Things To Do While Visiting NH
I am not native to New Hampshire, I moved here 12 years ago. The first time I visited this great state I vividly remember constantly thinking, “wow there are a lot of trees here”.
I am an Air Force brat and I have moved all over the country and even outside of the country. I have experienced many different places and climates. Californian desert, Alaskan frozen tundra, and flat Illinois corn fields to name a few. I had never experienced being in the middle of a massive forest that is the North East of America.
What To Do In NH: Mountains and Seacoast Exploring
You can’t quite understand what it is like to be in the Eastern Woodlands until you are here. There are trees everywhere. Even in the suburbs. Once we moved here and I began exploring our own “backyard” I absolutely fell in love.
NH is by far my favorite place I have ever lived. Something about being in the woods and hiking mountains mixed with the rocky shore of the Atlantic makes my heart swoon. It’s home.
All that to say, there is so much to do and explore in this little state of mine. New Hampshire is small but mighty. Whether it is up in the beautiful White Mountain National Forest or down on the Seacoast…you will find the natural beauty of this state breathtaking!
NH is a beautiful state, with lots of great things to do. If you’re planning a trip to New Hampshire soon, here are some ideas for places to visit and things to do while you’re there.
White Mountains
The White Mountain National Forest is highly saught after in every season here in New England.
There are ski mountains to shred down in the winter, 4000 footers to hike up in the warmer months, and don’t forget amazing peak foliage unlike you have ever seen in the fall.
This range of mountains is part of the greater Appalachians and the Appalachian trail does run through NH on its way up to Maine where it ends.
The mountains are also home to Mount Washington–the highest peak in New Hampshire!
No matter what your hiking ability is, you can find a mountain hike for you! There are trails fit for beginners or children, and trails only experienced hikers should trek.
Drive the Kancamagus Highway
If you’re looking for a scenic drive, the Kancamagus Highway is the place to go. It’s also a great place to see fall colors, which can be especially beautiful in October when they’re at their peak.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during this time of year, keep an eye out for moose!
The Kancamagus highway is a must see here in NH. At 34.5 miles long this highway goes straight through some incredible peaks following along the Swift River.
The Kancamagus connects Conway, NH with Lincoln, NH. Two beautiful quaint historic towns. There are many stops on the way down the Kancamagus to pull over and check out the views, to park and hike down a trail, or to put your toes in the Swift River.
North Conway and Cathedral Ledge
If you’re visiting New Hampshire, there’s no better place to begin than with North Conway. This mountain town is home to Cathedral Ledge, which has become one of the most popular rock climbing areas in North America.
It also offers great hiking trails, plenty of restaurants and shops for all your shopping needs (including The Mount Washington Hotel), as well as ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain Resort and Bretton Woods Ski Resort!
Conway and North Conway are great little towns that hold a lot of NH history. There are lots of hotels, restaurants, and shops to stop in and enjoy. My favorite site to stop at in North Conway is Cathedral Ledge which is a large slab of granite rock face.
This is an incredible sight as you drive down the road, you can see it from afar. You can drive up Cathedral Ledge Road to stand on top and take in some magnificent views.
Explore Franconia Notch State Park
Now my favorite part of White Mountain National Forest…Franconia Notch State Park. This includes incredible hiking trails and views at Flume Gorge, Mt. Lafayette, and Cannon Mountain. I highly recommend the Cannon Mountain tram.
There are several walking trails at the top and the views are unbeatable. The view of the notch from the top of Cannon is something everyone should experience at least once.
Just driving through Franconia Notch Parkway (which is interstate 93) is a treat in itself. The very first time I drove up that highway I instantly fell head over heals for this region. Click here for a video of our most recent trip to the Franconia Notch!
The Flume Gorge trailhead (accessible from U.S Route 3) offers access to trails that lead to scenic waterfalls and spectacular views of Franconia Notch State Park’s forests, lakes, wildlife and geologic formations like The Flume itself–a long chasm carved out by an ancient glacier flowing down from above Cannon Mountain into Echo Lake below.
Cannon Mountain Tramway is just outside Franconia Notch State Park off NH Route 116A at Cannon Mountain Ski Resort where you can ride up or down on this aerial tramway cable car system that takes you over 400 feet above tree line offering 360 degree panoramic views of Franconia Notch State Park while traveling across two mountainsides before descending back down again!
Lincoln, NH (on the other side of the Kancamagus) has its own fun. There are plenty of restaurants and resorts as well to stay in. One of which is Loon Mountain Resort. I recommend taking the gondola to the top and walking around for some panoramic views.
Visit the Seacoast
My second favorite area in NH is our beautiful stretch of seacoast! At less than 19 miles, these coastal lands really pack a punch.
The culture and overall vibe of the Seacoast is drastically different than up in the mountains. First of all, there are beaches! Find all of my favorite NH Seacoast beaches here.
The heart of the seacoast is Portsmouth. This is such a culturally rich seacoast town with lots of shops, restaurants, and architecture to explore.
It is one of my favorite places to visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat down the harbor into the ocean waters!
There are lots of museums down on the NH Seacoast. The first settlers came here in 1623 (only 3 years after the Mayflower hit Plymouth). There is such rich history in Rye and Dover (two of the cities that were founded in 1623).
There are also many forts that were built for the world wars in the seacoast area that you can visit and walk through. Another common museum you will find are marine wildlife museums. A favorite of ours is the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH.
Although hiking takes on a different meaning down on the seacoast where the elevation doesn’t change as drastically as it does in the mountains, there are still so many trails to explore. The seacoast area is rich with wildlife and different landscapes.
You will see thickly wooded areas, salt marshes, grasslands, sand beaches, and rock beaches. If you are looking for a list of some of my favorite seacoast hiking trails, find them here.
3 days in New Hampshire
If you only have 3 days to visit New Hampshire, I would spend two days in the mountains and one day on the seacoast. My top favorite mountain destination is the Franconia Notch and my favorite Seacoast town is Portsmouth!
I can’t stress enough how much there is to do in New Hampshire. From the mountains to the ocean’s waters. New Hampshire is a beautiful state with an abundance of natural beauty, including stunning mountain ranges, sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and miles of spectacular coastline.
With a vibrant culture and plenty of outdoor activities, this state has something for everyone. I love this state of mine.
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