We used to live there and May was always a great month in the lower areas. The muddy season would be over and all of the plants would be freshly green. Not sure how the White Mountains will be though due to the higher elevation. Keep your eye out for Moose (which can often be found along the Kancamangus Hwy). We used to see beaver in the ponds as well. Definately make sure you have a good wide angle lens for the vistas you will encounter! Hope that helps!
Hi Jack - Be sure to check out the Mount Washington Observatory weather reports. This area is known to have the worst weather in the world so be sure to carry clothing and equipment to deal with that. http://www.mountwashington.org/. Weather above the treeline ~4500 ft can be horrific even during the summer months. I have climbed there in my youth many moons ago and got caught in a severe ice storm with fellow hikers at the end of June but have also been there with amazing weather where you could see the Atlantic Ocean. I also witnessed a lightning storm from above while staying at the Lake of the Clouds Hut. My youngest son will be working on one of the trail crews there this summer and has summitted Mt Washington several times in winter and summer (he is an Outdoor Education / Forestry major at the University of New Hampshire). Tuckerman's Ravine may still have snow (though this year was particularly warm and has lead to some very dangerous conditions with many accidents and some fatalities. Be sure to check in at the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge for the latest conditions. Are you going to stay at any of the high huts? As Tonia said, the vistas are amazing when the weather is good. You may also find yourself in the clouds sometimes which is also very dramatic. Just be prepared for the worst.
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