11 New Hampshire Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List

What do you get when you cross the most beautiful state in the country with nice weather and lots to see? Easy! You get the perfect place to be if you love exploring the outdoors. New Hampshire offers wonderful outdoor recreation, but it’s also full of areas that we consider to be actual wonders of the world. They might not be in a world history book, but Granite Staters should add them to their bucket list this year! You won’t believe your eyes once you’ve seen these natural wonders in New Hampshire!

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Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, 251 Sculptured Rocks Rd, Hebron, NH 03241, USA

New Hampshire State Parks / Facebook

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area is comprised of 272 acres of beauty carved out by the Cockermouth River. The rocks are now smooth and soft, as if by magic. You can even swim in certain sections, but be ready for chilly water! If you've been searching for "natural wonders near me," start here!

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, USA

massmatt / Flickr

While Lake Winnipesaukee, on its own, is a beauty, it's the view of it and the Ossipee Mountains seen from Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough that we think is a true natural wonder. Because the view is so incredible no matter the weather, this might be a great activity if you're feeling restless but can't hit the trails for a hike.

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Isles of Shoals, Rye, NH, USA

Pauline Rosenberg / Flickr

The Isles of Shoals were discovered by Captain John Smith, who you might remember from the history of Pocahontas. Today they're one of the most beautiful warm-weather destinations in the state. Take a ferry or your own boat over to Star Island for a lovely day out.

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White Mountains, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA

Tim Sackton / Flickr

Head to the White Mountains to take in this 45,000-acre beauty! It's in one of the more remote parts of the state so you'll need a little dedication to the mission, but stay the course! Once you arrive there's so much exploring to be done.

Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846, USA

Ashok Boghani / Flickr

While not an entirely easy place to access, it's nice to know the Lakes of the Clouds are here! And for those who are more intrepid, it's worth the hike to reach it. Located about 5 thousand feet above sea level, there's a series of lakes between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe. When you arrive at the top you'll feel as though you've entered another realm. And maybe you have?

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Beaver Brook Falls, Colebrook, NH 03576, USA

Pernellevoyage / TripAdvisor

The beautiful Beaver Brook Falls feels like a lush getaway in the spring and summer. The 80-foot drop is impressive, but it's also fun to simply explore the area and enjoy a picnic lunch. The best part? You don't even need to hike to find it. You'll be able to see it right from the car!

Mount Washington, Mt Washington, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846, USA

Mt. Washington Auto Road / Flickr

Mount Washington is the highest summit in the Northeast at 6,288 feet! Drive to the summit to see New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and even Canada on a clear day! Native Americans considered this peak to be sacred. If you're ambitious there are multiple hiking routes to the top, but it's best to be experienced.

Umbagog Lake, United States

Steve Aldrich / Flickr

Lake Umbagog might be a new destination for some folks, but it's worth a trip no matter where you're based! With a 1998 founding date, this is a relatively new state park in New Hampshire. It's also a bit off the beaten path. You can find it in a remote corner of New Hampshire and Maine, about 3.5 hours north of Concord. But, the beauty is unmistakable! It's simply peak nature in New Hampshire.

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Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA

Shutterbug Fotos / Flickr

We love that Rocky Gorge is easily accessed from your car. The natural area features smooth pathways and a lovely bridge allowing visitors to see the river and waterfalls with minimal effort.

Emerald Pool, State Rte 113, Chatham, NH 03813, USA

Sean Munson / Flickr

Located just off the Baldface Loop Trail, the impressively clear and green Emerald Pool feels as though it should be in the tropics. But, lucky for us it's right here in New Hampshire!

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 1712 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA

Bryn Pinzgauer / Flickr

The beautiful Lost River Gorge might have had some help in the form of stairs and boardwalks, but the natural beauty is the reason. Formed by glaciers and the stream that makes its way through the area, this is one natural attraction that's designed for you to see!

Have you gotten to go to any of these beautiful places in New Hampshire? If so, which one was your favorite or which one are you looking forward to experiencing for yourself? Please let us know in the comments section. We would love to hear about your experiences!

Now that you’ve got a good start for natural wonders exploration, how about checking out those that were built by hand? Check out some of the most enchanting man-made wonders in New Hampshire! You will find some amazing gems all across the state. And if you’re looking for some outdoor gear to make your trip smooth, successful, and comfortable, then take a look at REI.