New Hampshire's Most Naturally Beautiful Town Will Enchant You In The Best Way Possible
By Ken MacGray|Published February 01, 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.
We are pretty spoiled here in New Hampshire as we have some of the best scenery around. We also have some of the most picturesque small towns in New England. Many of these towns could claim the title of most naturally beautiful but once you visit Waterville Valley, it’s hard to disagree with why its early settlers came here.
Nicknamed "The Town At The End Of The Road", Waterville Valley lies at the end of Route 49 and is surrounded by mountainous terrain. First settled in the 1760s, the town's scenic locations has inspired generations of visitors and outdoors enthusiasts.
Outdoor recreation abounds here — from golf, cycling, boating, and hiking during the summer, to skiing, skating, tubing and snowshoeing in the winter. Enjoy your favorite activity in the beautiful natural setting of the White Mountains.
Being in the midst of the White Mountain National Forest provides for numerous hiking opportunities and nature walks. Early settler Nathaniel Greeley established the nation's first network of footpaths here in the 1850s.
Flowing through town is the Mad River and Cascade Brook is a small brook that empties into it. A relatively easy hike along Cascade Path provides a beautiful walk along the scenic waterfalls of Cascade Brook.
Fall foliage season is a perfect time to visit Waterville Valley. A ride up the Snows Mountains Chairlift offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Winter brings added beauty to the town, as well as the added opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Nearby Waterville Valley Resort offers world-class downhill skiing.