6 Most Scenic Small Towns in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, known as the "Granite State," is near the Canadian border. The state has gorgeous scenery, including soaring mountaintops and gorgeous fall foliage. As one of the original 13 colonies, New Hampshire has numerous historic towns and cities.
These six small towns have a charming historical aesthetic and boast some of the best scenery in the state. The scenery is divided into different geographical regions, such as The Lakes Region, the Seacoast, and the Great North Woods. Though these towns are gorgeous year-round, the fall is quintessential New England and is the favored time to visit.
Plymouth
Plymouth is a rustic town in the White Mountain Region and is considered a true college town. The downtown area features classic New England brick architecture, creating a clean and appealing aesthetic. The Museum of the White Mountains is located on the Plymouth State University campus and has exhibits exploring the history of this storied region.
The Tenney Mountain Resort is a popular destination for skiers and snow sports enthusiasts. It was closed for eight years but reopened in 2018. The Smith-covered bridge on Smith Road is quintessential New England and adds to the appeal and charm of Plymouth. If you are exploring downtown, The Flying Monkey is a popular performing arts theatre among residents and visitors. It is a great way to discover the community that calls this quaint town home.
Hanover
Hanover is along the Connecticut River and is home to the Ivy League school Dartmouth. A classical New England town, Hanover is also artsy and offers a scholarly appeal in town. The Baker-Berry Library is on the Dartmouth campus and includes the painting The Epic of American Civilization, a National Historic Landmark.
There are museums here, including the Hood Museum of Art and Nathan's Botanical Garden, which is scenic for spending the afternoon. The Hopkins Center for the Arts is a performance art venue located on campus. Though the university is the hub of Hanover's cultural activity, there is plenty to see and do in this quaint, charming town.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill overlooks the White Mountain National Forest, and the foliage is stunning during the fall months. The overlook includes views of the Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman, and Dalton ranges, making this one of the most scenic towns in New Hampshire. The town derived its name from the sugar maples that grow here, and the Sugar Hill Historical Museum includes exhibits and artifacts that trace the town's history.
While strolling through town, a stop at Harman's Cheese and Country Store is necessary. The store resembles a general store and is a popular stop for homemade cheeses, including homemade cheddar cheese, aged for two years. Sugar Hill combines a small-town atmosphere with spectacular views and is a popular gateway to the White Mountains and the Franconia Notch State Park.
Exeter
Exeter is a historic town that was originally a port town in the 17th century. It served as New Hampshire's war capital during the American Revolutionary War, and many buildings from that era remain. The American Independence Museum campus downtown has several historical landmarks, including the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern. There are also live Colonial reenactments, and children are encouraged to become Junior Curators.
Though the American Independence Museum is the biggest draw, there are other attractions in this scenic town. The Historical Society will introduce you to the history of the street names so you can explore the town and discover its history. For natural scenery, there is the Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park. There is much to do in Exeter, and the historical buildings and scenery combine to make it a beautiful town.
Gorham
Gorham has scenic views of the White Mountain National Forest and Moose Brook State Park in the White Mountains. For the adventurous, tour with Gorham Moose Tours to get a unique look at these majestic creatures. Along with the natural scenery, downtown has classic architecture and many unique eateries, including Nonna's Kitchen and The Public House Eatery.
The Medallion Opera House, located in the historic Town Hall building, has been open since 1918. Another historic site is the Douglas A Philbrook Museum, which opened in 1967 and houses an extensive collection of artifacts highlighting local history. Gorham is a charming, walkable town with historical sites for exploring and outdoor adventures.
New London
New London is a small town incorporated in 1779 in the Dartmouth-Sunapee River Region. Its historical downtown centers around the commons, where live plays and musicals are often held. Main Street is a hub for local shops and restaurants, and the Historical Society offers a glimpse of 19th-century life.
Pleasant Lake has a beach and is a popular swimming destination during the summer months. The Tracy Memorial Library has a Community Garden, designed in 1926, which is a gorgeous way to spend a spring day. New London has much to offer regarding historical buildings, including an ivy-covered building downtown and natural scenery.
These six towns embody the best of New England's natural scenery and have a pleasing architectural aesthetic that is hard to beat. Many of these towns, like Plymouth, have breathtaking views of the White Mountains, and Exeter's historical importance provides a different type of scenery combined with gorgeous views.
These towns are scenic every season, but no season compares to the fall in New England. Scenic views like the ones from Gorham resonate with the changing colors of the leaves. The mountain resort in Plymouth is a popular winter destination because of Tenney Mountain's skiing conditions. Though each of these towns is scenic in its own right, they all provide a clean New England look while offering natural scenic views.
