
2025's Most Underrated Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is full of wonderful towns, but a select few truly stand out. There are hidden locales with magnificent scenery, deep history, and opportunities without the usual throng of tourists. If you are searching for genuine New England character, you have found the right guide.
Forget the crowded hotspots. In 2025, uncover places like Sugar Hill, where colorful lupines meet impressive White Mountain panoramas, or investigate the well-preserved mill heritage of Harrisville. Delve into the most underrated towns in New Hampshire. Your next memorable journey awaits!
Sugar Hill

Perched high in the White Mountains, Sugar Hill affords a serene haven with breathtaking vistas often overlooked by those drawn to neighboring Franconia Notch. This photogenic town provides a quiet alternative to more congested tourist areas. Each June, the vivid Lupine Festival transforms the undulating fields into a sea of hues, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts. Beyond the festival, travelers may discover diverse hiking paths, relish drives along Route 117, and partake in winter sports at the Sunset Hill Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center with its striking mountain backdrops.

Sugar Hill’s historic residences, close-knit citizenry, and relaxed pace embody classic New England village life. Key sites include Harman’s Cheese & Country Store, the delightful St. Matthew's Chapel, and the Sugar Hill Historical Museum, where local history comes alive. In 2025, embrace the authentic New Hampshire spirit that defines Sugar Hill, a rare find waiting to be seen. Its elevation offers cooler temperatures in summer and ample snow for winter activities, making it an excellent year-round destination for those seeking tranquility away from urban bustle.
Harrisville

Journey back in time in Harrisville, one of New England's most remarkably maintained 19th-century mill towns, providing an intimate glimpse into the state’s industrial past. While its somewhat remote situation contributes to its tranquil status, it also renders it a calm refuge for those desiring an authentic New Hampshire outing. Historical water-powered mills, such as Cheshire Mills, stand as monuments to its legacy.

Surrounded by sparkling lakes and gentle hills, Harrisville is an outdoor lover’s dream. The quiet waters of Harrisville Pond are superb for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, while nearby paths weave through unspoiled woodlands, presenting incredible scenes. The town’s Historic District, a designated National Historic Landmark, invites unhurried walks, displaying exquisite architecture and the storied Harrisville General Store.
Tamworth

Where natural grandeur merges with thriving local customs, Tamworth stands as a truly singular New Hampshire destination. Concealed amidst the magnificent White Mountains, this town supplies a quiet sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Hikers can tackle well-known routes like the Mount Chocorua Loop, while others might prefer the serenity of Chocorua Lake or a relaxing day at White Lake State Park, suitable for swimming and kayaking.
History buffs can investigate rural traditions at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, while the lively downtown presents inviting cafes, local art galleries, and a bustling farmers' market. Be sure to sample craft spirits at Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile or see a show at the historic Barnstormers Theatre.
Peterborough

Made famous as the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Peterborough in the Monadnock Region remains a quiet, intellectual haven. This creative beacon combines accessible nature with a flourishing arts scene, presenting a refreshing departure from larger cultural centers. The town is embraced by rolling hills and dense forests, with Miller State Park—New Hampshire’s oldest—providing elevated trails to the summit of Pack Monadnock. For water lovers, the Contoocook River gracefully flows through the municipality, creating lovely spots for kayaking and calm contemplation.

Peterborough’s active downtown is its pulsing core, featuring the renowned Toadstool Bookshop, art galleries, comfortable cafes, and Harlow's Pub & Restaurant, a quirky local favorite. The Peterborough Players, one of the nation's oldest summer theaters, stages professional productions in an intimate setting.
Littleton

Littleton, situated along the striking Ammonoosuc River, provides a genuinely authentic New Hampshire way of life and a calm alternative to bustling tourist hubs. Its modest demeanor, amiable residents, and rich coin-dealing history make it a remarkable locale.

The historic downtown is a wealth of independent shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. You will find attractions like Chutters, home to the world’s longest candy counter, and a beloved Statue of Pollyanna. The Riverwalk Covered Bridge affords appealing vistas of the Ammonoosuc River, and don't miss Schilling Beer Co., a spirited brewery housed in a riverside 18th-century mill. Enthusiasts of the outdoors will value its proximity to the White Mountain National Forest, with hiking routes, waterfalls, and year-round activities like skiing and snowshoeing in Franconia Notch.
Exeter

Despite being steeped in colonial history and academic prestige, Exeter is often overshadowed by New Hampshire’s more prominent tourist destinations. At its nucleus lies Phillips Exeter Academy, famed for its impressive Georgian architecture and expansive grounds, lending cultural and academic depth to the town.

History aficionados will be engrossed by the American Independence Museum, home to a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the wonderfully preserved Dr. Josiah Gilman House, a landmark granting a glimpse into Exeter's past. The Squamscott River elegantly meanders through Exeter, supplying aesthetic qualities that complement its historic core. The town's pleasant downtown area welcomes exploration, with independent boutiques and a flourishing culinary scene (the riverside Vino e Vivo is a must), often housed in beautifully maintained historic edifices. Events such as the unusual UFO Festival, and a lively farmers' market, contribute to Exeter’s warm, community-driven ambiance.
Keene

For an authentic New England experience, look no further than Keene, tucked away in New Hampshire's southwest corner. This town masterfully unites an unhurried disposition with spirited artistic expression, often remaining beneath the radar of widespread tourism. Its admirably preserved historic downtown is the city’s nucleus, featuring classic architecture, distinctive independent shops, and bold Walldog murals that proudly display a robust community sentiment.

Keene is also a cultural focal point, celebrated for its annual Pumpkin Festival and a burgeoning arts scene with local galleries and performance venues, such as The Colonial Theatre. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the paths around Goose Pond, while families can find delight in hayrides, community gatherings, and encounters with farm animals at Stonewall Farm.
Meredith

Positioned on Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith provides a refined lakeside elegance, affording serenity far from the region's more bustling towns. Beyond boating and swimming, guests can investigate calm coves by kayak or paddleboard or hike nearby conservation trails for impressive water perspectives. For a stunning viewpoint, take a journey on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, winding through magnificent lakeside views. Meredith's combination of accessible recreation and quiet solitude makes it an excellent location to savor the lake’s attributes without congestion.

The town’s appeal extends to its active Main Street and the agreeable Mill Falls Marketplace, featuring boutiques, local art galleries, and waterfront dining. Culture thrives with the Meredith Sculpture Walk and the acclaimed Winnipesaukee Playhouse, known for exceptional performances. Moulton Farm is a must-visit for foodies, presenting fresh produce, a seasonal corn maze, and a food truck serving delicious bites.
Chesterfield

For a journey into untouched wilderness and genuine small-town existence, uncover Chesterfield, one of New Hampshire’s most quietly maintained treasures. Its calm positioning near the Vermont border signifies it grants a real, uncrowded substitute to more famous destinations, permitting travelers to truly disconnect and reinvigorate.
This town is a haven for those who love the outdoors, bordering the vast Pisgah State Park, a 13,300-acre wild expanse with rugged pathways for hiking, mountain biking, and spotting wildlife. The crystal-clear waters of Spofford Lake are fitting for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, complete with a public beach displaying wonderful vistas. Another natural wonder is the scenic Chesterfield Gorge, dramatically carved by glacial meltwater. For history and mystery devotees, the evocative Madame Sherri House ruins in Madame Sherri Forest add an intriguing touch, with crumbling stone stairs amidst luxuriant trails.
New Hampshire is brimming with concealed wonders awaiting exploration. Bypass the crowds and uncover the intellectual refinement and bustling arts milieu of Peterborough, where creativity flourishes around every turn. Alternatively, head to Meredith, a tranquil lakeside community presenting superb panoramas and refined amenities in a serene atmosphere. These underappreciated towns offer a genuine New England experience, blending natural grandeur, culture, and small-town charm.
Whether you are seeking repose or inspiration, Peterborough and Meredith are outstanding additions to your 2025 travel itinerary. Venture off the customary route and reveal the marvel of New Hampshire's best-kept secrets—your next memorable expedition is ready!