7 Most Peaceful Small Towns In New Hampshire

One of New Hampshire’s most prolific attractions is the White Mountains. They cover roughly a quarter of the state and offer hiking, train rides, skyway gondolas, and views of caves, gorges, lakes, and so much more. Their peaceful stillness is only one side of the state’s serenity, though; New Hampshire’s charm also lives in its small coastal villages, forest towns, and riverside communities where the pace naturally slows. From wandering through sculpture gardens in Woodstock to watching harbor sunsets in Portsmouth, these seven peaceful small towns demonstrate just how varied and soothing the Granite State can be for visitors seeking to unwind.

Woodstock

The charming, small town of Woodstock features tranquil sites to visit for a relaxing afternoon, enjoying picturesque views and alluring sounds of the surroundings. Those here for the first time should visit Sculptured Sand. This distinctive museum displays monuments created entirely out of sand. The sculptures are showcased along a dark, winding path throughout a forest. The artists create the “museum” this way to allow the visitors to let their imagination run loose. Over 25 intricately curated fairy tales come to life in sand on this journey, featuring Cinderella’s glass slipper and Aladdin’s magic lamp along the way.

After witnessing the magic that can be created by sand, visit a more naturally occurring wonder at the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. The wooden boardwalk trail, along the Lost River, winds through the gorge. Jagged rock walls, massive boulders, glacial boulder caves, and cascading waterfalls are just a few of the enticing sights you’ll encounter on your travels. On a more modest note, take to the Forest Adventure Trail, which includes a treehouse, suspension bridge, and the Giant Bird Nest you can climb into. Before exiting town, be sure to collect a local treasure as a souvenir. Head to the market that has won the Best Maple Syrup Award many times, Fadden’s General Store and Maple Sugarhouse. At Fadden’s, the same family has been producing syrup for over 200 years. Since its opening in 1896, over 2,500 gallons of syrup have been produced annually, so don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy this local gold, straight from the pipeline.

Franconia

Make the most of the outdoors in this small, quaint town nestled in the White Mountains. Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain for 360-degree views from the observation deck. Opened in 1938, the tram runs all the way up the 4,080-foot summit of the mountain to a café and bar with the highest beer taps in the state. Grab a drink and enjoy the visible mountains of four neighboring states and even Canada! For a more mountainous adventure, take a hike up the Artist Bluff Trail. The steep section of the trail takes hikers to Bald Mountain. At the top, the trail leads to a cliffside viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the sights below, including Echo Lake and the notch. After an exhilarating hike, relax your weary feet and legs in the waters at Echo Lake Beach, located in Franconia Notch State Park. Located at an elevation of 1,931 feet, the beach area provides views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain and offers opportunities to swim, fish, boat, canoe, kayak, and pedal boat.

Portsmouth

Explore all the natural beauty and stunning landscapes that Portsmouth has to offer, both on land and in the water. Take a stroll through Prescott Park and participate in a tour of the widespread garden beds on the South Lawn, as well as the proper garden planted around the anchor sculpture. The ten acres comprise a variety of individual garden spaces, including formal plantings that encircle the massive waterfront anchor, the bed of hostas along the shaded Mechanic Street, the Liberty Gardens, and beds of annuals created by city staff.

On another horticulture experience, flower enthusiasts will love a visit to The Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden Museum. The 1763 house, now serving as a museum, strives to relay the history of the U.S., New Hampshire, and Portsmouth through the possessions of the house's inhabitants, both free and enslaved. Collections include five generations of family residents, the Whipple family, Indigenous Peoples, and the Historic Garden. That said, be sure to check if it is open, as this is a seasonal attraction. Experience Portsmouth from beyond the shorelines with a ride on Portsmouth Harbor Cruises. Coast along on a 1963 60′ Deltaville Deadrise with a narrated cruise through the inland waterways. Listen to the discussion of native bird habits, the folklore of the Isles of Shoals, the shipbuilding history of Portsmouth Harbor, or the captain’s pensive thoughts on the ever-changing tides of the Piscataqua.

Lincoln

Begin your exciting stay in Lincoln at Loon Mountain Resort. Open year-round, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in winter, and experience biking, hiking, and ziplining in the summer. With newly created terrain, modern lifts, and the most dependable snow in New England, Loon Mountain is a winter lover’s paradise. With restaurants at the base, summit, and mid-mountain, adventurers have ample choices when they’re ready to refuel.

If you want more aerial entertainment, enjoy the attractions at Alpine Adventures. With multiple points of interest, immerse yourself in ziplining, off-roading, side-by-side tours, and Thrillsville, a self-guided course featuring bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, another zipline, and a treehouse. For a less commercial and more natural quest, hike the Franconia Falls Trail, located in the White Mountains. The 6.9-mile trail winds through the woods and along the Pemigewasset River to where it intersects with Franconia Brook. The trail to the waterfall is steep but provides immaculate views of the cascading waters.

Hampton

Enjoy the coast, sand, ocean, and sun in the seaside town of Hampton. Hampton Beach State Park features approximately a mile of sandy beachfront with ocean-facing facilities for prime views. Equipped with an amphitheater and a comfort station, the park is set up for activities that include swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. The campsite is situated at the mouth of the Hampton River, offering a range of activities, including whale watching and saltwater fishing.

Another sandy hot spot is North Beach. Riddled with sand and history, the coastline houses a Coast Guard station that was originally constructed in the 19th century. Get the full New England beach experience with the pristine shoreline, Atlantic Ocean views, and low tide. Spend more time on the water, getting close to the aquatic wildlife. One can also make a reservation with Al Gauron, the premier deep-sea fishing and whale watching company that has been family-owned and operated for over 75 years. Take out the Northern Star or the White Star, almost 30 miles from shore, to experience sites you will never forget.

North Conway

Take an unforgettable trip through the mountains with the Conway Scenic Railroad on one of its multiple railway ventures. Choose from the Mountaineer, Valley Train Excursion, or Holiday Express and depart from the 1874 station in a classic transcontinental streamlined train. Afterward, one can experience more picturesque views at Echo Lake State Park. Lose yourself (not literally, of course) in nature on the trails that will take you to Cathedral Ledge State Park, another local recreation area that provides immaculate views of the Saco River Valley.

Outdoor lovers can also visit the Cranmore Mountain Resort. Overlooking North Conway, the resort is open year-round, offering a range of seasonally based activities. Mountain bike through six miles of terrain, or take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and take in the breathtaking views during the summer. And in winter, one can tube, ski, or snowboard down the hill in the heart of the U.S.’s “Best Ski Town”.

Littleton

Take in an aerial view of Littleton with a 1.7-mile hike through woods and fields that leads to an incline at Kilburn Crags. Here, tourists can enjoy lunch with a view once they reach the top, where a picnic table is positioned for the best overlook. For a slightly easier stroll through town, follow the half-mile Riverwalk and visit its highlight, the Riverwalk Covered Bridge. Constructed in the 2000s, the 352-foot pedestrian bridge is a popular spot for photo opportunities, offering a clear vantage point of both the bridge itself and the Ammonoosuc River flowing beneath it.

From the mountain trails back down to the water, head out on a relaxing paddle across Moore Reservoir with North Country Kayak. This calm body of water is one of the best spots in the White Mountains for flatwater paddling, where views of the surrounding peaks reflect off the glossy surface, and bald eagles often soar overhead.

Peaceful Communities In New Hampshire

Enjoy peace, serenity, and solitude with visits to lakes, mountains, rivers, and historical towns, all located within the state of New Hampshire. This prestigious New England state is home to unspoiled beaches, extensive mountain ranges, crystal-clear waters, and endless opportunities for adventure. Explore nature by yourself, with a group, or in whatever way is most relaxing, and take in the sights at these seven most peaceful towns in New Hampshire.