10 Must-Visit Small Towns in New Hampshire
Head Out of Concord on a Road Trip to the Towns of New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a beautiful state that’s known for charming small towns, mountainous viewpoints, and dense forests. Conservation is a priority in New Hampshire, and the many highlighted small towns reflect the history and tradition of caring for the surrounding nature. These exciting towns also exhibit early American history in local museums, as well as many downtown buildings that are over 200 years old.
With the numerous mountains cutting across New Hampshire, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for an adventurous hike or skiing a popular slope in the winter. Be ready to enjoy the outdoors on your next vacation to one of these must-visit New Hampshire small towns.
10 must-visit small towns in New Hampshire
1. Exeter
Antique shops and historic sites
Ideal para: Aventura, História, Foto
Exeter is a quintessential, historic New England town nestled in the state’s Seacoast Region. It pairs deep early-American history and stunning Georgian architecture with a walkable downtown district full of independent shops, dynamic craft chocolate houses, and scenic river trails.
At the American Independence Museum, you can learn more about the area’s history. It houses an original, rare broadside print of the Declaration of Independence. The outdoorsy types can enjoy a peaceful walk along the half-mile Swasey Parkway that snakes right beside the tidal waters of the Squamscott River or embark on an adventure in the Henderson-Swasey Town Forest or try the Phillips Exeter Trail for a scenic outing. Reward yourself with award-winning bean-to-bar craft sweets at local chocolatiers.
Exeter
2. Sugar Hill
A romantic getaway
Ideal para: História, Foto, Compras
Sugar Hill is an exquisite small town nestled in a mountain foothill overlooking White Mountain National Forest. Named for its abundant groves of sugar maple trees, it’s known for its sweeping panoramic views of the Presidential Range, historic country stores, and the magnificent explosion of wildflowers every spring. For decades, Sugar Hill has been a resort town with popular ski slopes and winter attractions in the nearby White Mountains and Green Mountains.
Throughout the town, you’ll see historic markers and plaques, as well as pictures that depict the fascinating history of Sugar Hill that spans over a century. Visit the local museum for another fun and educational way to learn about the Sugar Hill region.
Sugar Hill
3. Hancock
History and vibrant nature
Ideal para: Aventura, História
Hancock is a small New Hampshire town that’s abounding with nature and wildlife. The history of Hancock is equally fascinating, and many buildings date back to the late 1700s, each providing a unique insight into Colonial America.
The Hancock Historical Society provides a wealth of information and artifacts to learn about one of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. To best appreciate the conservation efforts for preserving nearby nature and wildlife, stop by the popular Harris Center for Conservation Education to get a firsthand look at the hiking trails and recreational activities to safely enjoy in the area. Hike out to the peaceful dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary to catch glimpses of nesting loons, local birds, and pristine shorelines.
Hancock
4. Franconia
Outdoor fun in a mountain town
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Aventura
If you come to Franconia, get ready to strap on your skis or hiking boots to experience the outdoor adventures that await you here. Franconia is surrounded by mountainous beauty and forests intermixed with deciduous and coniferous trees, so you can see why visitors plan their vacation around outdoor destinations.
Franconia Notch State Park is a great place for outdoor recreation and to witness the scenic river that passes through the mountain valley. Similarly, you may want to check out White Mountain National Forest. When the snow starts falling, head up to hit the slopes on Cannon Mountain.
Franconia
5. Portsmouth
Colonial-era history in a coastal city
Ideal para: Alimentação, História, Compras
Portsmouth was founded in 1623 and it perfectly marries centuries of early-American maritime heritage with a bustling, modern culinary and shopping scene. You don’t need to be a history enthusiast to appreciate the Strawbery Banke Museum, where you can see Colonial-era crafts being made right in front of you. Likewise, you can tour the USS Albacore, a former research submarine.
You’ll have a wide range of water recreation to enjoy such as whale-watching and romantic sunset cruises. For foodies, Portsmouth is brimming with elite culinary treasures such as world-class lobster rolls, fresh-shucked oysters, and clam chowder. Hunt for unique finds and souvenirs in Market Square’s independent bookstores, boutiques, and artisan gift shops.
Portsmouth
6. Littleton
Where to find tranquility with stunning mountain views
Ideal para: Aventura, Famílias, Alimentação
Littleton is a thriving town in the foothills of the White Mountains that has a lovely downtown and immaculate views of the surrounding mountains. A lively stream runs alongside downtown Littleton, and you can visit historic buildings that to this day take advantage of the hydropower.
Littleton’s incredibly vibrant, walkable downtown boasts an iconic candy store, a statue of the town’s mascot, Pollyanna, and an eclectic mix of shops, from coin stores to ski shops. Enjoy the town’s nature on the Riverwalk Trail, a family-friendly walk along the gravel path running parallel to the rushing river rapids. For sustenance, grab a classic, hearty New England breakfast or fill up on artisanal pastries, croissants, and organic sourdough breads.
Littleton
7. Gorham
Endless outdoor adventures by the Appalachian Mountains
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Aventura
Gorham is a rugged, scenic mountain town nestled in the White Mountains. Positioned at the intersection of the spectacular Presidential Range and the Mahoosuc Range, Gorham is a dream base camp for outdoor recreation, ATV trail riding, wildlife spotting, and accessing the highest peak in the northeastern USA.
Gorham sits on the edge of the Appalachian Trail and is a welcoming trail town for thru-hikers. Day hikers can pick up a section of the trail where it intersects Route 2, taking a scenic trek up to Mahoosuc Notch or hiking into the stunning Pinkham Notch wilderness. Or hop on an ATV to access more remote spots. Learn more about the area’s history at the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum.
Gorham
8. North Conway
A secluded town getaway in the forest
Ideal para: Aventura, História, Compras
North Conway is peacefully nestled in the midst of a vast protected national forest and is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts to visit any time of year. The recreational activities around North Conway include canoeing, camping, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, golfing, fishing, and participating in a scenic tour.
Additionally, shopping is especially popular because New Hampshire doesn’t implement a sales tax, so you might get better deals. If you’re traveling with family, head to the Conway Scenic Railroad to learn about the history of the region, see the importance of the railway, and snap a few scenic photos along the way.
North Conway
9. Meredith
Fun in the sun by the beach and on the water
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Vida noturna
Meredith is located on the northwest side of Lake Winnipesaukee and is the ideal vacation destination on warm summer days. You could kick back and relax in the sun on one of Meredith’s sandy beaches or rent a boat for a day on the water.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the highlight of Meredith, but you could also take in the Meredith sculpture walk, which features dozens of sculptures throughout the downtown, and explore the unique creations on a self-guided tour. If you love theater, check out the Winnipesaukee Playhouse located in Meredith. For a nostalgic train journey, board a vintage, beautifully restored 1950s train car right from the Meredith station for a narrated, 1-to-2-hour ride along the western shore.
Meredith
10. Lincoln
The serene natural beauty of New Hampshire
Ideal para: Aventura, Famílias, Foto
Lincoln is an authentic small town that’s known for the nearby gorge and streams dotted with rocky waterfalls. Many vacationers love coming in winter to ski down the family-friendly Loon Mountain. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Lincoln is “The Basin,” which is a deep granite reservoir at the base of one of the many waterfalls. In summer months, this is the ideal spot to grab scenic pictures of New Hampshire’s natural beauty.
Hikers love the Flume Gorge, a stunning, 2-mile (3.2-km) loop trail featuring a wooden boardwalk pinned directly to the sheer granite walls of a natural 800-ft (244-meter) gorge. Hike the Artist’s Bluff for an iconic, postcard-perfect view overlooking Echo Lake and the Notch.
Lincoln
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