New Hampshire in the fall and you're likely to listen to the same conversation over and over. It starts with four words: "Got your deer yet?" You'll hear the question in busy cities as often as in remote villages, and it gives you the distinct feeling that, no matter where they live, the people in New Hampshire still feel a close connection to the outdoors. New Hampshire's compact size means that an hour of driving can transport a city dweller to the wilds of the White Mountains. Out-of-state visitors also benefit from the close confines. Active sports like hunting, fishing, hiking and winter skiing are a big part of New Hampshire's allure, there are plenty of less demanding ways to enjoy the sights. Scenic two-lane roads wind throughout the countryside. Sightseeing boats ply the highland lakes. And there's an especially good selection of railroad excursions through the White Mountains, including the cog railway that ascends the highest peak in the Northeast, Mt. Washington.