20 Must-Do Summer Adventures in New Hampshire

One of the biggest draws to New Hampshire are the White Mountains, which are attractive to hikers and backpackers with their rugged terrain, endless beauty, and 4,000-footer status. While any visit to New Hampshire must include a trip into the White Mountain National Forest, you also won’t want to miss the countless other attractions throughout the state. Take in some of New Hampshire’s interesting natural and cultural history, and on hot summer days, learn to surf at the beach or cool off beside a waterfall. Whether you’re hiking solo, exploring with friends, or looking for a family adventure, New Hampshire has so much to do, you may have a hard time choosing. Here are 20 must-do activities to check out while in the Granite State this summer:

Beaches

• Jenness State Beach: Great beginner beach for surfing.
• Hampton Beach State Park: Popular, family-friendly beach.
• Seabrook Dunes and Beach: Less crowded than nearby beaches.

Waterfalls

• Purgatory Falls: Three waterfalls!
• True’s Ledges: Popular swimming hole.
• Franconia Falls: Easy, scenic hike with a swimming hole.
• Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area: Short walk to several waterfalls and cascades.

State parks

• Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science Center: Hike, bike, explore military bunkers and natural history.
• Weeks State Park: Mountaintop museum and hiking trails.
• Umbagog Lake State Park: Camping and paddling, nearby wildlife refuge, popular for moose viewing. 
• Crawford Notch State Park: History, waterfalls, hiking trails, gorgeous views.
• Franconia Notch State Park: Gift shops, a campground, hiking trails, bike paths, a lake, and incredible views.

Mountain hikes

• Mount Sunapee: Hiking trail, adventure park, summit yoga.
• Mount Chocorua via Champney Brook Trail: Intermediate hike, rock scrambling, waterfalls. 
• Lakes of the Clouds Hut + Mount Washington: Strenuous hike, backcountry hut, state high point, big vistas.

Other attractions

• Northern Recreational Rail Trail: 58-mile multi-use path, historic sites, wildlife.
• Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves: Family-friendly caves for exploration, hiking trails, views.
• Madame Sherri’s Castle: Culturally significant, very short walk.
• Castle in the Clouds: Mountaintop historic mansion, Lakes Region view.
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Live animal exhibits, family friendly.
• Peirce Island: Portsmouth park on the Piscataqua River, playground, picnic area.