2024's 7 Most Scenic New Hampshire Towns
New Hampshire is a small state in New England with a population of only around 1.4 million, but it packs a big punch when it comes to beautiful natural scenery. From its sliver of Atlantic coastline to the towering mountains and dense forests in its western half, the Granite State is an outdoor adventurer's dream. Here are seven small towns that we highly recommend you check out while traveling through New Hampshire, whether you simply need to stop for supplies or want to stay the night. They offer you scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures for an unforgettable experience.
Jackson
At the base of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Jackson is a quintessential New England town known for its striking landscapes and for being a convenient gateway to the numerous parks and wildlands around it. Nearby, Mount Washington’s dramatic peak looms over this town, giving it an unforgettable backdrop as you explore the area
Visitors can explore the scenic waterfalls at Jackson Falls, a popular spot for picnicking and hiking. During the winter months, the town becomes a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, thanks to its proximity to the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation's trails. In terms of manmade beauty, the iconic Honeymoon Bridge, a red-covered bridge dating back to 1876, is a postcard-worthy destination on the Ellis River.
Sugar Hill
Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the White Mountains and nearby Vermont's Green Mountains, Sugar Hill has some of the most breathtaking vistas in New Hampshire. Even better, the population of this idyllic community sits at only around 600, meaning you should be enjoying said views in relative peace.
Also famous for its picturesque lupine fields, Sugar Hill attracts wildflower peepers each June when vibrant blooms cover the landscape during the annual Lupine Festival. Sugar Hill is also home to the historic Sunset Hill House, where guests can enjoy yet panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Franconia Notch State Park is just a short drive away. It provides access to natural landmarks like the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake, both excellent places to spend the weekend by the water.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is just an hour's drive north of Boston, making it a great place to experience New Hampshire for residents and visitors to the major city alike. Located along the mouth of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is a coastal town rich in history and oceanfront views. Its well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century architecture gives the town a timeless charm, while its downtown is filled with a healthy selection of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Try to pay a visit to unique locales like the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that brings the town’s colonial past to life in the modern day, or the Seacoast Science Center, a marine-focused museum that is fun for the whole family. See the natural beauty of the town as well at destinations like Prescott Park. Located along the waterfront, this accessible park contains beautiful gardens and viewpoints over the river. The town’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring New Hampshire’s short but picturesque coastline, including nearby beaches like Rye and Hampton.
Hanover
Set along the Connecticut River, Hanover stands out as one of western New Hampshire's best towns to spend some time on the banks of a famous waterway. Home to Dartmouth College, this town also has a distinct academic and youthful vibe, with many convenient amenities located within it that serve the many students and faculty to live here. For one, the Hood Museum of Art is an institution with tens of thousands of pieces on display, and if you're hungry, South Main Street, which bustles with restaurants and bars, is just around the corner.
During fall, the town’s tree-lined streets burst into brilliant shades of red and gold, attracting leaf-peepers from across the region. For a similar experience outside of town, the nearby Mink Brook Nature Preserve provides a peaceful spot for nature walks along the river, while the Connecticut River itself is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The famous Appalachian Trail also runs directly through Hanover’s downtown, offering hikers convenient access to miles of picturesque trails.
Wolfeboro
Situated on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro claims the title of “America’s Oldest Summer Resort” and certainly makes for an excellent lakeside retreat during the warmer months of the year. Many simply come to soak in the stunning views of the lake’s waters against the backdrop of the Belknap Mountains, but there is much more to do besides sightseeing as well.
A popular boating destination, Wolfeboro is a hotspot for a variety of activities on the water, from paddleboarding to sunset cruises that can be booked in advance. On land, the Cotton Valley Rail Trail, which runs along the lake, provides a picturesque setting for hikers and cyclists alike. Of course, the town itself is home to several highly rated and longstanding resorts near the lakeshore, including the Wolfeboro Inn and Windrifter Resort.
Franconia
Franconia is a popular stop for those entering Franconia Notch State Park, home to stunning attractions like the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the Old Man of the Mountain historic site. Here, you can explore the miles of hiking trails that wind through Franconia Ridge, many of which offer 360-degree views of the various peaks in the distance.
A particularly scenic spot in the fall, the vibrant foliage of the heavily forested surrounding area transforms the landscape into a sea of color, making it a prime destination for leaf-peeping in 2024.
During the winter, nearby Cannon Mountain draws skiers and snowboarders to its challenging slopes. The town’s proximity to these iconic landmarks, combined with its somewhat remote and peaceful atmosphere, makes Franconia a must-visit for those seeking the best of New Hampshire’s interior has to offer.
Concord
As the state capital, Concord is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the Granite State. The New Hampshire State House is a great first stop. With its iconic golden dome as a focal point, this gorgeous structure can be explored either by yourself or through a guided tour. There are other historic landmarks in the city that are worthwhile, like the Mary Baker Eddy Historic House, an ornate Greek Revival-styled home from the 1850s that housed the founder of Christian Science, or The Pierce Manse, the former home of U.S. President Franklin Pierce.
Nearby, the Merrimack River is a top-notch spot for boating and fishing, while the adjacent Contoocook River features several scenic trails that are perfect for biking or a leisurely walk. During the winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular activities in the woods surrounding the city. Concord is also one of the best cities for retirees as a state capital, given its relative affordability and abundance of medical and senior-oriented facilities.
See The Beauty Of New Hampshire In 2024
New Hampshire is certainly underrated when it comes to being a tourist destination. So, why not enjoy the solitude and explore its vast and beautiful landscapes in 2024? With these equally picturesque towns in mind, you will now come equipped knowing the best places to stop at during your adventure here, whether you want to stay a night at a hotel or historic resort or just want to grab a bite and stock up before an adventure in a state park.
