11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is covered with forests and greenery, and many of its off-the-beaten-path towns sit right in the middle of it all. Waterville Valley is one such town, set against the White Mountains with Corcoran Pond, year-round outdoor recreation, and a tiny population of just 520 people. New Castle and Woodstock have the added advantage of gorgeous water views, with New Castle overlooking the Piscataqua River and Woodstock tracing the Lost River. Of New Hampshire’s many tiny towns, the 11 below offer some of the best glimpses of small-town living in the state.
Waterville Valley
It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-path than Waterville Valley, with only one road in and out. The road through the town ends at the spectacular White Mountains. Although Waterville Valley's population is less than 1000, it swells to 6,000 in winter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, including the NH Special Olympic Winter Games in March. Summer trails include hiking and biking, as well as boating, fishing, and swimming. Waterville Valley’s own trail network offers excellent access to the surrounding landscape, while Corcoran Pond and the nearby White Mountain scenery make it easy to enjoy the outdoors in every season.
The authors of the popular Children's Curious George books, former residents of Waterville Valley, founded the Rey Cultural Center, which focuses on art, science, and nature education through its many exhibits and programs.
Watch spectacular sunsets from Corcoran Pond and appreciate the beauty of seclusion.
New Castle
Off the coast of New Hampshire lies a town on an island. Originally named Great Island, New Castle is the only town in the state completely on an island. It provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and panoramic vistas of the Piscataqua River. History buffs will particularly enjoy exploring New Castle. Notable sites include Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Stark Historic Site, and Great Island Common, although Fort Constitution is currently closed for repairs.
Ashland
Located on the southern edge of the White Mountains and surrounded by the beautiful lakes region, Ashland is a charming town full of delightful surprises. Visitors can explore the historic Whipple House Museum, built in 1837 and once home to Dr. Whipple, as well as the Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum, showcasing charming toys from the 1800s collected by Glidden. Don't miss the Ashland Railroad Station Museum and the picturesque Squam River Covered Bridge, which are among the town’s beloved historic landmarks.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty to enjoy! Whether you're hiking, biking, or engaging in water activities, Squam Lake, the Whitten Woods Trailhead, and the stunning White Mountain National Forest offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Woodstock
Initially, Woodstock served as a hub for the logging industry until 1911. In 1905, tourism emerged as a vital part of Woodstock's economy thanks to its pristine setting in the White Mountains. Today, the town draws many visitors who come to explore and enjoy its charming, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Discover the raw power of nature and breathtaking landscapes at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves by walking along the wooden boardwalk through the gorge alongside the Lost River. Jagged rock formations, massive boulders, cascading waterfalls, a treehouse, and a suspension bridge invite every adventurer.
The Woodstock Inn Brewery offers backstage passes for guests to learn about the brewing process, live music, and spectacular igloo dining experiences. Another standout winter attraction in Woodstock is Ice Castles, a seasonal experience featuring ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, and illuminated frozen sculptures.
Colebrook
In the Great North Woods Region is Colebrook, a stunning small town off-the-beaten path to relax and revive the body and mind. The town has preserved its centuries-old history by restoring and maintaining the architecture, historical markers, like the Coos Trail marker, and old-town ambiance. Magnificent buildings, such as the Citizen's Bank and Hicks Hardware, can be viewed when walking through the town.
Moose watching and hunting are popular activities in Colebrook. The North Country Moose Festival takes place annually on the weekend before Labor Day. Exploring the countryside and its beautiful landscapes, the Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum celebrates the Poore family’s efforts toward Colebrook’s sustainability. In addition to the museum, the homestead offers picnic areas and hosts events such as field trips, demonstrations, concerts, and a six-week student program. For a closer connection to nature, the Beaver Brook Falls Wayside features hiking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests.
Chichester
Chichester is a town tucked neatly off the beaten path on the Suncook River. A prominent must-see in Chichester is the 1887 Thunder Bridge, crossing the Suncook River. The Chichester Historical Society keeps its heritage alive with many documents, artifacts, and knowledge of landmarks for public interest.
Family fun in Chichester is best experienced at Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, which provides a variety of activities for all ages, including go-karts, climbing walls, ziplines, bumper boats, and batting cages. Additionally, the Chichester Town Line Trail is a gentle two-mile route offering great wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery.
Sunapee
Sunapee is a charming small town that welcomes visitors year-round. During summer, Strolling along Sunapee Harbor offers live music, shops, and dining experiences, especially at The Livery. Visitors can also take a scenic lake cruise or a dinner cruise around Lake Sunapee. In spring and fall, the area is perfect for hiking and biking, while the Adventure Park at Mount Sunapee Resort in nearby Newbury provides additional family entertainment. In winter, the mountain’s ski trails are popular among skiers.
Sunapee's intriguing past is brought alive at the Sunapee Historical Society’s Flanders-Osborne Museum and the Sunapee Archives on Main Street. In nearby Newbury, explore The Fells, the 83.5-acre 20th-century John Hay Estate, and its six gardens.
Hinsdale
Hinsdale hosts the oldest continuously operating post office in the same building in the U.S., operating since 1816. The area spans 37 acres along the Connecticut River, featuring landmarks like the Ebenezer Hinsdale House, Fort Hinsdale, and the Ebenezer Hinsdale Farm. The site includes livestock and agricultural barns, plus a blacksmith shop. Located in the Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, Hinsdale offers numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. An easy trail leads to the Walter H. Child Monument and connects to Miners Ledge, which provides stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield.
Hinsdale is part of the popular 13,300-acre Pisgah State Park, which offers excellent outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, ATV and snowmobiling, and many water sports. Since it is off-the-beaten-path, far from city entertainment, Northfield Drive-In, which has entertained people since 1948, is great for a family outing.
Ossipee
Ossipee, sharing its name with the Ossipee Mountains, is a hidden outdoor haven composed of several small villages nestled in the hills. The area features Ossipee Lake, its rivers, and the mountains, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. At the Ossipee Historical Society's Grant Hall Museum, visitors can see men's and women’s clothing, a spinning wheel, a bootmaker’s stand, and Civil War artifacts. The historic Whittier Bridge, which crosses the Bearcamp River and stands as an Ossipee monument, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Campton
The Campton Falls, also known as Beebe River Falls, is a 28-foot-tall waterfall nestled amidst lush vegetation but easily accessible to visitors. It flows throughout the year, offering stunning views of this natural attraction. Campton features 18 historical markers, including sites like the Campton Congregational Church, Campton Pond and Dam, the Campton Town House, and Campton Hollow, one of the original settlements.
The town's conservation efforts enable visitors to enjoy preserved natural areas such as Blair Woodland Natural Area, Pattee Conservation Park, and West Branch Brook Forest.
Squiggles adds entertainment to this off-the-beaten-path town. It’s more than just a store in an 1826 building that sells locally sourced products, including gifts, toys, and candies. It also hosts a vintage arcade with games like air hockey, various pinball machines, and Pac-Man, all operated with quarters. Additionally, the venue offers mini-golf and a function hall.
Shelburne
Shelburne, a small town with about 360 residents, may be off the beaten path, but it is vibrant and rich in history. Nestled along the Androscoggin River and surrounded by the White Mountains, it is part of the scenic Presidential Range Trail. The town consistently charms and impresses visitors year-round. Notable landmarks include The Shelburne Birches, which features a bronze plaque honoring military service members, and the Stone Fish, a unique piece from Mason’s 1900 stone collection that stands as an interesting landmark.
New Hampshire’s small towns, gloriously placed within luscious mountain ranges and alongside rivers and the coast, might be off-the-beaten-path, yet they offer excellent outdoor and historical activities that cannot be experienced in a city. New Hampshire is a state for all seasons: winter invites skiers to the mountain slopes, summer invites water sport enthusiasts, and spring and fall invite hikers, bikers, and rock climbers to its countless trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and covered bridges.
