Escape to New Hampshire Guided by Our Illustrated Map
One of the original Thirteen Colonies, New Hampshire is known for its breathtaking mountainous scenery and great outdoor destinations, as well as beautiful historic sites like the town of Portsmouth or its 19th-century covered bridges. In our hand-illustrated story maps, we bring out the highlights of every state we cover, connecting people and place through flora and fauna, history, recreational activities, and more.
In this article, we’ll explore what New Hampshire has to offer through some of the iconic destinations drawn by Chris Robitaille. Discover a snapshot of the Granite State and start planning your own adventure.
5 Iconic Sights of New Hampshire
Our hand illustrated maps always feature some of the most unique and important elements of a location’s geography, history, or people. For New Hampshire, we’ve picked a few standout places that showcase both the area’s natural beauty and some historic human achievements.
White Mountain National Forest
Crossed by both the White Mountain Trail and the Kancamagus scenic drives, this national forest is also home to part of the Appalachian Trail. This makes it a fantastic destination for all types of outdoor pursuits, from hiking to driving or riding through. You’ll find some of the highest peaks in New England here (with Mount Washington standing tallest at 6,288 ft) and unique vegetation to explore on your hikes.
Our pick: Head to the trailhead at Hurricane Road, just north of North Conway, for a 6-mile hike that takes you to the empty Kearsage North fire-tower. Enjoy amazing views of the eastern White Mountains. The trailhead is plowed in winter, so you can do this walk all year round. Get details here.
Mount Washington & the Cog Railway
From its height of 6,288 ft, Mount Washington towers over New England. You can hike up to the summit on the Appalachian Trail, while backcountry skiers venture up on the snow. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail (4.1 miles long) is the quickest way up, featuring a steep climb up rock steps. Those interested in summiting in winter are advised to divert from this trail via Lion Head to avoid avalanche danger, which is notorious in the ravine. Depending on the snow conditions, various routes can be open - find out more and prepare accordingly here. Be careful: public facilities at the summit are not open in winter (museum, gift shop, and cafeteria).
For an easier summit experience, take the Cog Railway - a unique attraction that will appeal to rail enthusiasts and novices alike. This little train started its journey in 1859 and is a historic landmark of the Industrial Revolution. It mostly runs on biodiesel, with just a couple of traditional coal-fired steam engines being used in the summer and fall as a nod to its heritage. If you choose to take the Cog Railway to the top, you’re in for a three-hour round trip, including an hour’s break to enjoy the visitor center and facilities at the summit. Watch out for fantastic views of the five surrounding states on a clear day.
Sports pick: Every August, the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb takes place, bringing up to 600 riders in the area to tackle a 7.6-mile uphill with gradients ranging from 12% to 22% at the steepest points. This used to be partly a gravel race until 2022, when the road was paved completely. One of its most famous winners is former pro cyclist Tyler Hamilton.
Display your NH map on a multipurpose tote bag
Lake Winnipesaukee
The largest lake in the state takes pride of place on our hand-drawn map of New Hampshire, and for good reason. It is approximately 21 miles long and varies between one and nine miles wide, containing about 264 tiny islands. You can enjoy a cruise across it on the historic Mount Washington - originally a paddle steamer destined to transport goods, mail, and passengers, and now a tourist attraction with dinner cruises and day trips available. The narrated scenic tours are great for learning something new while enjoying beautiful scenery and a stop in Wolfeboro, “the oldest summer resort in America” (we recommend doing the day-long trip from 10 am to fully enjoy the lake and island).
Send a note to your loved ones - written on New Hampshire notecards
Waterfalls of the North Country
For hikers and nature lovers, there are a host of waterfalls throughout the New Hampshire mountain areas, particularly attractive in the spring, when the snow melts and increases their volume. Some of our favorites include Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park and Avalanche Falls and Flume Gorge near Lincoln.
You can hike to Arethusa Falls on a designated trail of only 1.5 miles one way, starting from the car park on Arethusa Falls Road. While this is classed as a family hike, you should still be prepared to navigate rocks and roots, so wear good shoes or boots. Soon after you start, you’ll see a sign for the Bemis Brook Trail, which is a small detour (about half a mile, then you rejoin Arethusa Falls Trail), but worth it as it will allow you to see two more waterfalls. Do this on your way in as it includes a steep climb up a bank to rejoin the main trail. Coliseum Falls on this side track will delight you with its multiple tiers.
To access Avalanche Falls, you can take a 2-mile hike through the Flume Gorge. Head to the visitor center and follow the Flume Path after you purchase an entry ticket. Make sure to check when the trail is open here. Then, prepare to be wowed by the journey, taking in the narrow gorge and fantastic falls.
Portsmouth
For a city break in New Hampshire, Portsmouth ticks off several boxes: historic architecture, artsy shops, great seafood spots, and some charming harbor views. One of the best walks in Portsmouth happens monthly: the Art ‘Round Town, every first Friday of the month, is a free gallery walk that starts at 5pm. You can discover new artists while admiring the 19th-century buildings all around you - a perfect way to connect people and place, mixing time periods!
Portsmouth is also the gateway to the Strawbery Banke Museum, an immersive living history experience that brings over 300 years of the New Hampshire community to life. Learn about the indigenous people who lived in the area, the Industrial Revolution, the people of Puddle Dock, and the fantastic heirloom gardens. You’ll meet actors in costume, ready to take you back in time, and you’ll get to tour historic buildings and outdoor sites, all with the original flair.
Exploring New Hampshire Wildlife
New Hampshire’s landscape is home to a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are beautifully illustrated on our map. These species and symbols reflect the unique natural heritage of the region. Look out for them when you visit!
The purple finch is the state bird: adult males have a distinctive raspberry red head and breast which will make them easy to spot if you come across them in the forests of the White Mountains.
The Karner Blue butterfly is another icon of the state, an endangered species with delicate blue wings. They are often found near Concord (the state capital) in pine barren ecosystems.
As in most New England locations, particularly in the northern part of the state and around Great North Woods, you may come across moose and black bears. The loon can be heard around lakes like Squam and Umbagog. Finally, look out for May-blooming purple lilac - the state flower.
To get to know more about these species and visit them in a safe and responsible way, we recommend checking out the Loon Preservation Center, on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. There are educational exhibits and displays, while all proceeds from the store benefit the Loon Preservation Committee’s Recovery Program. Then head out on the nature trails in the impressive 200-acre wildlife sanctuary, along the lake shoreline. Find out more here.
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, located in Holderness, NH, is another perfect place to learn about local ecology, take in interactive exhibits with native animals, and head out on hiking trails or even a Squam Lake Cruise. Discover also a selection of gorgeous colorful plants in Kirkwood Gardens (free of charge and open every day).
Bring the New Hampshire outdoors in with puzzle
Seasonal Discoveries in the Granite State
New Hampshire has attractive destinations and a whole host of possible activities all year round. Here’s a quick selection, depending on when you’re planning to visit.
Spring Visits
-
Lilac will be in full bloom in spring, so head out on nature walks and visit public gardens. Every town center will be displaying it, too.
-
As the snow melts, trails open up and the White Mountains waterfalls are at their fullest - now is the time for a hike to enjoy the full majesty of Arethusa Falls (check weather and walking conditions before you go).
-
Still looking for ski spots? Tuckerman Ravine is famous for Memorial Day skiing on its 50-degree slopes. Many spring skiers will hike up and ski down from April to July, but you’ll need to be careful to check avalanche reports, as that is also an increased risk as the snow melts (although less so compared to the peak avalanche season from December to March).
Summer Activities
-
It’s now the perfect time to sail and fly fish on the waterways of New Hampshire! You can take scenic cruises from Wolfeboro, sail on the Mount Washington across Lake Winnipesaukee, or board a cruise tour at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Combine learning, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of nature all in one.
-
Fly fishing is very popular in New Hampshire, with particular opportunities to hook warm water species like northern pike and bass. Head to the Saco River for early season fishing, especially the end of the spring run off or after a heavy rain. Another good spot is the Androscoggin River, where anglers try to achieve a “Grand Slam” by acquiring a landlocked salmon, a brown trout, a brook trout, and a rainbow trout.
-
Discover the New Hampshire specific covered bridges - another landmark of the region. Most of them date back to the 19th century, connecting some scenic market towns or leading to charming inns and cottages. Our favorites are the Cornish-Windsor (the longest in the United States!) and the Sentinel Pine (in the scenic Flume Gorge).
Scenic Fall
-
Head down the Kancamagus Highway for an exceptional scenic drive, taking in the fall foliage that New England is so famous for.
-
This is also a perfect time to enjoy New Hampshire’s lakes and take in more of the wildlife.
-
You cannot miss apple picking or visiting a maple sugar house as the seasons turn.
Winter Wonders
-
Skiing in New Hampshire resorts is both scenic and fun, with Cannon Mountain or Bretton Woods being some of the most popular destinations for downhill lovers.
-
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities also abound in the resorts.
-
New Hampshire also has some really good opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, particularly thanks to the work done by the Granite Backcountry Alliance, by creates and develops ski glades and makes it easier for people to develop in this sport. Learn more about them and the glades here - you’ll get to find lots of good destinations, including suggested routes, parking, and timings.
Carry a bit of New Hampshire with you when you sip your hot beverages
Keep Exploring New Hampshire at Home
Visiting New Hampshire can take longer than you’d imagine, despite this being the fifth smallest state in the United States. A “Switzerland of the USA”, its iconic granite formations and superb mountains will be a delight for walkers, climbers, and mountain bikers. New Hampshire is also full of quaint historic towns (with features such as the unique covered bridges), beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and a sprawling maple syrup industry (they produce close to 90,000 gallons a year).
Whether you’re exploring it for its history, its scenic beauty, or its unique wildlife, start your planning with our hand-illustrated map that connects people and place while bringing out the highlights of every corner of the state. Keep it to refer back to and mark your favorite discovery… or a planned future destination!
