Lincoln, NH

Travel Guide

A small town with a post office, a church, and a mountain in the background.
A dense forest with a variety of trees displaying autumn foliage, including red, orange, and green leaves.
A street with various shops including a liquor store, a Chinese restaurant, and a Mexican food restaurant.
A vintage red cable car with a sign reading "Loon Mountain" and a large "NOW BOARDS" sign on a building.
A road with autumn-colored trees, a house, and a mountain in the background.

Whether you’re skiing the slopes of Loon Mountain or swimming in Lonesome Lake, this New Hampshire town is a nature lover’s paradise in any season.

Among New England’s charming small towns, Lincoln stands out. Visit when the town is blanketed in snow or bursting with colorful foliage. Lincoln is delightful in all seasons.

Lincoln has a portion of Franconia Notch State Park. Explore the beauty of the White MountainsOpens in a new window on the miles of hiking, biking and skiing trails winding through the park.

Walk to Flume Gorge, a stunning natural gorge in the park. It stretches 800 feet (240 meters) to the base of Mount Liberty. Follow the boardwalk to the edge of its plummeting granite walls. The hike ends at the Visitor Center with a gift shop and Concord Coach stagecoach that charged across the old west.

Visit Lonesome Lake nestled in the park at the southern base of Cannon Mountain. Reach it via hiking short, accessible trails. The lake is well stocked with brook trout.

Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the northeastern part of the town. The Appalachian Mountain Club hut on Lonesome Lake’s southern shore provides shelter for hikers. Loon Mountain, a part of the White Mountain National Forest, is Lincoln’s signature peak. Loon Mountain Ski Resort is one of the most popular resorts in the state. Regardless of when you visit, enjoy its all-season fun from skiing to horseback riding to rock climbing.

Head to Whale’s Tale Water Park for summer fun for the entire family. Splash your way through its water slides and wave pools.

Clark’s Trading Post is a Lincoln institution. This family-owned center is known for its White Mountain Central Railroad, a scenic 25-minute ride in an old-fashioned steam-powered train. Watch a group of trained bears that perform tricks and visit several mini museums devoted to Americana.

Lincoln lies along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, which bisects the White Mountain National Forest to connect Bath in the west to ConwayOpens in a new window in the east. Stop and enjoy the views from the many scenic lookouts along the road.

Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection

Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
527 US Route 3 Lincoln NH
$99 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$107 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection
Indian Head Resort

Indian Head Resort

3 out of 5
664 US Route 3 Lincoln NH
$121 nightly
The price is $131 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$131 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"M"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Indian Head Resort
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG

2.5 out of 5
21 Railroad St Lincoln NH
$127 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$138 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,026 reviews)
"Great breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East - White Mountains by IHG
See all 751 properties in Lincoln
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook

InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook

3 out of 5
33 Brookline Rd. Lincoln NH
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook
Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, an Ascend Collection Resort

Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, an Ascend Collection Resort

3 out of 5
23 InnSeason Drive Lincoln NH
Stay at this apartment in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (681 reviews)
"Love this place"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, an Ascend Collection Resort
The Village of Loon Mountain

The Village of Loon Mountain

3 out of 5
72 Loon Village Rd Lincoln NH
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
The Village of Loon Mountain
See all properties in Lincoln
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Lincoln attractions

A snowy mountain landscape with a ski lift and a person on the lift.

Loon Mountain Resort

9.2/10 (1,106 reviews)
Hit the slopes in Lincoln with a visit to Loon Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this walkable area, or enjoy its hiking trails.
See properties

Things to do

Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide

Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide

$17
per traveler
90% of travellers recommend
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide
Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour

Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour

$40
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour
See all activities in Lincoln

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln worth visiting?
Lincoln is worth visiting for its outdoor adventures and diverse dining. Travelers can explore the natural beauty of Flume Gorge and enjoy activities at Loon Mountain Resort. The area also offers a variety of North American and Italian cuisine, from classic comfort foods to pasta dishes.
When is the best time to visit Lincoln?
The best time to visit Lincoln is from July through September, when the destination is most popular. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option. This period offers a more relaxed experience with potentially lower rates on lodging.
What is Lincoln known for?
Lincoln NH is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, centered around Loon Mountain Resort and the picturesque Flume Gorge. The town was named after Henry Pelham-Clinton. Travelers can also enjoy a North American food culture in the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Lincoln?
A good itinerary length for Lincoln is two to three days to enjoy highlights like Loon Mountain Resort, Flume Gorge, and a Scenic Rail Bike Ride in the White Mountains. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also experience the Meet the Cider Makers tour or the Meet the Winemakers tour, and explore more of the area. See Lincoln Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Lincoln?
Lincoln offers outdoor adventures, unique nature sights, and local craft beverage experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Lincoln?
To plan your trip to Lincoln, search for hotels and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore activities like a Scenic Rail Bike Ride in the White Mountains or a cider makers tour. When planning outdoor adventures at Loon Mountain Resort or Flume Gorge, remember to have indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Lincoln?
In Lincoln, travelers can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. There are also North American options including Tex Mex and Southern Soul Food. Additionally, you'll discover Italian dishes and various Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, and Indian.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Lincoln?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Lincoln by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Lincoln with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Lincoln trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Lincoln?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Lincoln can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Lincoln trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Lincoln trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Lincoln trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Lincoln trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Lincoln?
If it's your first trip to Lincoln, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Lincoln hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Lincoln hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Lincoln

A large, historic building with a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background.

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A forest with autumn foliage and mountains in the background.

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A forested mountain landscape with a clear sky.

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A street with shops, including a jewelry store and a candy shop.

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