The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In New Hampshire
By Ken MacGray|Published May 10, 2023
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Ken MacGray
Author
Hey! I'm a freelance writer and guidebook author. I've authored "New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide", serve as editor of Appalachian Mountain Club's "Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide", and and am co-editor of the "White Mountain Guide", also for AMC. I'm currently beginning work on the 6th Edition of AMC's Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, which will be published in 2025. I live in southern New Hampshire and can usually be found wandering throughout the state's mountains and forests.
The Granite State’s natural beauty isn’t a secret but it often needs to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. It’s something that I value so much that I moved here from another state so that I could be closer to the scenic landscapes, mountains, and forests. As we drive the state’s highways, it’s easy to miss some of the sights as we travel past. Here’s a two-day trip that encompasses some of the best outdoor adventures and activities in NH that allows for going at a slower pace to take it all in.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With about an hour of driving time each way (minus the time to get to the starting point), this day trip allows for plenty of other hours to enjoy the stops and attractions along the way.
Hike at Green Hills Preserve
We will start this adventure off with a short hike at Green Hills Preserve.
The first stop of the day will be to get the blood moving. The Nature Conservancy's Green Hills Preserve is a 5,500-acre tract of protected land just minutes from hustle and bustle of nearby Conway. The relatively easy 2.1-mile hike to the summit of Peaked Mountain opens up extensive views of the surrounding region.
If there's time, another short hike can be made to Black Cap, the highest point within the preserve. This bare, ledgy peak offers excellent views for little effort.
Next, a short drive up the road leads to a beautiful waterfall. These cascades are a must-see attraction, especially at times of high water. Diana's Baths are a series of scenic waterfalls along Lucy Brook. This historic site within the White Mountain National Forest was once home to a 19th-century sawmill. The total drop of the falls is about 75 feet and an easy pedestrian path leads 0.6 miles from the parking lot on West Side Road.
Who is Diana? Originally, the cascades were thought to be home to evil water spirits by the Sokokis Indians. In the mid-1850s, a guest at the Mt. Washington House in North Conway gave them the name Diana's Baths, presumably after the Roman goddess of the countryside.
Traveling north along U.S. Route 302, you will pass through the spectacular mountain pass known as Crawford Notch. The U-shaped valley was gouged out by a retreating glacier during the last ice age. It is home to some of the state's most beautiful scenery. There are many places along the highway to enjoy some time along the Saco River and to take in the sights of the high mountain ridges that line both sides of the notch.
This will be the turnaround point of this trip. Located in Bethlehem, Rek-Lis Brewing Company is the perfect spot to break up the day for some food and drink. The brewery has a rotating roster of up to 24 hand-crafted beers and also features an ongoing schedule of live entertainment.
Pair your favorite beer with one of their tasty menu items. Grab an appetizer or two, or go for a whole meal. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options are also available.
Spend the night in Bretton Woods
Time for some rest and relaxation before heading back the next day.
Backtracking a little bit to Bretton Woods along U.S. Route 302, this condo rental provides three levels of living that make for a comfortable overnight stay. If visiting in winter, a custom wood-burning fireplace keeps things toasty on those cold nights.
My favorite part of these outdoor adventures and activities in NH is the whole thing! On the way home, take your time and check out more sights that you didn’t see on day one. There’s certainly no shortage of them! If this one wasn’t enough, here are some other New Hampshire trips to discover.
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