When many people think about getting outside in the Granite State, they often consider things like Arethusa Falls or maybe The Flume. In fact, folks come from all over the region to explore these popular destinations. They’re certainly beautiful, but there’s so much more to see here, including this underrated beauty hidden along Route 9. Check out what we’re pretty sure is one of the best hikes in New Hampshire!

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area in Chesterfield offers an opportunity to get lost in nature while exploring seemingly endless forest and lots of beautiful brookside land.

James Catalfamo/AllTrails

You’ll find it off of Route 9, waiting to be explored by folks who are looking for something new.

t73113/TripAdvisor

Compared to other areas, this one is small, at just 13 acres.

James Catalfamo/AllTrails But, these 13 acres are packed with scenery and trails that you’ll never forget (and will find yourself drawn to again and again)!

One of the best ways to see the area is actually fairly quick and easy.

James Catalfamo/AllTrails The Wayside Trail is just .8 miles long and leads through the trees and along the Wilde Brook in a loop.

You’ll be surrounded by Hemlock Trees, which provide natural shade on warm, sunny days.

t73113/TripAdvisor

The gorge is deep, but easily navigated.

RocMom4/TripAdvisor Just after a rain, the brook is likely to have rushing water within.

…and the bridge over it provides a lovely photo opportunity.

Levi Duprey/AllTrails This area is even more special in the autumn. Winter hikes are possible too, but always take extra caution and remember that the visitor center won’t be open during the coldest months.

With such a short hike, you should have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the water.

RocMom4/TripAdvisor Put your feet in, relax, and then continue on your way.

You might be surprised at just how lush and beautiful the area is, and it’s surprising that it’s not more popular.

Hupchurch/TripAdvisor Plan a day out and consider including this hike in your plans. The best part? Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash!

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area is always open unless signs are posted indicating otherwise.  Be sure to check the New Hampshire State Parks website for updated information on opening. Trails are typically always open, but rest stations may be closed. This state is teeming with hidden beauties and things to do. But don’t feel bad! Here are 9 underrated places in New Hampshire that even natives have never heard of. What are your picks for the best hikes in New Hampshire? Tell us your choices in the comments!

James Catalfamo/AllTrails

t73113/TripAdvisor

But, these 13 acres are packed with scenery and trails that you’ll never forget (and will find yourself drawn to again and again)!

The Wayside Trail is just .8 miles long and leads through the trees and along the Wilde Brook in a loop.

RocMom4/TripAdvisor

Just after a rain, the brook is likely to have rushing water within.

Levi Duprey/AllTrails

This area is even more special in the autumn. Winter hikes are possible too, but always take extra caution and remember that the visitor center won’t be open during the coldest months.

Put your feet in, relax, and then continue on your way.

Hupchurch/TripAdvisor

Plan a day out and consider including this hike in your plans. The best part? Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, 1823 NH-9, Chesterfield, NH 03443, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Hampshire January 01, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire?   New Hampshire is an amazing state to visit and/or live in, and one of the main draws is the amazing winters. Lovers of snow have good reason to love New Hampshire; the state receives an average of about 71 inches of snow annually! This means plentiful ski resorts, and we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best! Among the highest-rated ski resorts in New Hampshire are Bretton Woods, which is the single largest of its kind in the state. It’s typically open for ski season from early November to mid-April. Then there’s the legendary Loon Mountain Resort, which features 61 amazing trails and other amenities like a luxurious spa to relax and unwind once you’ve had your fill of the slopes. Black Mountain, in Jackson, is another ski resort well worth visiting. All of these (and then some) are amazing during winter, but they’re great during the summer months as well!   What are some fun winter attractions in New Hampshire?   New Hampshire becomes something of a winter wonderland when there’s snow on the ground, don’t you think? Of course, you can do all the classics – skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowball fights – but there’s so much MORE to a New Hampshire winter than just those things. You can check out any of the ski resorts mentioned above, of course, or you can visit any one of New Hampshire’s amazing winter towns, which LOVE going all-out every season to turn themselves into something out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Some of those towns include Hanover, Lincoln, and Castlebury, as well as Portsmouth (of course), Meredith, and Jefferson. You can also go on some amazing winter hikes, go on a snowy nature drive, or any other number of delightfully winter-centric activities. New Hampshire is THE place to go for the ultimate winter shenanigans!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Hampshire

January 01, 2022

Tori Jane

What are some of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire?   New Hampshire is an amazing state to visit and/or live in, and one of the main draws is the amazing winters. Lovers of snow have good reason to love New Hampshire; the state receives an average of about 71 inches of snow annually! This means plentiful ski resorts, and we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best! Among the highest-rated ski resorts in New Hampshire are Bretton Woods, which is the single largest of its kind in the state. It’s typically open for ski season from early November to mid-April. Then there’s the legendary Loon Mountain Resort, which features 61 amazing trails and other amenities like a luxurious spa to relax and unwind once you’ve had your fill of the slopes. Black Mountain, in Jackson, is another ski resort well worth visiting. All of these (and then some) are amazing during winter, but they’re great during the summer months as well!   What are some fun winter attractions in New Hampshire?   New Hampshire becomes something of a winter wonderland when there’s snow on the ground, don’t you think? Of course, you can do all the classics – skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowball fights – but there’s so much MORE to a New Hampshire winter than just those things. You can check out any of the ski resorts mentioned above, of course, or you can visit any one of New Hampshire’s amazing winter towns, which LOVE going all-out every season to turn themselves into something out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Some of those towns include Hanover, Lincoln, and Castlebury, as well as Portsmouth (of course), Meredith, and Jefferson. You can also go on some amazing winter hikes, go on a snowy nature drive, or any other number of delightfully winter-centric activities. New Hampshire is THE place to go for the ultimate winter shenanigans!  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

New Hampshire is an amazing state to visit and/or live in, and one of the main draws is the amazing winters. Lovers of snow have good reason to love New Hampshire; the state receives an average of about 71 inches of snow annually! This means plentiful ski resorts, and we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best! Among the highest-rated ski resorts in New Hampshire are Bretton Woods, which is the single largest of its kind in the state. It’s typically open for ski season from early November to mid-April. Then there’s the legendary Loon Mountain Resort, which features 61 amazing trails and other amenities like a luxurious spa to relax and unwind once you’ve had your fill of the slopes. Black Mountain, in Jackson, is another ski resort well worth visiting. All of these (and then some) are amazing during winter, but they’re great during the summer months as well!  

What are some fun winter attractions in New Hampshire?  

New Hampshire becomes something of a winter wonderland when there’s snow on the ground, don’t you think? Of course, you can do all the classics – skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowball fights – but there’s so much MORE to a New Hampshire winter than just those things. You can check out any of the ski resorts mentioned above, of course, or you can visit any one of New Hampshire’s amazing winter towns, which LOVE going all-out every season to turn themselves into something out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Some of those towns include Hanover, Lincoln, and Castlebury, as well as Portsmouth (of course), Meredith, and Jefferson. You can also go on some amazing winter hikes, go on a snowy nature drive, or any other number of delightfully winter-centric activities. New Hampshire is THE place to go for the ultimate winter shenanigans!