White Mountain National Forest. With over 100 species of birdlife, including peregrine falcons, to see, twitchers will be particularly excited about the destination. It's not just the avifauna though. Playful otters swim along the streams and rivers while busy beavers work hard at damming them. Moose sightings are common down in the marshy areas of the forest and elusive bobcats and coyotes are often reported slinking along the mountain ridges.
Traveling to and around Thornton
Fly into Lebanon, NH (LEB-Lebanon Municipal), the closest airport, located 36.6 mi (58.9 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Laconia, NH (LCI-Laconia Municipal), which is 25.4 mi (40.8 km) away.
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