5 Lesser-Known New Hampshire Attractions: An Insider’s Guide

From the rugged White Mountains to the glistening Seacoast, New Hampshire’s striking landscapes and acclaimed attractions keep Granite State getaways fresh for a lifetime. Still, many must-sees live too far off the beaten path to make their way onto the typical travel itinerary. Live free and like a local at these lesser-known  Mew Hampshire attractions, shared with us by New Hampshire natives on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo: Russ Nelson / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0.

5 Lesser-Known New Hampshire Attractions

1. Presidential Rail Trail (Jefferson, N.H.)

Hikers, bikers, and all fans of fresh air: get your fill of the great outdoors along a section of New Hampshire’s  Presidential Rail Trail. Dated rail lines are hardly a rarity in New Hampshire, but an especially-quiet one is — and the Presidential Trail supplies all the stunning sights of the northern White Mountains without forcing you to fight through foot traffic. The trail begins in Jefferson, less than a half hour from the Bethlehem/Littleton area. Insider submission from Cate B.

2. America’s Stonehenge (Salem, N.H.)

For those fascinated by historic stone structures, this New Hampshire attraction really rocks. At an estimated 4,000 years old, America’s Stonehenge in Salem is the oldest archaeological site in the country, with an intriguing assemblage of man-made walls, chambers, and meeting places. At about 35 minutes away, the site is perfect for a day trip from Portsmouth or northeastern Massachusetts. Insider submission from Lauli on Instagram.

3. Glen Ellis Falls (Jackson, N.H.)

Although appreciating White Mountain views in Jackson is as easy as gazing out your hotel window, don’t pass up a trip to the outskirts of town and Glen Ellis Falls. This breathtaking 64' drop of cascading water is easy to get to, and while its whereabouts are becoming increasingly known to non-natives, this Granite State great is still largely overlooked.

4. Sandwich Creamery (North Sandwich, N.H.)

It takes a couple of dirt road detours, but native New Hampshirites have been sweet on Sandwich Creamery for 23 years and counting. Whether your taste is for classic Vanilla or for less-familiar flavors like Blackberry Chocolate Chip and Mexican Jumping Bean, a homemade scoop (or a slice of fresh-off-the-farm cheese) does the trick to send visitors into summertime bliss. Plus, your cone comes with a breathtaking countryside backdrop to boot. If you search for Sandwich Creamery on a map, it may seem like you’d have to pack a compass to find your way to its doors — but the parlor is actually just a short (and scenic) drive away from a number of lodging options around Waterville Valley. Insider submission from Erik on Instagram.

5. Wagon Hill Farm (Durham, N.H.)

If you can find time to break away from the hustle and bustle of Portsmouth, grab some lunch to-go and head to the sweeping views of hills and fields at Wagon Hill Farm, just next door in Durham. Dig into a picnic on the waterfront and take a refreshing dip in the Great Bay, or do some post-snowfall sledding during winter — Wagon Hill is a four-season break from the busy (but beautiful) New Hampshire Seacoast. As you begin to pick which lesser-known attractions to tour first, be sure to make a reservation at one of our New Hampshire inns or resorts. Like the native New Hampshirites themselves, we know a thing or two about getting the greatest out of the Granite State.