22 Oct Touring New Hampshire: What to See and What to Skip
New Hampshire is not usually known as a vacation destination. Except for tours seeking fall foliage, New Hampshire’s beauty may go under the radar. The Granite State has many great destinations, and it can be hard to see them all in just one trip. With some must-sees and a few skips, you can plan the perfect New Hampshire trip.
New Hampshire Must-Sees and Hidden Gems
New Hampshire is known for its natural beauty. Nicknamed the “Mother of Rivers,” the small state has around 1,300 lakes and 40 rivers and even shares a border with the Atlantic Ocean. Expansive hiking trails with wilderness abound, mountain ranges and incredible foliage fill the state. With small cozy towns and beautiful landscapes, these spots should be a priority when planning your trip to New Hampshire.
White Mountains
The White Mountains are a staple feature of New Hampshire’s natural beauty. This mountain range and national forest span thousands of acres and include attractions and lodgings for visitors of all walks of life. While its popularity has made this spot prime for events and activities fit for tourists, the scenery and hiking trails prove why this location is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re hiking, skiing or lodging in the cabin with pancakes, the White Mountains offer an unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a town located on the Piscataqua River, close to the Atlantic Ocean on the southeastern side of New Hampshire. A historic downtown with Victorian-style homes and buildings, Portsmouth has a lovely New England feel with plenty of sights to see. Take a walk through Market Square and along the river or to the beach. Don’t forget to look out for the Portsmouth lighthouse.
Nashua
For a more urban feel, visit Nashua, NH, located on the state’s southern border. One of New Hampshire’s most populated areas, Nashua offers many fun experiences for both travelers and locals. Nashua’s downtown is a hidden gem, with breweries on the river, escape rooms, and even axe-throwing. For a quieter activity, Nashua’s 12-mile-long River Rail Trail just outside the city center is a beautiful path to run, walk or bike. Fans of The Office will recognize the town’s name, and any visitor can enjoy its liveliness and natural beauty.
Ammonoosuc Campground
If a city isn’t your vibe for your New England outing, you can always try staying at the Ammonoosuc Campground in Carroll. At the base of Twin Mountain, this site is reserved as a safe location for camping. The campgrounds have picnic tables and fire pits, showers, laundry facilities, and a store nearby for any necessities. Campers of all ages and experience levels can feel comfortable and safe at this site. Ammonoosuc is one of the top destinations to see the autumn leaves when foliage peaks, too.
Mount Lafayette
Mount Lafayette is a great place for hikers. The popular 8.6-mile trail loop can take your whole day, but the views make up for it. The hike is generally accessible, but the rough terrain, particularly toward the end, leads park authorities to recommend trekking poles. The hike is great for committed adventurers, and even beginners can feel accomplished hiking even a portion. Views from the summits overlook the nearby mountain ranges for an incredible photo opportunity.
Mount Washington
Atop nearby Mount Washington sits an observatory and museum for stunning mountain views without the hike. Mount Washington State Park is full of history, including the Tip Top house, originally built in 1853. The Mount Washington Auto Road to get up to the summit is also part of its history, and the sightseeing from the drive alone makes for a great itinerary item.
The summit’s observatory is strategically located because on clear days, views can extend across Vermont, Maine, and New York. With a rich historical significance and beautiful views, Mount Washington should absolutely be a part of your trip.
Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
Wherever you go in New Hampshire, you’re sure to be surrounded by the charm and beauty the New England state has to offer. It can be easy to want to see everything all at once, but when you have limited time, it’s good to be strategic with what you do, when you go, and what you want to get out of the trip to make the most of it.
Skip the Winter
New Hampshire’s winters are intensely cold. While the weather might be perfect for skiing, the harsh temperatures and loads of snow make it challenging to travel or enjoy outdoor activities. The beauty of the snow is a sight to behold, but consider these other times to travel to New Hampshire:
- Fall: The autumnal leaves and chilly evenings of New England fall make New Hampshire the perfect destination for an autumn trip. During the seasonal transition on top of mountains, you may experience “snowliage” or snow and fall foliage.
- Spring: Though spring may still have the winter’s chill, events like the annual Maple Festival in March begin to warm the state back up and welcome the arrival of summer.
- Summer: Summers in New Hampshire offer an escape from the intense summer heat. With beaches on the ocean, lakes, and rivers, there’s no shortage of warm-weather activities in the beautiful surrounding landscape.
See the Most You Can
While sometimes train rides and drives are just means to get from one place to another, there are several transportation-centered attractions throughout New Hampshire that are about the journey, not the destination. Check out the following railroads and highways you can ride and view incredible scenery from:
- Kancamagus Highway: This portion of the 112 is a nationally recognized scenic route across New Hampshire, stretching from Lincoln to Conway. With overlooks along the route, the scenery makes this road a worthwhile trip.
- Cog Railway: An attraction of Mt. Washington, this train climbs the mountain, bringing visitors to the stops on the mountain and up to the summit.
- Conway Scenic Railroad: This attraction features a classic train ride through Conway, NH, and the Mt. Washington Valley. The scenic views and vintage atmosphere of the ride make it a worthwhile way to explore the state and visit more attractions.
The Perfect New Hampshire Getaway
With incredible views, outdoor adventures and cities to explore, there’s no shortage of what you can experience in New Hampshire. Your vacation itinerary can be whatever you make it to be.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and sspends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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