in Twin Mountain Bretton Woods
Experience one of nature’s giants in their natural habitat. Moose in New Hampshire primarily live in the northern, more rural parts of our state such as the White Mountain National Forest.
Popular Moose Watching Spots In The Area
“Moose Alley” – This is the term the locals use for the area that stretches from the Route 3 and I-93 junction near Franconia Notch all the way to Bartlett Village on Route 302, some 30 miles south of Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods. Much of these roadways border the White Mountain National Forest. In these thousands of protected acres moose are abundant, especially in the spring and fall.
Route 115 – taking a right onto Route 115 from Route 3 to the end of the road at Route 2 in Jefferson, NH
Mt. Clinton Road – Located just north of the gateway of Crawford Notch and Saco Lake, Mt. Clinton Road passes through the White Mountain National Forest and connects with the Base Road about halfway in from Route 302. A loop can be made by using all three of these roads. For more adventurous drivers with durable vehicles, Jefferson Notch Road (which also junctions with the Base Road and Mt. Clinton Road at a four-way intersection) provides a fun and scenic ride on the road that reaches the highest elevation of any maintained road in the state, topping out at around 3,000 feet above sea level. This is not maintained in winter.
Zealand Road – This road, which leaves 302 a couple miles south/east of the intersection of 3 and 302, is another great moose watching area. Look for signs for Zealand Campground and turn up the road.
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Moose Watching Tips:
- Moose are most active in the spring, when they attempt to put on weight lost during the lean winter, and in the fall, when male moose – or bulls – are in rut season and are seeking to mate.
- Dusk and dawn are the best times for sighting a moose.
- Look for moose in wet, boggy areas near the road.
- View from a safe distance. If you see a moose, DO NOT get too close or try to approach it. Moose have been known to charge humans if they feel threatened.
- Always watch for moose while driving. Their behavior when facing an oncoming car is very unpredictable, and they can often run out of – but then back into – the path of your vehicle.