15 Incredible Natural Wonders In New Hampshire That Defy Explanation
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Jasmine Vieau
Author
New Hampshire truly is a breathtaking destination. The landscapes are incredible – from the towering heights of Mount Washington to the enchanting Flume Gorge and the mysterious Lost River. Nature really outdoes itself here, creating these spots that leave everyone – visitors and locals alike – just in awe. Let’s check out these captivating landscapes and experience all the natural wonders in New Hampshire – a definite must-visit on my bucket list!
Best Gorges & Canyons In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful gorges. From the iconic Flume Gorge to the lesser-known Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves and Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, these natural wonders offer a unique experience. Each gorge features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests that keep visitors coming back time and again.
1. Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
If you're looking for a natural attraction in New Hampshire, the Flume is definitely worth checking out. It's an 800-foot natural gorge with towering granite walls that are 70 to 90 feet apart, located at the base of Mount Liberty. You can take the two-mile Flume Trail loop, which starts at the Flume Building and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is home to diverse flora, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
The Flume has a rich history that dates back to 1808 when it was first discovered. Fun fact: the Flume's history includes a massive boulder and the formation of Avalanche Falls in 1883. Geologically speaking, it's quite interesting as well. The area dates back 200 million years to the Jurassic Period, with basalt dikes and glacial influence.
One of the state's oldest covered bridges, the Flume Covered Bridge, spans the Pemigewasset River. There are also plenty of other attractions in the area, such as Table Rock, Avalanche Falls, Liberty Gorge, Sentinel Pine Bridge and Pool, Wolf Den, and Glacial Boulders. All of these add to the area's allure and make the Flume a condensed yet fascinating journey through New Hampshire's geological and historical wonders.
2. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 1712 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA
Have you ever been to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in New Hampshire? It's located in Kinsman Notch, and it's an amazing testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. As you stroll along the wooden boardwalk trail, you'll be enchanted by the Lost River that gracefully winds through the gorge. You'll also encounter jagged rock walls, colossal boulders, and glacial boulder caves scattered with rocks. All along the way, you'll be serenaded by the soothing melody of cascading waterfalls.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can venture further to discover the Forest Adventure Trail, a whimsical treehouse, and a suspension bridge. And if you want an elevated perspective, you can climb into the Giant Bird Nest and marvel at the expansive forest stretching as far as the eye can see.
With a mile of boardwalk trail and 11 intriguing boulder caves, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves promises a captivating journey through a landscape shaped by nature's grandeur. It's definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area!
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3. Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, 1823 NH-9, Chesterfield, NH 03443, USA
Are you familiar with the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area in New Hampshire? It's a gorgeous 13-acre state park located along Route 9 that is home to a stunning rocky gorge with waterfalls along the Wilde Brook. If you're looking for a peaceful and serene place to relax and unwind, this park could be just the ticket! Visitors can enjoy picnicking facilities, a seasonal visitor center, and a 0.7-mile trail that runs along both sides of the brook.
Did you know that the park owes its existence to a local farmer named George White? He purchased the gorge back in 1936 to protect it from logging activities, and his conservation efforts have preserved this beautiful natural area for generations to come. So, if you're ever in Chesterfield, be sure to check out the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area and experience the wonders of nature for yourself.
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Best Caves In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to some of the most fascinating caves. Among them, Polar Caves and Big Rock Caves are two of the most popular destinations for those looking to experience the beauty and intrigue of New Hampshire’s underground and above-ground world. Let’s take a closer look at these two caves and discover why they are the best caves in New Hampshire.
4. Polar Caves
Polar Caves Park, 705 Rumney Rte 25, Rumney, NH 03266, USA
Located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Polar Caves Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction that boasts a collection of granite caves formed by boulders during the last ice age. The park offers visitors a range of fun activities, including nine caves, a massive boulder maze, an animal park, and a mining game designed for kids.
The caves themselves have been given creative names such as Polar Pinch, The Ice Cave, and The Lemon Squeeze. They are well-illuminated and easy to navigate, thanks to the walkways and stairs provided, which make them a popular destination among tourists of all ages.
5. Big Rock Caves
Big Rock Caves, Albany, NH 03818, USA
If you haven't been to Big Rock Caves before, you're missing out! It's a natural feature situated in the valley of Whitin Brook, accessible only after climbing over Mt Mexico. The cave was formed by massive boulders and is particularly famous for its triangular opening beneath them.
Best Waterfalls In New Hampshire
New Hampshire boasts some incredible waterfalls – among the best are Arethusa Falls, Sabbaday Falls, and Beaver Brook Falls. Arethusa, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state, stands in the White Mountains. Sabbaday Falls, easily reached on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, provides geological insights. Beaver Brook Falls, an 80-foot cascade in Colebrook, offers roadside views and the convenience of an official Scenic Area. Each of these waterfalls contributes to the enchanting natural beauty of New Hampshire.
6. Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
Did you know that there's this gorgeous waterfall in the White Mountains of New Hampshire called Arethusa Falls? It's the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state. Discovered by Edward Tuckerman in 1875, it's named after the nymph Arethusa.
The falls, about 140 feet tall, are a must-see in Crawford Notch State Park. Just take the 1.5-mile-long Arethusa Falls Trail from U.S. Route 302 – you won't be disappointed!
7. Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
If you're cruising along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, you've got to check out Sabbaday Falls. You can get there with a quick 15-minute walk from a paved parking lot on a gravel trail, with a handy stone staircase and walkway right by the falls. The falls themselves present a picturesque series of cascades within a narrow flume. To deepen the experience, interpretive panels provide insights into the falls' geological features. It's a popular spot worth the stop!
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8. Beaver Brook Falls
Beaver Brook Falls Wayside, 432 NH-145, Colebrook, NH 03576, USA
Over in Colebrook, New Hampshire, on NH 145, you've got Beaver Brook Falls – an impressive 80-foot cascade that's impossible to miss from the roadside wayside. Cruising along, you can't help but be wowed by the sheer size of these dribbling horsetails. For a closer look, check out the trails on both sides of the brook – it's a hit with visitors looking for a scenic spot.
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Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In New Hampshire
Explore the best nature spots in New Hampshire with vast views at Cathedral Ledge, Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, and Abenaki Tower Overlook. From the White Mountains to vibrant rolling hills and picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee, each location offers dazzling views that capture the essence of the Granite State.
9. Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge Lookout, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
The journey to the top of Cathedral Ledge is a thrilling experience as visitors traverse a mile-long auto road that culminates at the summit of this magnificent natural wonder towering at 700 feet. From the top, the panoramic vistas of the Saco River Valley and the majestic White Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking.
While the auto road is a convenient way to reach the peak, visitors can also opt for the more adventurous route and hike up the trails at Echo Lake State Park, which offers an equally rewarding experience. A newly developed accessible hiking trail takes visitors to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking the valley, providing a perfect backdrop for some memorable moments.
For those who crave an adrenaline rush, the nearby White Horse and Cathedral ledges are popular spots for rock and ice-climbing enthusiasts.
10. Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, Conway, NH 03818, USA
I wanted to share with you a fantastic spot for scenic views, which is particularly beautiful during peak fall foliage - the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to admire nature.
The overlook offers spectacular views of several peaks, including Mt. Tremont, Owl Cliff, and Bear Mountain. You can also see the Sugar Hill itself from here. There is a parking area, a small pavilion with historical information, and a photo identifying which peaks one can view from this overlook.
11. Abenaki Tower Overlook
Abenaki Tower, NH-109, Melvin Village, NH 03850, USA
The Abenaki Tower is a must-see local attraction with its distinctive wooden structure and stunning lake views, easily accessible with just a five-minute walk. Its fascinating history dates back to 1923, and from the top of its enclosed wooden cab, visitors can relish epic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range.
Best Rock Formations in New Hampshire
Get ready to rock in New Hampshire. Check out The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park, a cool pothole shaped by water over thousands of years. And don’t miss Madison Boulder, North America’s giant granite rock. These formations are like nature’s own sculptures, telling stories that you’ve got to see to believe. It’s time for a rocky adventure in New Hampshire.
12. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
The Basin, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
Created 25,000 years ago during the Ice Age's end, The Basin in the Pemigewasset River is a remarkable 30-foot-wide and 15-foot-deep pothole. Originating from the melting glacier in Franconia Notch, water erosion sculpted the sturdy granite bedrock, resulting in smooth sidewalls through the swirling action of sand and stones.
Revered as "The Old Man's Foot," this site left an indelible impression on naturalist Henry David Thoreau during his 1839 visit to the White Mountains. Thoreau hailed it as "perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England." Easily accessible from both directions, The Basin features picnic tables, walking paths, and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
13. Madison Boulder
Madison Boulder, Madison, NH 03849, USA
Madison Boulder Natural Area is home to North America's largest glacial erratic and one of the biggest globally, named Madison Boulder. This massive granite rock is a whopping 83 feet long, 23 feet high, 37 feet wide, and weighs over 5,000 tons!
The state of New Hampshire snagged this 17-acre gem in 1946. Fast forward to 1970, and it earned the title of a National Natural Landmark from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Why? Because it's a prime example of how an ice sheet can yank out giant chunks of fractured bedrock and move them around like it's no big deal. Recent estimates put this boulder's age at around 14,000 years – talk about ancient coolness!
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Unique Natural Wonders in New Hampshire
Get ready to explore the unique natural wonders of New Hampshire. From the towering heights of Mount Washington, the biggest peak in the Northeast, to the fascinating Isles of Shoals off the East Coast. Whether you’re into rugged landscapes or digging into some fascinating history, these places have it all.
14. Mount Washington
Mount Washington, Mt Washington, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846, USA
Did you know that Mount Washington is the highest peak in northeastern North America, standing tall at an impressive 6,288 feet? It was first discovered by Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524 and climbed by settler Darby Field in 1642. Nowadays, the summit attracts over a quarter of a million visitors from all over the world every year!
Abel and Ethan Allen Crawford established the first footpath there in 1819, which is now the oldest continuously maintained in the United States. Adding to its historical significance, the Mount Washington Auto Road, which opened in 1861, was the first-ever man-made tourist attraction in the United States. And in 1869, the Mount Washington Cog Railway followed suit, becoming the world's first rack and pinion railroad.
15. Isles of Shoals
Isles of Shoals, United States
The Isles of Shoals are a cluster of nine small rocky islands off the East Coast, straddling the border between Maine and New Hampshire. Native Americans used to frequent the Shoals for fishing and hunting activities as far back as 800-1200, with the islands later becoming home to fishing communities in the 1600s and 1700s.
Nowadays, the islands are known as a summer retreat, with Gosport Harbor formed by the alignment of Star, Cedar, Smuttynose, and Malaga, providing a picturesque and historically rich location.
While in the area, explore the White Island State Historic Site in Rye, New Hampshire, which includes White Island and the Isles of Shoals Light - an 1865 lighthouse and keeper's cottage.
To wrap it up – the incredible natural wonders in New Hampshire! Have you been to any of these natural places in New Hampshire? Which are your favorite? Let me know! Are you looking for more natural attractions in New Hampshire to check out? Hikers will love this trail to a swimming hole at Emerald Pool. Some other standouts are Sculptured Rocks Natural Area and Kancamagus Highway.
Are you looking for a location to stay while exploring the state on your road trip? Be sure to check out these vacation rentals!
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