New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful states in the country. From the landscapes to the people to all the fun activities, if you can’t see it or do it here we like to believe it’s not necessary! Of all of these things to see and do, we love the ones that occur naturally right in our own backyards. And an added bonus is when they’re free. For some ideas on how to explore the natural wonders here in New Hampshire take a look at some of our picks.
- Arethusa Falls, White Mountains
boblinsdell / Flickr With a 140-foot drop, this beauty is New Hampshire’s largest waterfall. And despite feeling like an exotic find, it’s actually accessible via the out-and-back Bemis Brook Trail which is about 2.8-miles. Learn more about how to find it here.
- Lake Winnipesaukee, Moultonborough
momentsnotice / Flickr While there’s no arguing that this lake might be one of the most notable natural areas in New Hampshire, it can’t possibly be left off the list. The lake is fun for summer adventures, but to truly take it in head to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough for the view over the lake that includes the Ossipee Mountains.
- Isles of Shoals, Gulf of Maine
Pauline Rosenberg / Flickr The only thing that will cost you money to see this beauty is the boat ride to get there if you’d prefer to explore it versus simply seeing it from the shore. The islands are said to have been found by Captain John Smith, whose name goes hand-in-hand with the story of Pocahontas.
- Lower Falls, Albany
rickpilot_2000 / Flickr The photo might not look like much, but we assure you that this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. The water flows over the rocks and after thousands of years, they’ve become remarkably smooth. So smooth, in fact, that they make the perfect waterslide! Spend the afternoon splashing in the pool after slipping and sliding your way down this fun natural wonder. To learn more about how to visit check out this link.
- Emerald Pool, Pinkham’s Grant
logicalrealist / Flickr This little spot is almost so magical it’s hard to believe it’s real. Imagine waters that rival those in the Caribbean without having to hop on a plane. This emerald-green pool can be accessed by hiking the Baldface-Loop Trail on Baldface Mountain. Learn more about ithere.
- Cathedral Ledge, North Conway
boblinsdell / Flickr While Cathedral Ledge is actually located within Cathedral Ledge State Park here you’ll need to pay a small entry fee, you can see it from afar. You can see it from the ground, but it can also be seen from Echo Lake. The best views do seem to be from state parks, but consider it a donation to our local lands.
- Beaver Brook Falls, Colebrook
Pernellevoyage / TripAdvisor We especially love this natural wonder because it can be viewed without even getting out of the car. The 80-foot waterfall is part of a pretty area that can be enjoyed with a picnic lunch. To learn more check out this article.
Have you visited any of these spots? If you have and can share some tips for the best times and ways to explore, let us know in the comments. And if we’ve left anything off the list, be sure to let us know.
boblinsdell / Flickr
With a 140-foot drop, this beauty is New Hampshire’s largest waterfall. And despite feeling like an exotic find, it’s actually accessible via the out-and-back Bemis Brook Trail which is about 2.8-miles. Learn more about how to find it here.
momentsnotice / Flickr
While there’s no arguing that this lake might be one of the most notable natural areas in New Hampshire, it can’t possibly be left off the list. The lake is fun for summer adventures, but to truly take it in head to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough for the view over the lake that includes the Ossipee Mountains.
Pauline Rosenberg / Flickr
The only thing that will cost you money to see this beauty is the boat ride to get there if you’d prefer to explore it versus simply seeing it from the shore. The islands are said to have been found by Captain John Smith, whose name goes hand-in-hand with the story of Pocahontas.
rickpilot_2000 / Flickr
The photo might not look like much, but we assure you that this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. The water flows over the rocks and after thousands of years, they’ve become remarkably smooth. So smooth, in fact, that they make the perfect waterslide! Spend the afternoon splashing in the pool after slipping and sliding your way down this fun natural wonder. To learn more about how to visit check out this link.
logicalrealist / Flickr
This little spot is almost so magical it’s hard to believe it’s real. Imagine waters that rival those in the Caribbean without having to hop on a plane. This emerald-green pool can be accessed by hiking the Baldface-Loop Trail on Baldface Mountain. Learn more about ithere.
While Cathedral Ledge is actually located within Cathedral Ledge State Park here you’ll need to pay a small entry fee, you can see it from afar. You can see it from the ground, but it can also be seen from Echo Lake. The best views do seem to be from state parks, but consider it a donation to our local lands.
Pernellevoyage / TripAdvisor
We especially love this natural wonder because it can be viewed without even getting out of the car. The 80-foot waterfall is part of a pretty area that can be enjoyed with a picnic lunch. To learn more check out this article.
For another budget-friendly way to appreciate the state head to Manchester where you’ll find this whimsical hidden alley in New Hampshire filled with purr-fect street art!
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Address: Arethusa Falls, Livermore, NH 03812, USAAddress: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, USAAddress: Isles of Shoals, United StatesAddress: Lower Falls, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USAAddress: Emerald Pool, Pinkham’s Grant, NH 03846, USAAddress: Cathedral Ledge Road, Cathedral Ledge Rd, Conway, NH, USAAddress: Beaver Brook Falls, Colebrook, NH 03576, USA
