Best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts

New Hampshire is an outdoor aficionado’s heaven. From the Seacoast to the North Country, every corner of this state is filled to the brim with infinite opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The Granite State is rich with diverse terrain, including everything from picturesque mountains and rugged shorelines, rushing rivers, and countless lakes. Many who visit it are so taken by the stunning landscapes of this New England state that they take up permanent residence someplace within its borders. If you recognize yourself in this description and are planning to move to Granite State, congratulations! A life of adventure awaits you. We at Preferred Moving & Storage have a list of the best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts to help you choose where to go.

Two women enjoying the view from the top of a mountain in New Hampshire
This gorgeous New England state has so much to offer to all nature lovers.

7 best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts

New Hampshire is undoubtedly full of adventures, no matter the season or the weather. This is why so many people are moving to NH from MA. We picked some of the absolute favorites of outdoor enthusiasts to assemble this list.

North Conway

If you’re a hiker, North Conway is the ideal New Hampshire town for you. With over 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest, this town is an outdoor enthusiast’s fantasy. The notable Mount Washington stretches across North Conway’s town limits. But there’s more than just hiking for outdoor lovers here. With a soaring height of 6,288 feet, skiers and adventurers alike would enjoy this beautiful town. During the summer you can drive the auto road, which is an adventure in itself. Besides Mount Washington, Cranmore Mountain draws thousands of tourists every year.

All in all, North Conway has the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities. But it is also one of the prettiest mountain towns in New England. You’ll find everything people love about New Hampshire in this picture-perfect town. If you’re considering moving here from somewhere around Chester, as many did, the best movers Chester NH has to offer can help you.

Jaffrey

Jaffrey is the heart of outdoor life in the Monadnock region. Snuggled right at the bottom of the popular Grand Monadnock Mountain, it attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Committing to hiking the 3,165-ft to the top is worth it for the breathtaking views of thousands of acres of protected highlands. With beauty like this, it’s no wonder Mount Monadnock was designated a National Natural Landmark.

Jaffrey’s rolling countryside, several glimmering lakes, and charming village greens represent the perfect location for any outdoor excursion. Pair its astonishing natural beauty paired with its historical charm, and you’ll realize why this picturesque town in Chesire County is a beautiful place to live and vacation in.

Snow-covered Flume Gorge, Lincoln, New Hampshire
The amazing Flume Gorge attracts many outdoor enthusiasts.

Lincoln

This wilderness-loving town is perfect for you if you love hiking, biking, skiing, and ice castles. Within its borders, you’ll find White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park. While visiting the beautiful Franconia Notch State Park be sure to stop by Echo Lake for a swim. From there you can hop on the Appalachian Trail to start a thrilling hiking trip. Also, you can visit the famous Flume Gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. It’s a scenic natural chasm with hiking trails to relish the natural beauty. And if you wish to participate in alternative outdoor activities, Lincoln is also home to the annual Highland Games and Festival. Even outdoor devotees from the rest of NH choose to move here with the help of movers Bedford NH.

Hanover is one of the best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts

Hanover lies in the panoramic Upper Connecticut River Valley, on the western side of New Hampshire. Located next to the border of Vermont, Hanover has accessibility to not only the White Mountains in NH but the Green Mountains in VT as well. A prosperous community, thanks to Dartmouth College, Hanover’s potential as an outdoor playground knows no bounds. If you’re an avid hiker, then strap on your boots and head to this charming town where you can follow the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy canoeing and kayaking down the winding river. 

Hanover also has a lively downtown area, with tons of restaurants, local shops, and nightlife. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking for a vacation getaway, or someone who wants to put down roots in a town with a superb balance of the great outdoors and local amenities.

Woman taking a picture of the view on top of a mountain
The White Mountains outdoors are perfect for recreation, scenic activities, and even some challenging activities.

Meredith

Meredith, the gateway to the White Mountains, is considered the heart of the Lakes Region. Surrounded by a myriad of lakes and ponds, this small town is home to an unlimited number of outdoor pastime options. Water sports, boat rides, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, golf are all very popular here. Fisherman, in particular, would love this town, as the local Rotary Club holds a massive ice fishing derby each year.

Pittsburg

Another fisherman’s paradise is the township of Pittsburg. It lies at the northern tip of New Hampshire, in the very heart of the Great North Woods Region. But there’s more to here than just fish. The town is also a winter sports enthusiast’s utopia. Renowned for its snowmobile trails, Pittsburg has also been anointed as the snowmobiling capital of New England. In addition to winter sports, the miles and miles of rivers and streams in Pittsburg offer some of the best camping sites you’ll find across the country.

The last on our list of the best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts is Rye

Rye is a quaint seaside town that stretches along the New Hampshire coastline. Because of its location, there’s plenty of outdoor aquatic fun to be had here. Its beaches are perfect whether you’re into stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or just a family looking to relax. and surely, there are a few beaches yet to be heard about, so why not go explore? You can also find fun running trails in the nearby Odiorne Point State Park.

Every town on this list of the best places in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts also offers an incredible quality of life unlike anywhere else in the country. Living in Granite State means endless opportunities for adventure and new experiences.