This Quiet New Hampshire City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Tucked away in northern New Hampshire, not too far from the Canadian border, is the lesser-known town of Berlin. Once a thriving paper mill town, it’s known as the “City That Trees Built.” While it no longer has any active paper mills, it’s a nature lover’s paradise shaded by fragrant white pine, spruce-fir, and aspen-birch trees. Located at the edge of the White Mountains, it’s a tranquil area with plenty of opportunities to explore the great wilderness. Whether you enjoy leisurely nature walks, fishing, winter sports, or birdwatching, a visit to Berlin will help you attune to nature.
Berlin: New Hampshire’s Best-Kept Secret
There isn’t much buzz about Berlin, and it’s a part of its overall charm. Its location in the northern part of a northern state and its distance from bigger New Hampshire cities makes it a secluded nature-lovers paradise, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way. The crowd-free city streets are shaded by the mountains in the distance, and the area is free of commercialized buildings and heavy traffic. The untouched forests are something rare and are highly cherished by travelers looking to unplug and reconnect with nature. Due to its secluded location, it makes for the ideal nature retreat free of the noise and traffic of larger towns. It may be a long drive to Berlin, but it’s well worth the trek.
Jericho Mountain State Park
The crown jewel of Berlin is Jericho Mountain State Park, offering visitors almost 7,500 acres of unspoiled terrain in the White Mountains region bordering the White Mountain National Forest. From the serene beauty of Jericho Lake at the northern tip to the rugged mountain trails, there’s something at Jericho Mountain State Park for just about anyone. You can hike the trails (which lead to breathtaking vistas), hop on an ATV and explore along with fellow "Ride the Wilds" enthusiasts, or swim at Lake Jericho. Or you can set up your camera to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the area such as moose, black bears, red foxes, and porcupines, and a host of native birds. But that’s just during the summer. The area also comes alive in the winter with cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
On the northern edge of Jericho Mountain State Park is the breathtaking Jericho Lake. In a wide-open space with the untouched mountains in the distance, this quiet lake is a welcome escape. It offers public beach access for swimming (and not too far from the well-maintained campsites), and it’s rarely crowded. It’s a secluded location where you can cool off with a swim or launch a canoe or kayak to enjoy the mountain views. Its location and uncrowded beaches make it one of Berlin's most cherished hidden gems.
Rugged ATV and Hiking Trails
Jericho Mountain State Park is a part of the Ride the Wilds OHV (off-highway vehicle) trail system, which is one of the largest interconnected systems in the entire country. In Jericho Mountain State Park, the Ride the Wilds trail system takes riders through many miles of rugged mountain terrain that is perfect for new or experienced riders. These scenic trails traverse dense wilderness, rugged mountains, lakeside views, and wide-open spaces. If it’s a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Washington in the distance. Be prepared, because moose or deer spotting on the trails aren’t rare. ATV riding is so popular in Berlin that it even hosts the annual Jericho ATV Festival every August which draws visitors from all over New England.
Exploring the wonder of Jericho Mountain State Park isn’t just limited to ATVs, though. When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots, there are over 40 miles of scenic hiking trails at the park. The Jericho Road Trail, for instance, takes you through lush greenery that leads to a breathtaking clearing with a view of the surrounding mountains. For an easier afternoon hike, the beautiful Jericho Falls trail is just over one mile with a shallow elevation and takes you up to Jericho Falls. Surrounded by dense birch trees, it’s a scenic escape that rarely sees visitors, so it’s more than likely you’ll have this waterfall all to yourself.
Downtown Berlin
While Berlin is surrounded by natural beauty, the downtown area blends its natural beauty seamlessly into its local community. The rustic brick buildings downtown overlook the scenic Androscoggin River, shadowed by rolling mountains in the distance. You can even ride your ATV through the beautiful city street. Gear up for your trip to Jericho Mountain State Park at Jericho Outdoors, centrally located on Main Street. Be sure to fuel your day with a traditional Irish breakfast at Fagin's Pub before starting your outdoor adventure in Berlin.
With picturesque New England-style buildings and church steeples, time moves a little slower in downtown Berlin. So, take your time and soak in the peaceful sites before heading out for adventure in Jericho Mountain State Park. If you find yourself in Berlin during the warmer months, make sure to check out Local Works Berlin Farmers' Market. Originating in the 1940s, it’s a one-stop shop for local produce, beer, baked goods, and local art.
Berlin: Not Your Average New England Town
New England is no stranger to mountain views and lush greenery- it’s why it is such a popular tourist destination for travelers on fall foliage tours. But the town of Berlin is unique. While many central New Hampshire cities bustle with tourists during the summer and fall, few make the trek up north to the sleepy town of Berlin. Its isolated location in northern New Hampshire means that no matter what time of year you visit, the crowds will likely be minimal- even during the peak season in the fall. Berlin is a little off the beaten path, and its isolation makes it an ideal retreat for nature lovers who want a whole wild wilderness all to themselves. With the serenity of Jericho Lake, Jericho Falls, and a myriad of changing landscapes throughout Jericho Mountain State Park, it’s a treasure trove for outdoor exploration.
