2025's 11 Most Scenic New Hampshire Towns

New Hampshire may be one of the smallest states in the country, but when it comes to scenery, it is full of big surprises. From the alpine ridgelines of the White Mountains to the gentle curves of forested lakes and rivers, this New England gem offers charming towns tucked into some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Northeast. Whether you are standing on a covered bridge in Jackson, kayaking the glassy waters of Wolfeboro’s Lake Winnipesaukee, or gazing at Franconia Notch from the quiet streets of Sugar Hill, each town blends natural beauty with a strong sense of place. These 11 scenic towns deliver a dose of tranquility, dramatic vistas, and that timeless New England feel—along with plenty of opportunities to hike, paddle, photograph, or simply breathe it all in.

Jackson

Surrounded by towering peaks and nestled in a broad mountain pass, Jackson is a quintessential White Mountains town, where alpine beauty meets dramatic landscapes. The historic Honeymoon Covered Bridge frames the rushing Ellis River, while Carter Notch and Mount Washington rise in the distance.

In winter, the extensive Jackson XC trail network draws Nordic skiers from across New England, while summer brings hikers to the Doublehead Trail and Black Mountain Trail for gorgeous ridgeline views. Jackson Falls, a series of gentle cascades just off the road, is a favorite for wading and picnicking. In town, classic clapboard inns like The Wentworth and the Christmas Farm Inn have cozy lodging, while shops like Flossie’s General Store and Ravenwood Curio Shoppe are full of small-town charm.

Sugar Hill

Like Jackson, Sugar Hill is also set against the backdrop of the White Mountains. It sits on a ridge overlooking the range, and its high elevation looks out over Mount Lafayette, Cannon Mountain, and Franconia Notch State Park. Each June, the hills erupt in color during the annual Lupine Festival, when wild purple, pink, and white lupines blanket the fields in a breathtaking display.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor, a cherished local staple since the 1930s, dishes up hearty breakfasts with gorgeous sights from every window. For a peaceful stroll, the Sunset Hill Trail follows an old carriage road with expansive mountain vistas, ideal at golden hour. The Sugar Hill Historical Museum allows for a glimpse into the town’s past, while nearby rustic barns and weathered fences complete the postcard-perfect charm.

Hanover

Tucked beside the Connecticut River and shaded by rolling foothills, Hanover seamlessly blends collegiate charm with the tranquility of the outdoors. As the home of Dartmouth College, the town buzzes with energy—its downtown filled with bookshops, cafés, and ivy-covered buildings surrounding leafy quads.

The Appalachian Trail cuts directly through the heart of Hanover, providing a rare mix of small-town culture and thru-hiker spirit; you can walk a stretch of it right from Main Street. Along the river, Wilson’s Landing is a quiet spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Just outside town, Mink Brook Nature Preserve has trails that wind through meadows and forests. Come fall, the hills blaze with autumn color, while winter invites cross-country skiing across the wooded trails of nearby Oak Hill.

Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley is a hidden mountain village cradled by a ring of towering 4,000-foot peaks, including Mount Tecumseh, Mount Osceola, and the Tripyramids. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, the town has direct access to year-round alpine adventure. In summer, hikers can take to the Greeley Ponds Trail, known for its tranquil lakes and possible moose sightings, or tackle the Mount Osceola Trail to spot the Sandwich Range.

The Mad River runs through the village, its crystal-clear waters perfect for wading, fly fishing, or snapping photos of the rocky cascades. When winter arrives, Waterville Valley Resort draws skiers and snowboarders with its groomed slopes and forested runs. Off the mountain, the peaceful Village Trail system has snowshoeing routes that wind past snow-covered evergreens and quiet streams.

Wolfeboro

Known as the oldest summer resort in America, Wolfeboro sits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, surrounded by sparkling water, wooded hills, and a timeless lakeside ambiance. The Wolfeboro Bay area is ideal for paddling, boating, and fishing for smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. Cate Park and Brewster Beach are perfect waterfront spots for picnicking or relaxing by the waves. The Cotton Valley Rail Trail stretches from downtown into the woods and marshes, where you might spot herons, painted turtles, or even loons.

Downtown Wolfeboro is walkable and filled with shops like Black's Paper Shop and The Country Bookseller, as well as historic homes such as the Clark House and The Libby Museum, which are open seasonally and showcase the area’s rich past.

Littleton

Set on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River and backed by the Presidential Range, Littleton delivers mountain charm and riverside beauty. The Riverwalk Trail is great for close-ups of the river, including the historic covered footbridge and kayakers navigating the rapids. Mount Eustis and Kilburn Crags have short hikes with sweeping vistas of the town and surrounding peaks, as well as skiing in the winter months.

Main Street is a cheerful stretch of red-brick buildings, home to spots like the Littleton Diner, Lahout’s—the oldest ski shop in America—and Northern Lights Music, a cozy instrument shop. Don’t miss Chutters, which boasts one of the longest candy counters in the world.

Franconia

Tucked at the edge of Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia provides front-row access to some of the state’s most impressive sights. The towering cliffs of Cannon Mountain and Eagle Cliff rise just beyond town, while the Pemigewasset River and Lafayette Brook add a soothing flow through the landscape. Hike the Artists Bluff Trail for iconic vistas over Echo Lake, where you can also swim, kayak, or enjoy a picnic along the shore in warmer months.

Explore the Flume Gorge, a natural wonder with its narrow chasm, moss-covered granite walls, and rushing waterfalls, accessed via a boardwalk trail that makes for an unforgettable walk. In winter, Franconia Notch transforms into a wonderland of snow-covered peaks, and the Cannon Mountain Ski Area draws downhill skiers and snowboarders to its steep, scenic slopes. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing are also popular throughout the notch for winter adventurers.

Meredith

Situated where Lake Winnipesaukee narrows into Meredith Bay, this charming lakeside town is framed by sparkling water and wooded hills. The waterfront boardwalk is ideal for evening strolls, sunsets, and people-watching as boaters drift in and out of the bustling harbor below. Head to the nearby Waukewan Highlands Community Park for a walk through pine forests and wetlands, or paddle onto the lake by kayak or canoe to explore forested islands and sights of distant peaks.

The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad departs from town for a relaxing round-trip ride along the lake’s edge. In autumn, the hills above town burst into fiery oranges and reds, their colors mirrored on the water’s surface—making it a favorite time for leaf-peeping hikes or boat tours.

​​Plymouth

Located where the Pemigewasset and Baker Rivers meet, Plymouth blends college-town energy with natural beauty. As the home of Plymouth State University, it has a youthful, artsy vibe and hosts events, performances, and galleries open to the public. Just west of town, Polar Caves Park features a network of narrow glacial caves you can climb through, along with wooded boardwalk trails, picnic areas, and animal enclosures with fallow deer.

For a more strenuous outdoor adventure, the Mount Morgan and Mount Percival loop in nearby Holderness rewards hikers with ladders, ledges, and Squam Lake and the White Mountains beyond. In town, the historic common is shaded by maples and oaks. Don’t miss the Silver Center for the Arts for live music or theater.

Keene

Encircled by the rolling hills of southwestern New Hampshire, Keene is a blend of New England charm and lush natural surroundings. The Ashuelot River flows through town, paralleled by the Ashuelot Rail Trail—a leafy, tree-shaded path perfect for walking or biking past covered bridges and historic mills. Just a short drive away, Mount Monadnock’s White Dot and White Cross trails lead to its rocky summit..

Within town, Robin Hood Park features wooded trails, tennis courts, and a small pond ideal for fishing or kayaking. Goose Pond is another local favorite, with a loop trail that circles the water and offers a forest escape.

Downtown Keene is lined with red brick storefronts housing the Toadstool Bookshop and Hannah Grimes Marketplace. Central Square hosts several annual festivals, including the popular Keene Pumpkin Festival, Art in the Park, and the Monadnock International Film Festival.

Exeter

Exeter is a town of river reflections, salt marsh sunsets, and centuries-old architecture near New Hampshire’s short but stunning seacoast. The Exeter River flows through town and into the tidal Squamscott River, both of which have kayaking routes ideal for spotting ducks, herons, and turtles. The Swasey Parkway winds alongside the Squamscott and is especially striking during fall foliage or after a fresh snowfall, when its gazebo and benches offer postcard-worthy scenes.

Downtown Exeter is rich with colonial-era buildings, including the First Congregational Church and the historic Town Hall. Just east of town, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge unfolds across thousands of acres of protected salt marshes and estuaries. The refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, and species like bald eagles, snowy egrets, osprey, and red-winged blackbirds. The Ferry Way Trail and Peverly Pond Trail wind through quiet woods and wetlands, making it easy to escape into nature just minutes from Exeter’s historic core.

From lakeside reflections in Wolfeboro to the craggy ridgelines around Waterville Valley, New Hampshire’s small towns have far more than classic charm—they deliver a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast. Whether you are drawn to alpine trails, river paddling, leaf-peeping, or simply soaking up a peaceful view, each of these towns connects you to nature in a deeply local way. With four seasons of color, character, and quiet wonder, these towns invite you to slow down, look around, and experience the timeless beauty that makes New Hampshire unforgettable.