The Mountainous New Hampshire Region Samantha Brown Recommends To Beat The Summer Heat

If the summer heat has you yearning for cooler air, Samantha Brown has a few ideas. The incredibly well-traveled TV host has found quite a few "Places to Love" to escape the hot weather right here in the U.S. As we begin to feel the effects of climate change, more and more of us are turning away from traditional summer beach vacations in sweltering locations. Instead, we're looking for places to take a "cool-cation."

For Brown, one of the best places to do that is in New Hampshire's White Mountains. As she writes on her site, "Places to Love," you can spend the summer outdoors there without melting into the sidewalk. Many of the peaks in the White Mountains tower at over 5,000 feet, reaching far above the steamy air at lower altitudes. If you're searching for a cool-cation, look no further.

The loftiest summits rise above the tree line, but most of the mountains are covered by the cooling canopy of the White Mountain National Forest. Average highs in the region hover in the comfortable 70-degree Fahrenheit range, with nighttime lows in the mid-50s. With over 1,200 miles of hiking trails, a network of cycling trails, and a chance to grab a cold one at Brown's favorite local brewery, the White Mountains is the perfect place to beat the summer heat.

There are hiking and cycling trails for all abilities in the White Mountains. Warm up your legs with a gentle walk to beautiful Sabbaday Falls before tackling the challenging but popular trail to Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge, which boasts stunning views. Cycling families might want to hire a rail bike and pedal along together, while thrillseekers will love the mountain biking trails.

Really adventurous types can hike along some of the highest peaks in the Northeast on the Presidential Traverse, a grueling but gorgeous 19-mile trek that will take you to the top of Mount Washington. However, Samantha Brown has a preferred way to reach the summit of the region's highest mountain: by cog railway. Quaint carriages chug their way up every day, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views without the exertion.

To discover some of the best of the White Mountains, drive the 100-mile White Mountains Trail, a National Scenic Byway that takes you through picturesque villages and several state parks along the famous Kancamagus Highway. During the drive, you'll be able to stop for scenic hikes, take a dip in refreshing swimming holes, and enjoy many of New Hampshire's classic covered bridges. Sounds perfect, right?

Samantha Brown loves the town of Littleton as a jumping-off point for exploring the region. It's there that you'll find the Schilling Beer Company, where Brown likes to unwind, and you can enjoy calming river views and tasty pizzas on top of the local brews. Brown recommends staying at the Thayers Inn on Littleton's Main Street, though there are many other options if Thayers is booked up. Try to stay within walking distance of the center so you can enjoy the local foods and drinks within staggering distance of your accommodation.

If you want accommodation that is a little more wild, the White Mountains National Forest is a brilliant spot for camping. There are many developed campgrounds in the National Forest, but you can also camp in the backcountry for an authentic wilderness experience. The area is recognized for its dark skies, meaning there's little light pollution and an excellent chance to enjoy the stars in the night sky. There's no greater summer experience than toasting s'mores around a campfire while gazing up at the Milky Way.