South from the turnoff for the Mount Washington Auto Road, Route 16 passes through Pinkham Notch, a mostly undeveloped stretch of the White Mountains lined by forests and a few ski areas. First of these is Great Glen (603/466-2333), a cross-country ski area and summertime mountain bike center, which also serves as a convenient base for hiking around Mt. Washington.
Continuing down Route 16, about four miles south of the Auto Road is the Wildcat Mountain ski area, across from which is Grand Central Station for Pinkham Notch, the Pinkham Notch Camp. Operated by the venerable Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the year-round trailhead facility offers topographical maps, guidebooks, weather updates, and precautionary advice, as well as limited gear. The camp also offers snacks, a cafeteria, a 24-hour hikers’ pack room with bathrooms and showers, scheduled shuttle van service, and the Joe Dodge Lodge (about $65 bed and board; 603/466-2727), a modern hostel with shared bunk rooms, a few private doubles, and great views from the library. For extended stays be sure to inquire about the significantly discounted package rates, or consider AMC membership, which yields an additional discount on all overnight stays at any AMC property.
