NEW HAMPSHIRE TRAVEL GUIDE
Welcome to the bigroads.com travel guide to New Hampshire! Hopefully this page helps provide some inspiration and tips to help you plan your next trip to New Hampshire.
Take note that I build and maintain this website as both a hobby and public service. I take joy in performing travel research and sharing my experiences and adventures. I currently do not make a profit from this website, and you will see no invasive or annoying ads on it. Your constructive feedback about this site and its content is encouraged. Please email me if you have any suggestions or ideas for improvement.
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Tourism is huge business in New Hampshire. Throngs of travelers gravitate to certain parts of the state, including the Lakes Region and the White Mountains region. The Lakes Region offers fantastic boating opportunities and many family-friendly attractions. The White Mountains region is one of the very best vacation destinations in the country, with more than a thousand miles of well-marked hiking trails, several great ski areas, lively mountain towns, and dozens of tourist attractions. New Hampshire also has has a few beaches and what is believed to be the world's second most climbed mountain in the world, Mt. Monadnock.
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TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Are you short on time or struggling to choose something to do or see in New Hampshire? Here are my selections for the top 10 attractions or experiences in New Hampshire:
✮ Stay in Conway or North Conway and explore various parts of the exceptionally scenic White Mountain National Forest
✮ Take a hike in Franconia Notch State Park near Lincoln and Franconia
✮ Walk, shop, and dine in downtown Portsmouth
✮ Hike Mt. Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world (make parking reservations in advance!)
✮ Take the kids to Story Land and/or Santa's Village, two of the best theme parks for young children in the U.S.
✮ Climb through boulder caves at the Lost River Gorge or the Polar Caves
✮ Drive, hike, or take a cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington
✮ Seek out some of New Hampshire's 50+ covered bridges
✮ Hit slopes at one of many great ski areas found in the central and White Mountains regions of the state
✮ Drive the famous Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) during fall foliage (early October) between Lincoln and Conway
If I could select only one place to visit in New Hampshire, I would choose North Conway. I would use that mountain town as a gateway to explore the White Mountain National Forest.
For a list of 10 great attractions in each U.S. state, click here.
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5-STAR ATTRACTIONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Here is my opinionated list of 5-star attractions in New Hampshire, organized by major region. I believe each of these attractions should be on your New Hampshire bucket list since they are all noteworthy from a national perspective:
Northern New Hampshire
✮ ATV/ORV-ing in Jericho State Park, Berlin - one of the best ATV/ORV trail networks in the Northeast
✮ Beaver Brook Falls Wayside, Colebrook - one of the finest waterfalls in New Hampshire; roadside views of the towering falls
✮ Dixville Notch State Park, Colebrook - includes a scenic drive, several waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails up to the rugged Table Rock
✮ Mountain View Grand Resort, Whitefield - one of the largest resorts in the Northeast; there are gorgeous views right from the property
✮ Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary, Whitefield - ponds, wetlands, forests, and scenic views of nearby mountains
✮ Santa's Village, Jefferson - one of the best Christmas-themed amusement parks in the U.S.
✮ Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, near Errol - some of the best lake canoeing/kayaking in New England; many remote camping sites
White Mountains: Western Region (including Franconia and Lincoln)
✮ AMC White Mountain Huts - series of 8 well-constructed mountain huts that offer overnight lodging for hikers; along the Appalachian Trail
✮ Basin, The, Franconia Notch State Park - fascinating geological features and waterfalls; access via parking area off I-93
✮ Clark's Trading Post, Lincoln - live black bear shows and other (sometimes wacky) tourist attractions
✮ Cannon Mountain, Franconia - one of NH's best ski/snowboard resorts
✮ Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia - best aerial tram in New Hampshire
✮ Echo Lake Beach, Franconia - sandy lake beach with boat rentals; gorgeous mountain views of Franconia Notch; take a hike to Artists Bluff
✮ Flume Gorge & Visitor Center, Franconia Notch State Park - boardwalk & hiking trails through gorge & past several waterfalls
✮ Franconia Notch State Park - beautiful state park with amazing hiking and biking trails; NH's best hike starts here (the Franconia Loop)
✮ Ice Castles, near Lincoln - winter attraction where a giant ice park is created and visitors can walk (and sometimes slide) through it
✮ Kancamagus National Scenic Byway (NH 112) - arguably NH's most scenic drive; connects Conway with Lincoln and passes many trailheads
✮ Loon Mountain, Lincoln - one of NH's best ski/snowboard resorts
✮ Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, North Woodstock - extremely fun 0.75 mile trail passes through several boulder caves and by a waterfall
✮ White Mountain National Forest - one of the U.S.'s finest national forests; 100s of things to see and 1,000+ miles of well-marked hiking trails
White Mountains: Eastern Region (including Jackson and North Conway)
✮ AMC White Mountain Huts - series of 8 well-constructed mountain huts that offer overnight lodging for hikers; along the Appalachian Trail
✮ Arethusa Falls, Hart's Location - arguably New England's best waterfall; access via trailhead off US-302
✮ Bretton Woods - the largest ski resort in NH; extremely family-friendly; famous for its moderate terrain and glades (tree-skiing)
✮ Crawford Notch State Park - beautiful state park with amazing hiking trails and scenic views
✮ Diana's Baths, near North Conway - series of waterfalls, slides, and potholes; kids love this place
✮ Downtown North Conway - walkable and attractive area with restaurants, shops, a playground, and more
✮ Glen Ellis Falls, near Jackson - one of the most scenic waterfalls in New England; access via trailhead on NH 16 north of Jackson
✮ Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, near Jackson - offers a variety of outdoor activities near Mt. Washington
✮ Jackson Ski Touring Foundation - some of the finest cross country skiing in New England
✮ Kancamagus National Scenic Byway (NH 112) - arguably NH's most scenic drive; connects Conway with Lincoln and passes many trailheads
✮ Madison Boulder, Madison - supposedly the largest "glacial erratic" in New England
✮ Mount Washington Auto Road, near Jackson - drive to the very top of New England (in season)
✮ Mount Washington Cog Railway, near Bretton Woods - one of the steepest cog railways in the world
✮ Omni Mount Washington Resort, near Bretton Woods - historic resort; grand views of Mt. Washington; great golfing and nearby hiking
✮ Sabbaday Falls - one of NH's best waterfalls; access via the famed Kancamagus Highway (NH 112); also visit Lower Falls while in area
✮ Story Land, Jackson - excellent family-friendly throwback amusement park; also has a separate aquarium (NH's best)
✮ Tuckerman Ravine - famous backcountry skiing/hiking spot; dangerous in mid-winter due to extreme winter avalanche danger
✮ White Mountain National Forest - one of the U.S.'s finest national forests; 100s of things to see and 1,000+ miles of well-marked hiking trails
✮ Zeb's General Store, North Conway - excellent general store full of New England-based goods; located in quaint downtown North Conway
Southern & Central New Hampshire (including Portsmouth and the Lake Winnipesaukee region)
✮ Andres Institute of Art, Brookline - hiking trails past dozens of art sculptures
✮ Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Merrimack - one of the best and most comprehensive brewery tours in the US
✮ Canobie Lake Park, Salem - southern NH theme park with more than 85 rides, games, and attractions
✮ Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury - historical exhibits & live demonstrations by costumed interpreters
✮ Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton - NH's most popular beach; good surfing
✮ Lake Winnipesaukee - a boater's paradise; many quaint towns found along its edge
✮ Market Square / Downtown Portsmouth - quaint downtown area with excellent shops & restaurants
✮ Mount Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey - scramble up the most hiked mountain in New England; parking reservations need for most trailheads
✮ Northern Rail Trail - arguably NH's best rail trail; travels 57.6 miles from Lebanon to Boscawen
✮ Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham - nature park with nearly 30 miles of hiking trails and good lake swimming
✮ Polar Caves Park, Rumney - boulder caves and hiking trails
✮ Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness - part zoo, part playground, part hiking trail; the best zoo in NH
✮ Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth - outdoor American history museum
✮ USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth - tour a historic submarine near downtown Portsmouth
✮ Water Country, Portsmouth - the largest waterpark in New England
✮ Wright Museum of WWII, Wolfeboro - one of the best WWII history museums in the U.S.
Are you aware of any other 5-star attractions in New Hampshire? If so, please email me at gparsons66@hotmail.com.
For a list of 5-star attractions in neighboring states, click on any of these links:
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VT
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BEST TOWNS & CITIES TO VISIT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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These towns and cities in New Hampshire are generally regarded as the most interesting to travelers:
✮ Conway/North Conway - a large and lively mountain town with access to exceptional outdoor recreation (e.g. hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, etc.); the eastern gateway to White Mountain National Forest
✮ Hampton Beach - New Hampshire's liveliest beach town; has good surfing and several seaside amusements, shops, and restaurants
✮ Hanover - a quaint small town with a historic downtown; the home of Dartmouth College; has access to the Appalachian Trail
✮ Jackson - a small town with excellent hiking, downhill skiing/snowboarding; X-C skiing, waterfalls, and family-friendly attractions
✮ Keene - a small city with a lively historic downtown full of shops and restaurants; Mt. Monadnock is in nearby Jaffrey
✮ Lincoln/Woodstock - a pair of mountain towns with access to excellent hiking and skiing/snowboarding; has many family-friendly attractions; the western gateway to White Mountain National Forest
✮ Meredith - a small town on Lake Winnipesaukee that has a small but lively tourist area; the world's largest arcade is nearby (Funspot)
✮ Portsmouth - a small city with a popular historic downtown area that has many shops and restaurants; visit the Strawberry Banke Museum
Many would say that Alton, Gorham, Laconia, and Wolfeboro are also worth visiting. Although the towns themselves don't offer too many noteworthy attractions, I will say that they serve as good base camps for exploring interesting areas and various attractions nearby.
My favorite city in New Hampshire is Portsmouth - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 1-2 days there
My favorite small town in New Hampshire is Conway/North Conway - I recommend that first-time visitors spend at least 4-5 days there
If you like beaches, visit Hampton in July or August.
If you like hiking, visit Conway, Gorham, Jackson, or Lincoln from July through mid-October.
If you like skiing, visit Conway, Jackson, or Lincoln from December through March.
If you like waterfalls, visit Conway, Gorham, Jackson, or Lincoln from May through mid-October.
If you want to see blooming lupine flowers, visit Sugar Hill in early June.
If you want to see fall foliage, visit Conway, Gorham, Jackson, or Lincoln in early October.
If you want to visit the White Mountain National Forest, stay in Conway or Lincoln.
If I could select only one place to visit in New Hampshire, I would choose North Conway so that I could explore the scenic White Mountain National Forest.
If I had one full week to spend in New Hampshire, I would fly into Boston, MA and drive to Portsmouth, NH. I would explore Portsmouth for half a day and then head to the White Mountain National Forest. I would stay in North Conway for the rest of the week and explore the various regions of the White Mountain National Forest from there.
Click here if you'd like to see a complete list of towns and cities that I find interesting across the entire U.S.
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WHAT IS NEW HAMPSHIRE FAMOUS FOR?
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Here are some things that New Hampshire is famous or well-known for:
✮ alpine huts (e.g. AMC Lonesome Lake Hut, AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut)
✮ alpine zones
✮ apple cider donuts
✮ ATV/ORV-ing (e.g. Jericho, Pittsburg)
✮ backcountry skiing (e.g. Tuckerman Ravine)
✮ backpacking
✮ boulder caves
✮ children's theme parks (e.g. Canobie Lake Park, Santa's Village, Story Land)
✮ covered bridges
✮ cross country skiing
✮ fall foliage
✮ glacial erratics (e.g. Boise Rock, Glen Boulder, Madison Boulder)
✮ grand resorts (e.g. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Mountain View Grand Resort, The Wentworth)
✮ granite
✮ hunting
✮ hiking
✮ lakes (e.g. Lake Winnipesaukee, Newfound Lake, Squam Lake, Umbagog Lake)
✮ lupines
✮ moose
✮ motorcycling (e.g. Laconia Bike Week)
✮ no income tax
✮ no sales tax
✮ outdoor recreation
✮ rock climbing (e.g. Cathedral Ledge, Cannon Cliff, Rattlesnake Mountain in Rumney)
✮ scenic parkways (e.g. NH-112 from Conway to Lincoln, US-302 from Lincoln to Twin Mountain, NH-16 from Jackson to Gorham)
✮ scenic railroads
✮ skiing/snowboarding
✮ snowmobiling
✮ swimming holes (e.g. Diana's Baths, Jackson Falls, Lower Falls)
✮ waterfalls
Click here if you'd like to learn what other U.S. states are famous for.
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NATIONAL PARKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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There are no national parks in New Hampshire, but there are a few other federally-managed parks and properties in New Hampshire, including:
National Forests
✮ White Mountain National Forest - one of the finest national forests in the U.S.; more than 1000 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of waterfalls
National Wildlife Refuges
✮ Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
✮ John Hay National Wildlife Refuge
✮ Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
✮ Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
✮ Wapack National Wildlife Refuge
National Historical Parks / Other National Parks
✮ Appalachian National Scenic Trail
✮ Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
The White Mountain National Forest is one of the premier national forests in the United States. It could easily be a national park if the powers at be wanted it to be. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails there, leading to hundreds of waterfalls and many scenic views. There are lively base towns nearby that offer many attractions, restaurants, and lodging too, such as Lincoln, Conway/North Conway, and Jackson.
For more information on New Hampshire's national parks, visit the New Hampshire page of the National Park Service.
For more information on the White Mountain National Forest, visit the website of the USDA Forest Service.
For an overview of all U.S. national parks, click here.
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STATE PARKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire has more than 90 state parks. Many would agree that these represent New Hampshire's finest state parks:
Flagship / Premier State Parks:
✮ Crawford Notch State Park - outstanding hiking and backpacking; scenic driving (US 302); campgrounds and waterfalls
✮ Franconia Notch State Park - geological attractions, hiking, backpacking, scenic driving, camping, waterfalls, snowmobiling
✮ Monadnock State Park - hike/scramble up one of the most climbed mountains in the world; campground
✮ Mount Washington State Park - hike one of the hardest mountains in the East; backpacking, backcountry skiing; scenic driving and views
Other Notable State Parks:
✮ Cardigan Mountain State Park - hiking, backpacking
✮ Dixville Notch State Park - hiking, backpacking, waterfalls
✮ Echo Lake State Park - swimming; picnicking
✮ Jericho Mountain State Park - arguably the ATV/ORV-ing park in New England; snowmobiling; hiking and at least one waterfall
✮ Umbagog Lake State Park - canoeing/kayaking, remote camping
✮ Wellington State Park - swimming; canoeing/kayaking; picnicking
My favorite state park in New Hampshire is a tie between Crawford Notch State Park and Franconia Notch State Park. Both offer outstanding hiking, waterfalls, and views from fine mountain summits.
Monadnock State Park is a fun place to hike and rock-scramble, but it now requires advance parking reservations. Visit the state park website well in advance to secure your parking permit for the "Headquarters" area. Mt. Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the world, and nearly everyone that grew up near it has hiked it at least once. Many people hike it regularly (my family included).
You can hike, drive, or take a cog railway up to the summit of Mount Washington within Mount Washington State Park. The road is a bit steep and scary at times, but just about any vehicle can make it as it is now fully paved. This is the highpoint of New Hampshire. The scenic drive and cog railway are open seasonally.
Jericho Mountain State Park is probably the premier ATV/ORV-ing area in New England. It offers more than 85 miles of trails, and most are well marked. Several rental agencies can be found in the towns of Berlin and Gorham.
To see my list of the top 100 state parks in the country, click here.
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BEST WATERFALLS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire has more than 300 natural waterfalls. Here are some of the best waterfalls in New Hampshire:
Northern New Hampshire
✮ Alpine Cascades near Berlin
✮ Beaver Brook Falls in Colebrook
✮ Garfield Falls near Pittsburg
White Mountains Region
✮ Ammonoosuc Ravine on Mt. Washington
✮ Arethusa Falls off US-302
✮ Beaver Brook Cascades on Mt. Moosilauke
✮ Bridal Veil Falls near Cannon Mountain
✮ Crystal Cascade on Mt. Washington
✮ Diana's Baths near North Conway
✮ Dry River Falls off US-302
✮ Falls on the Basin-Cascades Trail ("The Basin")
✮ Falls on the Falling Waters Trail in Franconia Notch
✮ Falls on the Flume-Pool Loop in Franconia Notch
✮ Glen Ellis Falls off NH 16 north of Jackson
✮ Ripley Falls off US-302
✮ Sabbaday Falls on the Kancamagus Highway
✮ Silver Cascade off US-302
✮ Thirteen Falls near Lincoln
For a listing of all known waterfalls in New Hampshire, visit the World Waterfall Database or the New England Waterfalls website.
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BEST SCENIC DRIVES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Here is a list of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire:
✮ I-93 through Franconia Notch - a 17-mile paved route from Lincoln to Franconia
✮ Kancamagus Highway/NH-112 - a 50-mile paved route from Lincoln to Conway
✮ Lake Winnipesaukee Loop - a 62-mile paved loop around Lake Winnipesaukee that travels along a variety of different roads and highways
✮ Mount Washington Auto Road - a seasonal 8-mile paved toll road off NH 16 that climbs (steeply) to the summit of Mount Washington
✮ NH-16 through Pinkham Notch - a 22-mile paved route from Jackson to Gorham
✮ US-302 through Crawford Notch - a 35-mile paved route from Twin Mountain to the attractive downtown area of North Conway
Other than the Mount Washington Auto Road, all of the scenic drives I mention above are open year-round. Major snowstorms or serious icing conditions can temporarily close any of the other roads, but they are usually re-opened within a few hours.
For a list of great scenic drives in each U.S. state, click here.
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BEST RAIL TRAILS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Here is a list of some of the best rail trails (or similar cycling paths) in New Hampshire:
White Mountains Region
✮ Franconia Notch Recreation Path
✮ Presidential Range Rail Trail - take note that some sections are not well-maintained
Central New Hampshire
✮ Northern Rail Trail
Southern New Hampshire
✮ Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail
✮ Derry Rail Trail
✮ Londonderry Rail Trail
✮ Nashua River Rail Trail
✮ Windham Rail Trail
For detailed information on all known rail trails in New Hampshire, visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website.
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BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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There are a few great amusement parks in New Hampshire:
✮ Canobie Lake Park, Salem
✮ Santa's Village, Jefferson
✮ Story Land, Jackson
✮ Water Country, Portsmouth
✮ Whale's Tale Waterpark, Lincoln
Canobie Lake Park has the best roller-coasters in New Hampshire. It has more than 80 rides, games, and attractions.
Santa's Village is the best amusement park in New Hampshire for young kids (sorry Story Land!). It's absolutely magical near Christmas.
Water Country is arguably the best outdoor water park in New England. It can get insanely busy on weekends though.
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BEST MUSEUMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire only has a few notable museums. The best museums in New Hampshire include:
✮ Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury
✮ Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Dover
✮ Currier Museum of Art, Manchester
✮ Enfield Shaker Museum, Enfield
✮ New Hampshire Telephone Museum, Warner
✮ Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth
✮ USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth
✮ Wright Museum of WWII, Wolfeboro
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BEST DAY HIKES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire has thousands of miles of hiking trails, and there is good hiking to be found all over the state. Here are some of the best day hikes in New Hampshire:
White Mountains Region
✮ Arethusa Falls - hike to one of NH's tallest and arguably most beautiful waterfall; access via US 302
✮ Artists Bluff - short but steep hike to one of the best scenic views in NH; a fall foliage classic; access via Cannon Mountain parking area
✮ Baldface Loop - hard but rewarding hike/light rock scramble in Evans Notch; 10+ miles round-trip; swim in Emerald Pool at the end
✮ Diana's Baths - fun pools and potholes; parking is very limited; near North Conway
✮ Flume Gorge - waterfalls and gorges on a 2-0 mile loop in Franconia Notch; reservations required
✮ Franconia Ridge Loop/Mt. Lafayette/Mt. Lincoln - hard but incredible hike in Franconia Notch
✮ Glen Ellis Falls - gorgeous waterfall near Mt. Washington; access via NH 16
✮ Lonesome Lake - beautiful remote lake near Cannon Mountain; access via hike from Franconia Notch
✮ Mount Adams - hard climb to open 360-degree view summit; access via US 2 in Randolph
✮ Mount Chocorua - classic hike off the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112)
✮ Mount Pemigewasset - one of the best moderate day hikes near Lincoln; same trailhead as the Flume Gorge
✮ Mount Washington - highpoint of New Hampshire; you can drive, hike, or take a cog railway up to this summit; the hike is difficult
✮ Mount Willard - amazing views of Crawford Notch; parking can be a challenge
✮ North & Middle Sugarloaf - moderate hike to beautiful open ledges
✮ Sabbaday Falls - pretty falls off the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112)
✮ Welch & Dickey Loop - fun hike near Waterville Valley
Central New Hampshire
✮ Mount Cardigan - moderate hike to awesome views in central NH
✮ Mount Kearsarge - moderate hike to excellent views in central NH; parking may require reservations/permits
✮ Mount Major - moderate hike to stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee
✮ West Rattlesnake - relatively easy hike to wonderful views of Squam Lake; limited parking
Southern New Hampshire
✮ Mount Monadnock - one of the most hiked mountains in the world; located in Jaffrey in the southwestern corner of NH
✮ Pawtuckaway State Park trails
My favorite day hikes in New Hampshire: Arethusa Falls, Baldface Loop, Franconia Ridge Loop, Mount Monadnock, Welch & Dickey Loop
My favorite day hikes in or near Lincoln: Flume Gorge, The Basin, Franconia Ridge Loop, Lonesome Lake, Franconia Falls, Mt. Pemigewasset
My favorite day hikes in or near Conway / North Conway: Mt. Chocorua, Diana's Baths, North Moat Mountain, Boulder Loop
My favorite day hikes in central New Hampshire: Mt. Major, Mt. Cardigan, West Rattlesnake, Mt. Morgan/Mt. Percival Loop, Mt. Kearsarge
My favorite day hikes in southern New Hampshire: Mt. Monadnock, North Pack Monadnock
The highpoint of New Hampshire is Mount Washington (6,288'). In season, you can drive or take a cog railway to the top. You can also hike the mountain from several different trailheads. All hikes are very difficult but they are also highly rewarding as much of the terrain is above treeline in the famed "alpine zone".
To find more hikes in New Hampshire or to learn more about the hikes I've listed above, I recommend purchasing hiking guidebooks on Amazon (or from your local retailer). Another option is using alltrails.com, but you have to be very careful when using that website as its information is often wrong or incomplete. Published hiking guidebooks will likely always be significantly better than the information you find online.
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BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire offers many outstanding backpacking opportunities. Some of premier backpacking routes in New Hampshire include:
Northern New Hampshire
✮ Cohos Trail - 170 miles from Crawford Notch State Park (US 302) north to the Canadian border
White Mountains Region
✮ Appalachian Trail - 161 miles from the Vermont border to the Maine border; passes by 8 AMC mountain huts (reservations required)
✮ Cohos Trail - 170 miles from Crawford Notch State Park (US 302) north to the Canadian border
✮ Franconia Ridge / Franconia Range - White Mountain National Forest near Lincoln, NH
✮ Great Gulf Wilderness - White Mountain National Forest; access from NH 16 between Jackson and Gorham, NH
✮ Pemigewasset Wilderness ("Pemi Loop") - White Mountain National Forest near Lincoln, NH
✮ Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness - White Mountain National Forest; access from US 302
✮ Presidential Range Traverse - White Mountain National Forest; hike from US 302 to US 2
✮ Thirteen Falls - White Mountain National Forest near Lincoln, NH
✮ Wild River Wilderness - eastern section of White Mountain National Forest
✮ Wildcat-Carter-Moriah Range - White Mountain National Forest near Jackson, NH
Central New Hampshire
✮ Appalachian Trail - 161 miles from the Vermont border to the Maine border; passes by 8 AMC mountain huts (reservations required)
✮ Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway - 50 miles from Mt. Monadnock to Mt. Sunapee
Southern New Hampshire
✮ Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway - 50 miles from Mt. Monadnock to Mt. Sunapee
If you want a wilder and more remote backpacking experience, hike a section of the Cohos Trail. Expect mixed trail conditions (well-maintained in some areas, not so much in others).
For more information on backpacking in NH, visit the New England Waterfalls website.
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CLASSIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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New Hampshire offers many excellent adventures, including these classics:
Northern New Hampshire
✮ ATV/ORV-ing in Jericho State Park near Gorham/Berlin
✮ ATV/ORV-ing in Pittsburg
✮ Backpacking the Cohos Trail
✮ Canoeing the Androscoggin River
✮ Canoeing the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
✮ Snowmobiling on any of NH's 7,000 miles of trails
White Mountains Region
✮ Backcountry skiing near Cannon Mountain/Mittersill
✮ Backcountry skiing the Sherburne Ski Trail on Mt. Washington
✮ Backcountry skiing Tuckerman's Ravine on Mt. Washington
✮ Backcountry skiing other areas in/around the White Mountain National Forest
✮ Backpacking Mahoosuc Notch (the "hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail")
✮ Backpacking the Appalachian Trail
✮ Backpacking the Cohos Trail
✮ Backpacking the Pemi Loop
✮ Backpacking the Presidential Range (also called a "Presidential Traverse")
✮ Backpacking to one or several of the AMC High Huts
✮ Backpacking to one or several of the RMC shelters
✮ Backpacking to other areas in the White Mountain National Forest
✮ Boulder caving at the Lost River Gorge (tourist attraction)
✮ Canoeing the Saco River
✮ Cliff jumping from swimming holes in the White Mountain National Forest
✮ Cycling the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112)
✮ Day hiking the Baldface Loop
✮ Day hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop/Mt. Lafayette/Mt. Lincoln
✮ Day hiking Mount Chocorua
✮ Day hiking Mount Washington
✮ Driving up Mt. Washington (the tallest peak in New England)
✮ Ice climbing Arethusa Falls
✮ Ice climbing on Cathedral Ledge
✮ Mountain biking at one of NH's ski resorts
✮ Rock climbing on Cannon Cliff
✮ Rock climbing on Cathedral Ledge
✮ Rock climbing on Mt. Washington
✮ Snowmobiling on any of NH's 7,000 miles of trails
Central New Hampshire
✮ Backcountry skiing on Cardigan Mountain
✮ Backpacking the Appalachian Trail
✮ Boulder caving at the Polar Caves (tourist attraction)
✮ Cycling the Northern Rail Trail
✮ Day hiking Cardigan Mountain
✮ Mountain biking the Highland Mountain Bike Park
✮ Rock climbing in Rumney (e.g. sport climbing on Rattlesnake Mountain)
✮ Snowmobiling on any of NH's 7,000 miles of trails
Southern New Hampshire
✮ Backpacking the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail
✮ Cycling the Nashua River Rail Trail
✮ Day hiking Mount Monadnock
✮ Hot air ballooning in Chester
✮ Surfing at Hampton Beach
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BEST SKI RESORTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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There are roughly 20 actively-operating ski resorts in New Hampshire. These ski resorts are generally considered the best:
Premier Ski/Snowboard Resorts:
✮ Attitash Mountain Resort - 68 trails; 1,750ft vertical drop; 2,350ft summit
✮ Bretton Woods - 98 trails; 1,500ft vertical drop; 3,100ft summit
✮ Cannon Mountain - 97 trails; 2,180ft vertical drop; 4,080ft summit
✮ Loon Mountain - 61 trails; 2,100ft vertical drop; 3,050ft summit
✮ Mount Sunapee - 67 trails; 1,510ft vertical drop; 2,743ft summit
✮ Wildcat Mountain - 48 trails; 2,112ft vertical drop; 4,062ft summit
Other Notable Ski/Snowboard Resorts:
✮ Black Mountain
✮ Cranmore Mountain Resort
✮ Crotched Mountain
✮ Gunstock Mountain
✮ Pats Peak
✮ Ragged Mountain
✮ Waterville Valley
My favorite ski resort in New Hampshire is Bretton Woods. However, I tend to prefer intermediate terrain, which Bretton Woods is famous for. Expert skiers seem to enjoy Cannon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain the most. Loon Mountain has the worst crowds I've ever seen at any ski resort. Avoid Loon on weekends/holiday weeks.
The best ski resort in southern New Hampshire is Mount Sunapee.
Lincoln and Conway/North Conway are both excellent ski towns. There are seven major ski areas near Conway/North Conway, making it one of the best ski towns in the United States. Lincoln is typically used to ski Loon Mountain or Cannon Mountain.
The prime NH ski season is generally December through March. Some NH resorts may also be open in Oct/Nov and April/May. Bretton Woods usually stays open the longest.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE TRAVEL TIPS
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For offbeat and unique New Hampshire attractions, visit one or both of these amazing websites: Atlas Obscura and Roadside America
The "bug season" for New Hampshire is mid-May through the end of June. Avoid forested areas during this time, or wear full clothing with a bug net over your head and face. The black flies during this period can be brutal, especially in the northern half of the state. Even the best bug spray (e.g. 100% Deet) often isn't enough to combat these evil creatures. I personally avoid the White Mountain National Forest area entirely during this season.
Many of the roads in the White Mountain National Forest are closed in winter (typically from November to late April/early May). Check the USFS website for road conditions.
If you enjoy antiquing, look into the "NH Antique Alley", which generally follows NH 4 from Concord to Portsmouth.
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UNIQUE / SPECIALTY FOODS TO TRY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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Here are some unique/specialty foods to try while you are in New Hampshire:
✮ beach pizza
✮ fried clams
✮ lobster / lobster rolls
✮ maple syrup
✮ pancake houses / pancake parlors
✮ poutine
For a list of unique foods and mom-and-pop type eateries and restaurants in New Hampshire (or any other U.S. state), visit the Roadfood.com website.
For a list of unique foods to try in each of the 50 U.S. states, click here.
For a list of the top-rated beers to try in New Hampshire (or any other U.S. state), visit the Beer Advocate website.
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OTHER KEY NEW HAMPSHIRE INFORMATION
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Here is some helpful key information about New Hampshire:
State Capital:
Concord
Major Airports:
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, NH and Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) in Portsmouth, NH
Largest Cities:
Manchester (116,860), Nashua (92,288), Concord (44,232), Dover (33,291), Rochester (33,040)
Primary U.S. Interstates:
I-89, I-93, I-95
State Highpoint:
Mount Washington (6,288') in the White Mountains region of NH; you can hike, drive a seasonal road, or take a seasonal cog railroad to the top
Professional Sports Teams:
None
Funny or Unique Town/City Names:
None
Take note that in general this travel guide intentionally excluded restaurants, lodging/hotels, breweries, wineries/vineyards, and certain other types of attractions (like arcades, ax-throwing, bowling alleys, and escape rooms). These types of places tend to come and go, and keeping up with that would be too challenging. I encourage you to use Google Maps, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and other travel sites that have reader reviews to find the latest and greatest places that I haven't covered here.
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Ice Castles near Loon, New Hampshire
AMC Galehead Hut, New Hampshire
Arethusa Falls, New Hampshire
Glen Ellis Falls, New Hampshire
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Artists Bluff, New Hampshire
Cog Railway, Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Madison Boulder, New Hampshire
Franconia Ridge, New Hampshire
Mt. Adams, New Hampshire
USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
In addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these road trip/travel-related guidebooks. Click on any book cover to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com.
 
 
 
 
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MORE U.S. STATE TRAVEL GUIDES
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Did you enjoy this state travel guide? If so, here are links to more of my comprehensive U.S. state travel guides:
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As an Amazon Associates affiliate, this website contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any Amazon.com link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only endorse products that I have personally used or those that come highly recommended by trusted peers.
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