Adventure with Your Airplane – Eastern Slope Regional Airport in White Mountain National Forest
ME — Maine is a hidden gem for pilots and their families. If you’re looking for adventure in your airplane, you must take a long look at Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) in Fryeberg, Maine. This airport is the gateway to White Mountain National Forest, an area known for hiking, relaxing, and unplugging.
Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG)
Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) started its life as White Mountain Airport in North Conway, NH. That airport had a 3,000-foot runway, a flying club, and open-cockpit airplanes that drew in aviation enthusiasts. This airport was essential for search and rescue efforts. As operations increased, it was discovered that there was a need for a larger regional airport to help serve the Washington Valley area. The businessmen who proposed the new airport found the ideal location in Fryeburg, Maine, and the Eastern Slope Regional Airport was built. Over the course of the next few years, the original White Mountain Airport was sold for development, and IZG became the primary airport serving the Washington Valley.
Today, Eastern Slope Regional Airport has one runway. Runway 14/32 is 4,200 feet long and 75 feet wide. It is a paved runway with medium-intensity runway lights. Pilots can contact Portland Approach and Departure on 119.75. The CTAF is 122.8.
IZG averages 21 aircraft operations a day. Of those operations, 51 percent are local general aviation. Forty-five percent are transient general aviation, and the airport has a hangar dedicated to transient airplanes. Three percent are air taxi operations, and two percent are military operations. The airport is home to 38 aircraft. Thirty-five of them are single-engine airplanes. Two are multi-engine airplanes, and one is a jet.
The pilot amenities include free Wi-Fi, courtesy phones, a pilot lounge, a refreshment center, restrooms, self-service 100LL, full-service Jet-A, and courtesy transportation. The airport also offers after-hours services and catering by request.
Fryeburg, Maine Restaurants
Fryeburg, Maine, and White Mountain National Forest offer plenty to do and see. After landing, you might want to grab something to eat before heading into the mountains. The good news is that Fryeberg has plenty of places to eat, including the 302 West Smokehouse and Tavern, which serves ribs, pulled pork, steak, and fried chicken Monday through Thursday. The Fryeburg House of Pizza, The Bistro, and the Oxford House Inn also serve snacks, appetizers, sandwiches, steaks, and chicken.
White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain has many areas to explore, including the Wild River Wilderness, the Speckled Mountain Wilderness, the Great Gulf Wilderness, the Presidential Range Dry River Wilderness, the Pemigewassat Wilderness, and the Sandwich Range Wilderness.
Camping at White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest offers plenty of campgrounds and rental cabins. They also have dispersed camping and group camping. The cabin rental areas include Doublehead Cabin, Black Mountain Cabin, and Radeke Cabin. The Black Mountain Cabin is Rustic, with only bunks, a common room, and a composting toilet located nearby. The Doublehead Cabin is also rustic but has an outhouse. The Radeke Cabin is the largest. However, it’s also rustic, with no electricity or water. However, it does have a pit toilet.
Hiking at White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest offers opportunities for backpacking and day hiking. The most popular place to backpack and day hike is in the Androscoggin Ranger District. More than 30 trailheads in the area allow hikers and backpackers to explore nature on foot.
Nature Viewing Opportunities
There are plants that provide nature viewing opportunities at White Mountain National Forest. Visitors can enjoy viewing unique plants, scenery, and wildlife. The best place to view moose, deer, black bears, and beavers is on the Kancamagus Highway, especially in the early mornings and evenings. This highway spans just over 56 miles and includes the White Mountain Trail. If bird watching is more your style, take a walk down the Mount Willard Trail. The forest contains more than 200 species of birds.
Boating and Swimming Opportunities
White Mountain National Forest offers adventurers a chance to swim and participate in non-motorized boating. One of the most popular places to swim and have a picnic is the Lower Falls Recreation Site. Non-motorized boating is also allowed in the Pemigewasset Ranger District at the Elbow Pond Day Use Area and the Oliverian Boating Site.
Historic Sites at White Mountain National Forest
There are quite a few historic sites in the White Mountain National Forest. Some notable places to visit include the Russell-Collbath House, a historic house museum located on the Kancamagus Highway; Briskett Place, a brick farmhouse on Evans Notch Road; and the Smith House, which is viewable from the exterior and located in Sandwich, NH.
If you’re looking to get away with your airplane and enjoy nature, flying into the Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG), grabbing lunch or dinner in Fryeberg, and heading on to the White Mountain National Forest may be the ideal vacation for you.