Winter Forest Scenes, White Mountains – When most think of the New Hampshire White Mountains, they think of the mountain landscapes that dominate the region, and not the actual forests, lakes, trails, and wetlands that make up the landscape. Today I want to share with you a few winter forest scenes that showcase the White Mountains. Maybe they will give you some ideas for your next photography or hiking adventure.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, extreme logging practices drastically altered the landscape of the White Mountains to the point where the forests were described as wastelands. But now in the twenty-first century, the forests are thriving because the logging practices of yesteryear are no longer tolerated.
There is no shortage of winter forest scenes in the New Hampshire White Mountains. And if you don’t want to hike deep into the snow-covered landscape, you can find beautiful scenes along many of the main roads in this region of New Hampshire. The above scene is from along the Kancamagus Highway in the area of the old Passaconaway Settlement in Albany.
Kinsman Notch is one of my favorite locations to create winter forest scenes, and the northern slope of Mount Jim (above) is excellent after a snow storm. This area is popular with back-country skiers and snowshoers, but most times you will have the forest to yourself. Lots of photo opportunities.
Also in Kinsman Notch, next to Mount Jim, on the northern slope of Mount Waternomee open hardwood glades (above) offer endless photo opportunities. Being located right next to Mount Jim this area is also popular with back-country skiers and snowshoers. And you will also find interesting signage in this area.
Located in the northern portion of Franconia Notch, behind Eagle Cliff, is Lafayette Brook Scenic Area. Within this scenic area is a picture perfect open hardwood glades (above) that back-country skiers use. During times of heavy snow the glades look awesome and an open minded photographer will keep busy in this area.
Interesting winter forest scenes can also be found along the White Mountains trail system. The softwood forest along the Hancock Loop Trail (above) is very picturesque after a dumping of snow, but getting into this area during and after snow storms can be slow going if the trail is not broken out.
There is an abundance of winter forest scenes in the White Mountains but keep in mind in order to reach many of the above locations requires hours of snowshoeing and careful planning. A photographer has to consider if snowshoeing for hours into the back-country to create only a handful of images is worth the effort. I often weigh this out because from a business point of view sometimes it is not worth it.
The above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more winter forest scenes here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.