Life in New Hampshire’s small towns is often quiet and uneventful. It’s a way of life that many choose to get away from the busy pace of the state’s larger cities. While these towns may not have the same amenities as the cities, that’s part of the point — live life at a slower pace. Having lived in big cities, I much prefer the quieter pace, and this Lakes Region locale is one of the most peaceful towns in NH.

Incorporated in 1727, Gilmanton was originally known as Gilmantown. The name is derived from the Gilman family who had received land grants here.
Town of Gilmanton
The 455-acre Crystal Lake is located within the town. It is the headwaters for the Suncook River and is fed by runoff from the nearby Belknap Mountains.
AerialPhotoNH/Wikimedia Commons
Gilmanton Iron Works is a village located near the eastern end of the town.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons

Related Stories

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through New Hampshire Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through New Hampshire Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 My Return Visit To New Hampshire's Pulpit Rock Conservation Area Brought Me Back To The Ice Age

My Return Visit To New Hampshire's Pulpit Rock Conservation Area Brought Me Back To The Ice Age

 My Visit To New Hampshire's Joe English Reservation Proves That There Is Always Something New To See

My Visit To New Hampshire's Joe English Reservation Proves That There Is Always Something New To See
The popular novel Peyton Place, later made into a feature film, was rumored to have been based on Gilmanton.
CBS Television/Wikimedia Commons
Gilmanton Academy, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, is a historic school building that was constructed in 1894.
Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons
Named for Isaac Smith, the town's first minister, the Smith Meeting House is an historic church built in 1840.
Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons
Built around 1826, the Centre Congregational Church on Province Road is one of the area's best preserved late Federal-period buildings.
Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons

With a bucolic New England feel, Gilmanton is a fine representation of the most peaceful towns in NH. I often travel through Gilmanton and it’s one of the most pleasant parts of the drive. To learn more, visit the Town of Gilmanton’s official website and follow the Town of Gilmanton on Facebook.

The Granite State has many quaint towns and villages nestled into its countryside. Here are a couple of towns that were home to famous people and seven more that capture the picturesque beauty of the state.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Gilmanton, NH, USA