Welcome to New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a quintessential New England state, ripe with natural beauty, quaint towns and tidy farms and orchards. Although only 18 miles of Atlantic Coast are found here, the ocean played a major role in the state’s development, fostering the English fishermen who first settled the state in the 1600s and providing a port for sawmills and shipyards that grew along the coast in later years.

Towns such as Portsmouth and Dover preserve colonial history for eager visitors. Inland, the White Mountains jut into the sky, attracting scenery seekers, hikers and skiers. At the mountains feet, the landscape is speckled with sapphire lakes, the largest of which is Lake Winnipesaukee (the sixth-largest natural lake in the nation). From the spring maple season to the colorful vistas of fall, New Hampshire embodies everything special about New England.

Great Outdoors

A perennial recreation attraction, the White Mountains dominate the skylines of northern New Hampshire. Start your tour of this spectacular range with a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which crosses over the undulating terrain. Fall is a favorite time of year to visit, as the color-rich trees seem to pulsate with vibrant hues. The roadway takes visitors to a number of scenic stops, each with jaw dropping views. Visit Sabbaday Falls to marvel at cascading waters that tumble down a 45-foot drop.

Particularly attractive is Rocky Gorge, home to a picturesque footbridge over the pristine waters of the Swift River. To reach new heights, journey to the summit of Mount Washington, the state’s tallest peak. Leave your vehicle in the RV park and take the historic cog railway for a vintage ride up the top, or drive up Mount Washington Auto Road. To learn about weather, check out the fascinating Mount Washington Observatory, a meteorological observation station that monitors the extreme temperatures and winds of the peak.

Cities and Towns

Situated at the state’s northeast border with Maine, Portsmouth is a vibrant seaport town. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time with a visit to Market Square, where colorful historic buildings line narrow streets, and quaint shops and cozy restaurants greet customers at every turn.

Head to pretty Prescott Park for relaxing views of ships gliding along the Piscataqua River. History comes alive at the 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor museum composed of restored buildings that date as far back as the 1600s. Friendly guides dressed in period clothing share insights into New Hampshire’s colonial days.

Granite State Flavors

March is Maple Month in New Hampshire. During the early spring weeks, dozens of sugarhouses host special events to celebrate this regional treat. Visitors can take horse-drawn carriage tours of modern and historic farms, and you can even try your hand at tapping for syrup. Warm donuts, fluffy pancakes and snow — yes, snow — topped with fresh maple syrup are featured on the menu.