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Greens & Whites – New England Mountain Ranges

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Before I say anything else, let me say that I love both the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire equally as much.

Although they belong to the same ancient mountain chain, the Appalachian Mountains, they have distinctly different features. This is not a post to point out why one of them would be ‘better’ than the other; it’s simply a post that features the highlights of both—and of course plenty of pictures.

I’ve spent plenty of time in both places, including hiking trips, weekend trips, road trips, and day trips.

Vermont’s Green Mountains

The Green Mountains essentially form the spine of the state of Vermont, running from south to north across its entire length.

The mountains extend south into Massachusetts where they’re known as the Berkshires, and north into Québec, Canada, where they go by the name of Monts Sutton, or Sutton Mountains.

Green Mountains, Vermont

View from Mount Mansfield

Green Mountains Fall Foliage

Fall foliage lines a road through the Green Mountains

Vermont’s state nickname, the ‘Green Mountain State,’ is taken from the mountains. Its very name, even, is derived from them—Verts Monts means Green Mountains in French.

The University of Vermont in Burlington is known as UVM, which stands for Universitas Viridis Montis, Latin for University of the Green Mountains.

Green Mountains, Vermont

Green Mountains as far as the eye can see

Chipmunk in the Green Mountains, Vermont

Chipmunk on a hiking trail in the Green Mountains

As you can see, the Green Mountains are the heart and soul of the state. They also bring in quite a lot of money from tourism. Many of the mountains have hiking trails in summer, and facilities for skiing and snowboarding in winter.

The Long Trail, one of America’s best short thru-hikes, runs over all major peaks and is joined by the Appalachian Trail for some of its length.

A number of world-class winter sports resort dot the state, from Stratton Mountain in the south to Jay Peak in the north. In fall, thousands of people from all over North America flock to Vermont to admire the spectacular fall foliage.

Lake and fall foliage in the Green Mountains, Vermont

Lake and fall foliage in the Green Mountains

The Long Trail, Vermont

The Long Trail runs the entire length of the state

Major mountain peaks in the Green Mountains are Mount Mansfield, Killington Peak, Camel’s Hump, and Mount Abraham.

The Green Mountains are a series of rounded peaks, much less high than New Hampshire’s White Mountains, weathered away over time, with rolling forest-covered valleys below.

Only five mountains rise higher than 4,000 feet—Mount Mansfield, located in Stowe, is the tallest of them all, with a height of 4,393 feet (1,339 meters).

Summit of Mount Mansfield, Green Mountains, Vermont

Summit of Mount Mansfield

View from Camel's Hump, Vermont

View from Camel’s Hump


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New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Unlike the Green Mountains in Vermont, the rugged White Mountains in New Hampshire are home to true wilderness.

This expansive mountain range covers approximately a quarter of the state—New Hampshire’s nickname is the ‘Granite State,’ after the granite that makes up the mountains.

Mount Washington Summit, New Hampshire

Summit of Mount Washington

Boardwalk in The Flume, White Mountains, New Hampshire

Boardwalk in The Flume

Made up of several smaller mountain ranges, the White Mountains are one of the wildest places in New England. ‘The Whites,’ as they’re sometimes called, are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Appalachian Trail runs through the heart of the mountain and over many of its major peaks while many mountain summits can be ascended on day or overnight hikes.

Rivers crisscross the region and invite you to throw out a line; picturesque lakes allow fun afternoons spent canoeing or paddleboarding.

White Mountains Waterfall

Waterfall in the White Mountains

Mount Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, New Hampshire

Mount Moosilauke Ravine Lodge

There are no fewer than 48 4,000-footers in the White Mountains—remember that there are only five in the Green Mountains.

Alpine Vegetation on Mount Moosilauke, New Hampshire

Alpine vegetation on Mount Moosilauke

Franconia Notch in Fall, White Mountains

Franconia Notch in fall

Unlike the Green Mountains, which are unquestionably great for hiking, fishing, and vacations in nature, but don’t have any major highlights, the White Mountains have several specific attractions.

They’re home to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington Resort, the Mount Washington Auto Road, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Flume, and the magnificent Kancamagus Highway.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Summit of South Moat Mountain, White Mountains, New Hampshire

Summit of South Moat Mountain


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Anyone who’s looking to spend some time hiking and camping in real wilderness should head to New Hampshire and its White Mountains. People who want to go on scenic road trips, visit some breweries, and hike up a mountain or two should opt for Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Emma

Monday 1st of August 2022

Thank you so much for all this info! I'm planning a 4-day road trip to New England this October. Would you suggest we go Boston>Vermont> the White Mountains>Boston or Boston> the White Mountains>Vermont>Boston? I want to go to both places to see fall colors so I'm wondering if this is doable in 4 days. Thank you in advance!

Bram

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Hello Emma! Yes, this would be doable in four days, but keep in mind that a lot of time would be spent driving. Between those two itinerary options, I'd personally do Boston > Vermont > White Mountains > Boston. The drive from Boston to Vermont is the longest section of that particular trip, so I would like to get that out of the way first. (Beautiful drive, though!) And you'll be able to see fall colors essentially everywhere in October, not just the Green Mountains and White Mountains. Most of your drive will be through stunning fall scenery!

Z

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Vermont also has “real wilderness.” Careful. Many people who underestimate the rugged aspects of Vermont go missing every year.

Bram

Thursday 17th of February 2022

You are absolutely right, that was my mistake. I have corrected this in this post. Thanks for pointing that out!

VICKY PADGETT

Monday 24th of February 2020

We are trying to decide which would be the better weekend to go on a fall foliage trip. The weekend of September 28, 2020 or October 22, 2020. Any suggestions? Thanks, Vicky

Bram Reusen

Monday 9th of March 2020

Hi Vicky! If you have to choose between those two weekends, I'd recommend the weekend of September 28 for your fall foliage trip in New England. While not all trees will have turned at that point, there should already be lots of colors at the higher elevations. By later October, you might be too late to catch the peak. Have fun!

shalini

Tuesday 10th of July 2018

I'm thinking of staying in Mt Holly in VT to do the Green Mountains and Finger Lakes. Is that a good location?

Bram Reusen

Tuesday 17th of July 2018

Yes, that would be an excellent location to explore the southern Green Mountains!

Martin Trudel

Wednesday 11th of April 2018

Hi, I'm planning a 4 day hike in the white or green mountains, any suggestions of trails that might be great. Me and my buddy are in good shape and dont mind a harder path. Thanks

Bram Reusen

Thursday 12th of April 2018

Hey Martin,

My absolute favorite hike in the mountains of New England is the Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains. A day hike, the trail connects to the Appalachian Trail, which allows you to extend your hike for a few more days. If you're looking for a four-day overnight hike, I don't think there's anything better than the Presidential Traverse, also in the Whites.