Tourists mostly like the lake beaches of New Hampshire, its waters, and hiking spots. If you’ve got kids accompanying you on the trip, you can explore the water parks. You can also embark on thrilling rides to the top of the mountains and tour some historical places.

So, this fabulous state in the United States of America has plenty of things in store for you. Whether it’s sailing, hiking, shopping, skiing, nature trips, or visiting colonial-era attractions, you’ll have plenty of things to do. Here are some of the fascinating attractions that you can explore while in New Hampshire:

1. Conway Scenic Railroad

Conway Scenic Railroad was started in the mid-1970s. It is located in the central part of North Conway Village. When it began its operations, it had tracks of 5 miles between Conway and North Conway villages. The train had converted boxcars with coach seating in them. In recent times, the railway offers round-trip excursions through Crawford Notch to Barlett.

The original line is still operational. The tracks used for round trips were once a part of the Marine Central Railroad’s famous Mountain Division. The State of New Hampshire owns the Mountain Division and the Conway Scenic Railroad owns the Conway line. You can opt for round trips ranging from 1 to 5 hours. All the routes have choices in seating, such as First Class Dining, First Class, and Coach.

2. Castle in the Clouds

Constructed in the early 20th century, this mountaintop estate of Tom and Oliver Plant is worth exploring. It is currently among the most visited New Hampshire attractions. The architectural beauty would create a lasting impression on you. So, it would hardly come as a surprise that it has hosted many family gatherings and romantic weddings.

During your visit to this estate, you can take a memorable trolley ride. It travels through the same path that the founders had taken in the 1900s. When you visit the art gallery, you’ll be in awe upon discovering beautiful artworks on display.

3. Hampton Beach

One of the favorite spots for relaxation in New Hampshire, Hampton Beach is lively and exciting. This beach gets many visitors, who arrive here to unwind and have fun. The blue waves rushing to the powdery sands are a delight to watch and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Among them are sandcastle competitions, shows, and beachside volleyball.

If you’re not interested in activities, just relax and soak up the sun. This beach also hosts plenty of other events throughout the year, which draw many locals and tourists. You can also have some fantastic dining and shopping experiences in the village district.

4. Mount Washington Auto Road

This road starts from 1,527 feet at the base and goes to 6,145 feet at the peak. Mount Washington Auto Road is one of America’s steepest unguarded roads. It is worth the drive, as the road takes you through the lush green New Hampshire sights. However, you’ll need a car that can handle the climb pretty well. Another important thing to remember is to ensure that the car is maintained properly.

Don’t forget to check the brake, as this is something you’ll need the most. The drive on this road would be particularly hard on the vehicle’s brakes. Also check the oil and gas of your car and make sure everything is fine. The Mount Washington Auto Road also requires you to pay a toll. It follows a pricing chart with specific charges for different age groups.

Guided tours are available for those who are not confident in their ability to drive on a steep mountain road. You should only attempt it yourself if you’ve had a good experience on such roads before. There are thousands of individuals who take this road daily.

It’s not just the ride that makes the trip unforgettable. You’ll also get to witness some charming scenery on the way. So take some time to look around and enjoy it all.

5. Lakes Region

From excellent shopping spots to great dining opportunities, this lakeside community is a must-visit attraction. It hosts some of the spectacular holiday events such as Kellerhaus Yuletide Open House and The Gift of Lights.

Lakes Region would be perfect if you’re looking for a place for your family to unwind throughout the trip. Couples can also choose this place to spend some romantic moments with each other amid gorgeous surroundings.

5. Polar Caves Park

In the White Mountains, you can visit the Polar Caves Park to cool off on a hot summer day. This park has nine caves of granite that were formed from glacial activity. You can embark on a self-guided tour inside these caves. They have stairs and walkways that are easily accessible.

The name of this place comes from the ability of these caves to preserve snow during the summers. This happens owing to the cool atmosphere in their interiors. This renowned attraction in New Hampshire was opened up for tourism in 1922. It remains popular with the tourists even today. There are many activities you can try while visiting these caves.

Among them is rock-climbing, which can be enjoyed even by the kids. The best place for this activity would be the Glacial Rock Garden. It has just the right stuff to test your climbing skills, such as giant boulders. For kids, this park offers nature trails and mining games.

7. Kancamagaus Highway

You’ll get the chance to see the most beautiful drives while riding along the Kancamagus Highway. Open all year long, the locals call it ‘The Kanc’. This national scenic byway extends from Lincoln to Conway for 56 miles along the NH Route 112. The highway would take you through the White Mountains, giving you the opportunity to take in the scenic views.

The best time to take a drive on this highway is autumn. This is the time when the thick foliage goes through a transformation. As a result, the scenery is filled with bright hues of yellows, reds, and greens. Before embarking on your drive, do check out the weather. Under certain conditions, the route closes occasionally, especially during winter.

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Biking enthusiasts are always on the hunt for an ideal place to enjoy their favorite activity. New Hampshire is one of such places, where your cycling trip would be filled with memorable moments. There are hundreds of trails to be taken in this American state.

They are located within White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire State Parks. If you need a friendly advice while cycling in this state, just stop by any of the bike shops. You’ll get to know the best off-road routes and local cycling paths. Here are some of them:

1. Kingman Farm

The trails at Kingman Farm are maintained well for all levels of bikers to have fun cycling. It also doubles as a location for training the mountain biking team of the University of New Hampshire. This mild trail also gives advanced riders the chance to push themselves.

They can benefit from the single track trails for some challenging rides. However, it’s the beginners who would be full of appreciation for this trail. It offers scenic views, gentle paths, and good diversity in trails.

2. Beaver Brook

Another trail that appeals to the beginners, Beaver Brook is also a perfect spot for all bikers. It mostly offers a smooth ride and has wider double tracks that are great for new cyclists. Advanced mountain bikers can take the single track paths that are rockier and challenging.

3. Bear Brook State Park

It has been recognized as the ‘hands down’ best place to ride in New Hampshire by Singletracks.com. The park has more than 40 miles of mountain biking trails. Both beginners and experts would enjoy the various challenges that they offer. There are single and double tracks winding through scenic woods. They are full of old town remnants, which include cemeteries, dams, stone foundations, and chimneys.

4. Moose Brook State Park

You’ll find many outdoor recreational opportunities in this park that spans 87 acres. Flowing through Moose Brook State Park are the Moose and Peabody rivers. They offer fantastic fishing opportunities and picnic spots that are located by the waterside.

Those interested in cycling can find excellent single track trails in addition to the dirt roads. Also located in this park is a well-known campground. It has over 55 sites, which gives you the chance to unwind after your biking adventure.

5. Drummer Hill and Goose Pond

You might get a bit muddy while at Goose Pond, but you can take a cool dip in the waters. This will help you clean yourself. The most extensive single track destination in Keene, this spot is for both intermediate and expert riders. Of course, by the time you return to the city you’ll be muddy again.

There are unimproved double track trails that stretch to 13 miles. They’re ideal for beginners, but such individuals may not have the smoothest terrain on these trails.

6. Eastside Trail Network

The Eastside Trail Network would be a delight for adventurous mountain bikers. It features fast-paced and thrilling runs over single tracks. You’ll encounter swooping turns, wooden bridges, and exciting descents. If you’re a rider of a beginner or intermediate level, you’ll need to maintain a slower pace.

Bikers will get to savor amazing views while on the trails. They can also visit some archaeological and historical sites in between their rides.

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All you need to do is assess your abilities and choose an appropriate hike. There are trails for everyone in New Hampshire. However, you need to consider the safety and weather warnings as well. After all, you’d certainly want your hiking experience to be memorable. So, here are some of the excellent hiking trails in New Hampshire for you:

1. Tuckerman Ravine

This ravine draws many tourists throughout the year, especially in the spring season. This is the time when daring hikers can test their skills and abilities. Rugged and demanding, this hike stretches to a little over 8 miles. If you can take up the challenge, it will prove to be a rewarding one. The dramatic landscapes you get to witness along the way are simply amazing.

The trail would lead you to the summit of Mount Washington. It is essential that you come prepared as the trail can take you to greater heights. There can be instant changes in weather as you reach the top. Food, water, and other supplies are available at the visitors center during summers. This center is located on top of the peak.

2. Franconia Ridge Loop

This hiking trail was included in the list of the world’s best hikes in a National Geographic article. It appeared in the list of these 20 dream trails for a good reason. The challenging round-trip trek extends to nine miles. Hikers get to traverse this loop from Little Haystack Mountain.

This is undoubtedly among the best and most popular hikes that New England region has to offer. It also rewards you with awe-inspiring views of the White Mountains.

3. Arethusa Falls

This 1.5-mile trek would lead you to the tallest waterfall of New Hampshire. You must be careful at certain places on the trail. They’ll require some careful navigation over the roots of the trees. This spectacular hiking trail is particularly favored by the young hikers.

4. Champney Falls Trail

You’ll get to enjoy 360-degree views of the entire region upon hiking this trail. It is an 8.5-mile route that takes hikers to the top of magnificent peaks. Visible from miles away is a cone-shaped top of one of the peaks in the Whites.

5. Crawford Path

This is the oldest hiking trail in the United States, which has been continuously maintained. Crawford Path was created over two centuries ago, but it still offers the adventure envisioned by its founders. The rugged one-way terrain runs a little more than 8 miles.

Along the way, you’ll encounter steep ascents, boulder-strewn peaks, and plateaus. There are spots where you can stop and enjoy the panoramic views before hiking again to reach Mount Washington.

6. Flume Gorge Trail

The Flume Gorge is one of the most charming natural attractions in New Hampshire. It has an easy walk of 2 miles that leads you through pine woods. You’ll get to witness cascading falls and 90-foot cliffs. A primordial forest’s cool dampness also awaits you on this trail. The Flume Gorge trail also gives you the opportunity to explore the cliff-hugging boardwalks at Mount Liberty’s base.

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