Rock Solid
Stretching a modest 190-miles from tip to tail, and a mere 70-miles from side to side, New Hampshire offers a unique opportunity to experience a tremendous diversity of landscapes and activities in one very accessible and exceptionally welcoming package. Whether you’re here for the mountains, ocean, small town life, inland lakes and rivers, scenic beauty or urban charm (or all of the above), the smart bet is to take your time and take it all in.
Peak Experience
The White Mountains’ grandness is evidenced by the names that grace its peaks. Jefferson, Eisenhower, and of course Washington, whose famous summit can be accessed by foot, by train or by the do-it-yourself Auto Road. Come winter, gravity-assisted adventure awaits at ski resorts throughout the region. You can take in all the beautiful sights with a stay at the historic Omni Mt. Washington Hotel and Resort in Bretton Woods.
Lake Living
The Lakes Region derives its name from the dozens of bodies of water sparkling across its landscape, with personalities all their own. But at the center of all of the action is Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s biggest and arguably its most enthralling water experience. Winnie’s 200-mile waterfront is a year-round launching point for boating, fishing, swimming, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Looking for a little slice of lake living for yourself? Hunker down for a waterside stay at Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith.
First Tracks
In 1913, Virgil D. White, of West Ossipee, fabricated a conversion kit for the Model T that allowed it to travel over snow. And thus the world’s very first snowmobile was invented.
Color Show
New Hampshire’s six-week foliage bonanza rolls north to south, saturating landscapes and town centers with a dazzling display of fiery reds, bright oranges, and vibrant yellows. The state’s many miles of backroads and endless mountain peaks will dazzle you with color. But perhaps your best immersion experience comes along the Kancamagus Highway, whose eye-popping 57 miles stretch through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest and through some of the best foliage in the country.
Height of Land
Hikers of all abilities have their pick of New Hampshire peaks to choose from. In the south, Mt. Monadnock offers an accessible summit that serves up views of all six New England states. Across the White Mountains, meanwhile, there are heart-pumping scrambles up its 48 four-thousand footers, including its famed Presidentials, while an assortment of neighboring family-friendly treks will get you up and back in time for dinner in North Conway.
Small Is Beautiful
New Hampshire’s coastline is a scant 18 miles–the shortest in the country–but it packs a diverse punch, from Portsmouth’s lively downtown, to the open sands of Jenness State Beach in Rye.
Into the Valley
Mount Washington Valley is about so much more than its famous mountain. Stretching across 28 towns, this action-oriented region is crisscrossed with some of the best alpine and nordic skiing terrain in the Northeast. The snowmobiling, hiking, and cycling are also legendary, as is the shopping, anchored in no small part by the outlets at Settlers’ Green in North Conway. Meanwhile, the dining scene’s appreciation for fresh, local food helps fuel even the most ambitious adventures.
