One of our favorite things about New Hampshire is hopping in the car to explore areas we’ve never seen before. Along the way, there are always fun attractions and things to see that we never knew existed. From restaurants to hiking trails to farms and shops, some of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire are right under your nose. Check them out on this road trip! You can find full driving directions to each stop with our handy map that we made you. If you are short on time, or you want to spend less time on the road, we made a shorter version so make sure to check out the shorter driving map. Either way, you are sure to have an amazing time exploring these hidden gems.
Google Maps
- Fuller Gardens, North Hampton
galfred / Flickr We’ll start our journey exploring a beautiful garden that often falls under the radar of people looking to explore this part of the state. While other people are headed to the water, explore this turn-of-the-century estate garden. This isn’t just a typical house garden this is the Fuller Gardens, lush greens and beautiful flowers abound. For more information make sure to go to the Fuller Gardens website to plan your trip. Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Ave, North Hampton, NH 03862, USA
- Frost Point, Rye
dchris / Flickr Not far from here is our next stop at Odiorne State Park. Head to the back to find a lovely little bit of sandy beach between the Gulf of Maine and a beautiful small harbor. You’ll be here at the start of your journey, but it’s a great place to see the sunset the next time you’re in the area. Even if you have to reverse the road trip or come back another day, the sunset is well worth it. For more about Frost Point and all that you can do there, make sure to visit the Odiorne State Park website. Frost Point, Rye, NH 03870, USA
- Madison Boulder, Madison
davidburn / Flickr At first glance you might wonder why we’re sending you to see a rock. But this isn’t just any rock! At 23 feet tall, 37 feet wide and 85 feet long, the Madison Boulder is believed to be the largest boulder moved by a glacier in North America. Even more impressive is that it weighs a whopping 12 million pounds! The Madison Boulder is located in Madison Boulder State Park; make sure to visit the website for more information. Learn more about this geological wonder we have here in New Hampshire. Madison Boulder, Madison, NH 03849, USA
- Shelburne Moriah Mountain, Shelburne
logicalrealist / Flickr Next up is a little more nature. This stop is best for those who love being active as the hike to the top is about 10 miles. If that’s not your thing, just keep driving. But we promise this view over both New Hampshire and Maine is truly gorgeous. Shelburne Moriah Mountain, Shelburne, NH 03581, USA
- The Yurts at Milan Hill State Park, Milan
VisitNH - New Hampshire / Facebook Milan Hill State Park might be on your radar, but did you know there are yurts that are perfect for an overnight stay? This is a great spot to break up the trip with some extra time surrounded by nature. We promise staying in the yurts is purely magical; waking up to the sound of birds all around you and the smell of pine trees should be enough to convince you. For more information and to book your night in one of the yurts, head on over to the Milan Hill State Park website. Milan Hill State Park, 72 Fire Tower Road, Milan, NH 03588, USA
- King Ravine, Randolph
logicalrealist / Flickr Located in the heart of the White Mountains, this spot is often overlooked by people who visit. You’re likely to have the area to yourself, which makes it even more special. It is so hidden you may just need to learn more about it before you go. Check out why this is a must-see hidden gem. King Ravine, Randolph, NH 03593, USA
- Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner
Melanie P / TripAdvisor You can learn more about New Hampshire’s original residents with a visit to this museum. While it’s not open year-round, it’s a great stop if you plan your trip for the summer or fall. Plan your trip ahead of time and visit the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum website for any more information. Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Rd, Warner, NH 03278, USA
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, Cornish
Putneypics / Flickr This stop takes us back into history to see the home and studio of famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who worked here early in the twentieth century. The gardens are stunning and offer views of Mount Ascutney in Vermont. Learn more about visiting Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, and make sure to visit the national park page for Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site as well. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
- Distant Hill Gardens, Walpole
Distant Hill Gardens / Flickr Another stop, another beautiful garden area to see. The last spot to visit on our road trip is this natural area, which is the result of hard work by a husband and wife team. The property looks like a professionally curated garden and also has tons of wildlife. Open to the public just once a month, you’ll want to plan your trip by going to the Distant Hill Gardens website to make sure you can visit. Be sure to also look into why this is such a beautiful place to explore. Distant Hill Gardens, 507 March Hill Rd, Walpole, NH 03608, USA
What do you consider the best hidden gems in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments!
Google Maps
galfred / Flickr
We’ll start our journey exploring a beautiful garden that often falls under the radar of people looking to explore this part of the state. While other people are headed to the water, explore this turn-of-the-century estate garden. This isn’t just a typical house garden this is the Fuller Gardens, lush greens and beautiful flowers abound. For more information make sure to go to the Fuller Gardens website to plan your trip.
Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Ave, North Hampton, NH 03862, USA
dchris / Flickr
Not far from here is our next stop at Odiorne State Park. Head to the back to find a lovely little bit of sandy beach between the Gulf of Maine and a beautiful small harbor. You’ll be here at the start of your journey, but it’s a great place to see the sunset the next time you’re in the area. Even if you have to reverse the road trip or come back another day, the sunset is well worth it. For more about Frost Point and all that you can do there, make sure to visit the Odiorne State Park website.
Frost Point, Rye, NH 03870, USA
davidburn / Flickr
At first glance you might wonder why we’re sending you to see a rock. But this isn’t just any rock! At 23 feet tall, 37 feet wide and 85 feet long, the Madison Boulder is believed to be the largest boulder moved by a glacier in North America. Even more impressive is that it weighs a whopping 12 million pounds! The Madison Boulder is located in Madison Boulder State Park; make sure to visit the website for more information. Learn more about this geological wonder we have here in New Hampshire.
Madison Boulder, Madison, NH 03849, USA
logicalrealist / Flickr
Next up is a little more nature. This stop is best for those who love being active as the hike to the top is about 10 miles. If that’s not your thing, just keep driving. But we promise this view over both New Hampshire and Maine is truly gorgeous.
Shelburne Moriah Mountain, Shelburne, NH 03581, USA
VisitNH - New Hampshire / Facebook
Milan Hill State Park might be on your radar, but did you know there are yurts that are perfect for an overnight stay? This is a great spot to break up the trip with some extra time surrounded by nature. We promise staying in the yurts is purely magical; waking up to the sound of birds all around you and the smell of pine trees should be enough to convince you. For more information and to book your night in one of the yurts, head on over to the Milan Hill State Park website.
Milan Hill State Park, 72 Fire Tower Road, Milan, NH 03588, USA
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, this spot is often overlooked by people who visit. You’re likely to have the area to yourself, which makes it even more special. It is so hidden you may just need to learn more about it before you go. Check out why this is a must-see hidden gem.
King Ravine, Randolph, NH 03593, USA
Melanie P / TripAdvisor
You can learn more about New Hampshire’s original residents with a visit to this museum. While it’s not open year-round, it’s a great stop if you plan your trip for the summer or fall. Plan your trip ahead of time and visit the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum website for any more information.
Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Rd, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Putneypics / Flickr
This stop takes us back into history to see the home and studio of famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who worked here early in the twentieth century. The gardens are stunning and offer views of Mount Ascutney in Vermont. Learn more about visiting Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, and make sure to visit the national park page for Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site as well.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
Distant Hill Gardens / Flickr
Another stop, another beautiful garden area to see. The last spot to visit on our road trip is this natural area, which is the result of hard work by a husband and wife team. The property looks like a professionally curated garden and also has tons of wildlife. Open to the public just once a month, you’ll want to plan your trip by going to the Distant Hill Gardens website to make sure you can visit. Be sure to also look into why this is such a beautiful place to explore.
Distant Hill Gardens, 507 March Hill Rd, Walpole, NH 03608, USA
This year-round campground in New Hampshire is one of America’s most incredible mountain spots! It’s a great hidden gem that’s totally worth checking out.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In New Hampshire November 14, 2022 Chris Dodge What are some of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire? Some more of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire: Saco River Trail - hidden behind the Attitash Mountain Resort Echo Lake State Park - Swimming area Moat Mountain - For some mineral mining Lost Pond - across from Pinkham Notch
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In New Hampshire
November 14, 2022
Chris Dodge
What are some of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire? Some more of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire: Saco River Trail - hidden behind the Attitash Mountain Resort Echo Lake State Park - Swimming area Moat Mountain - For some mineral mining Lost Pond - across from Pinkham Notch
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some more of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire:
Saco River Trail - hidden behind the Attitash Mountain Resort
Echo Lake State Park - Swimming area
Moat Mountain - For some mineral mining
Lost Pond - across from Pinkham Notch
