8 Coziest Mountain Towns In New Hampshire
Imagine being curled up under a blanket, the fire crackling in the fireplace, the picturesque mountains creating a heavenly backdrop. That’s just one idea of a cozy setting. One of the most picturesque escapes to achieve just that feeling is New England. The coastal states are pierced with mountain views and calm cabins for a relaxing getaway. If you’re looking for peace and solitude with comfortable vibes, find the perfect hideaway in one of the eight coziest mountain towns in New Hampshire.
North Conway
Truly experience the mountains of New England at the Cranmore Mountain Resort. Overlooking North Conway, the resort provides adventure opportunities during the summer and winter months. Mountain bike through six miles of terrain, or take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and take in the breathtaking views. Summer on the mountain is not short of entertainment, but winter is when the mountain comes to life. Tube, ski, or snowboard down the mountain in the heart of the U.S.’s “Best Ski Town” according to USA Today.. For more thrilling sites, take the Conway Scenic Railroad on one of its multiple railway ventures. Depart from the 1874 station on either the Mountaineer, Valley Train Excursion, or Holiday Express. For even more views, make your way to Echo Lake State Park. Enjoy a refreshing swim or take the hiking trails that lead to Cathedral Ledge State Park, another local recreation area that provides immaculate views.
Keene
Enjoy the views of Keene from atop Mount Monadnock. The town offers many tranquil spots to visit, each unique in its own way, and many with different focal points. Enjoy a visit to Stonewall Farm and partake in their local events. They vary seasonally, but have included pastimes such as building your own scarecrow, pumpkin bowling, going to a winter market, attending concerts, and more. The working farm also includes a market that carries locally produced, organic farm food, as well as its own produce and free-range eggs. For another outdoor experience, visit Goose Pond. A two-mile path encircles the pond, and visitors are encouraged to visit the pond for hiking, swimming, and picnicking. For a final stop, and one that’s a bit of a historical gem, visit the Horatio House Colony Museum. The classic New England home is adorned with period decor, artwork & a garden for visitors seeking a cozy historical experience.
Lincoln
Get out and take in the sights of Lincoln at Franconia Notch State Park. Deep in the heart of White Mountain National Forest, the park has a beautiful scenic pass from Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. Ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, fly fish at Profile Lake, bike down the Recreational Trail, or traverse the Flume Gorge. The two-mile trail takes hikers by covered bridges, cascading waterfalls, a scenic natural pool, and the “Wolf’s Den” cave. For even more mountain madness, explore Loon Mountain and partake in all the activities offered to guests. Take a relaxing Gondola Ride and breathe in the fresh mountain air, test your skills at the over 14 miles of Bike Park, zipline, or spelunk through glacial caves.
Concord
For a calming activity in Concord, stroll through the groves at Carter Hill Orchard. Leisure at your own pace through the pick-your-own fruit forest and spend the day pulling fresh peaches, apples, and blueberries, depending on what's in season. For a quaint history lesson in the town, tour the home of the U.S.’s 14th president at The Pierce Manse. Protected from demolition in 1971 by the Pierce Brigade, the home is the only residence ever owned and lived in by President Franklin Pierce. Join a private tour and step back in time within this historic home. For a somewhat strenuous, slightly relaxing, and increasingly picturesque attraction, take a ride with Scenic Railriders. Pedal the 6.2-mile tracks at your own stride along the last remaining section of the Northern Railroad track, built in 1846. Enjoy the woodland views, farmlands, and Merrimack River on your tour. To ascend into the mountains, Mount Major and Mount Monadnock are both about an hour away.
Derry
For some people, cozying up on the couch and reading poetry is the ultimate form of comfort and tranquility. If you are one of those people and find yourself in Derry, make your way over to the home of one of the most renowned poets. At The Robert Frost Farm, tours, displays, a poetry trail, educational programs, and poetry readings are all offered at this National Historical Landmark. The site was the home of Robert Frost and his family from 1900 to 1911 and is set in the design of a clapboard farmhouse. Craft brew enthusiasts will want to plan a stop at Rockingham Brewing Company for a relaxing afternoon in Derry. Visit their taproom for their signature brews, cans to go, and rotating food truck options. The brews on tap are updating seasonally and can be enjoyed in-house or taken to go and appreciated in the comfort of your own home. As a last stop, history fans will want to see the Taylor Mill Historic Site. Located on 71 acres of the Ballard State Forest, the original mill from over 200 years ago was dismantled and sold for scrap, until 1939, when a new one was assembled. During limited times, visitors can visit the mill for a demonstration of the mill in use. McIntyre Mountain is nearby, where you can ski and enjoy beautiful mountain views.
Salem
The highest point in Salem pales in comparison to the magnitude of the White Mountains, but Gordons Hill still provides eclectic views. For more enticing sights, stroll through the woods and visit the mystery that is America’s Stonehenge. Some have suggested that rock structures here may be the oldest man-made structure in the U.S, though they may have also been placed during the nineteenth century - decide for yourself! To enjoy more local amenities, visit Town Forest for some hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and more. Within the forest, the wetlands, Hitty-Titty Brook, vernal pools, and floodplains all exist along the trails that weave through the woods. For a final, possibly more boisterous adventure in Salem, visit Canobie Lake Park. Featuring attractions from A to Z, there is something for everyone to be found here. Ride any of the many rides, including an antique carousel, Giant Skywheel, or the Zero Gravity; there are sure to be hours of entertainment on all rides. The park also features dining and games.
Dover
Founded in 1692 and nestled between the White Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Dover is the oldest continuous settlement in the state and is rich in history. Learn about the history and more at the Woodman Museum. Art, history, and science are all features of this museum and include exhibits of colonial artifacts, including minerals, shells, and fossils, mounted animal specimens, furniture, an extensive collection of military memorabilia, objects of local history, and more. The building of the museum was originally a private residence, built in 1818 by Captain William Palmer. For a scenic outdoor view, spend some time at Hilton Park. One of the most historic spots in the state, this park is rare in that it has options for both freshwater and saltwater viewing and fishing. The park is the oldest continually occupied spot in the state and is enjoyable for hikers and boaters, but boaters beware of swift tides. For more nature scenes, this time landside, trek through the fields at Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary. The 26 acres have two hiking loops totaling 1.5 miles through salt marshes, shoreline, and natural communities. Keep an eye out for rare plants, migrating waterfowl, and other wildlife at this sanctuary located at the mouth of the Bellamy River and on Little Bay.
Woodstock
The quaint town of Woodstock features some tranquil sites to visit for a relaxing afternoon enjoying picturesque views and enticing sounds of your surroundings. Explore natural wonders at the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. The wooden boardwalk trail winds through the gorge and is located along the Lost River. Jagged rock walls, massive boulders, glacial boulder caves, and cascading waterfalls are just a few of the wonders you’ll encounter on your travels. For extra thrills, take to the Forest Adventure Trail, treehouse, and suspension bridge. And make sure not to miss an opportunity to climb into the Giant Bird Nest. As a last local stop, head to Fadden’s General Store and Maple Sugarhouse. This charming market has won the Best Maple Syrup Award seven times, with the same family producing syrup for over 200 years. Opened in 1896, this niche store has produced over 2,500 gallons of syrup annually, so don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy this straight-from-the-pipeline local gold.
Comfort, warmth, and relaxation are how a cozy atmosphere would be described. However, comfort for one person could mean something entirely different for another. Create your own relaxing atmosphere with the journeys you take and the stops you make along the way. For some people, that could be enjoying a drizzle of locally sourced maple syrup on hot griddle cakes, for others, it can mean visiting a quiet museum and learning the history of the town they’re in. And for some, it can mean a stroll through a serene wilderness with nothing but the animals and flowers for companionship. No matter how you define it, there is something for everyone in these eight coziest mountain towns in New Hampshire.
