8 Natural Wonders Unique To The Granite State That Should Be On Everyone's New Hampshire Bucket List
By Michelle|Published June 11, 2022
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Michelle
Author
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
It’s easy to find beauty throughout New Hampshire. Whether it’s woods and forest or lakes and rivers, the natural resources we have here are some of the best in New England. While the things we find just outside our front doors are pretty fantastic, extra-special are the natural wonders to see in New Hampshire that deserve a little searching. The things on this list are special and we think you’ll agree that we’re lucky to have them right here!
1. Cathedral Ledge, North Conway
Cathedral Ledge Road, Cathedral Ledge Rd, Conway, NH, USA
Sue there are plenty of gorgeous views in New England, but what you'll see from Cathedral Ledge is pretty special. To learn more about visiting check out this article!
2. The Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch State Park
Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
One of the most visited natural wonders in New Hampshire is this beauty in Franconia Notch State Park. Sitting at the base of Mount Liberty, this 800-foot gorge was formed almost 200 million years ago. It sat undiscovered until 1808 when it was found by a 93-year-old woman. You can learn more about how to visit by checking out this article.
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3. The Kancamagus Highway
Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA
The Kanc might not qualify as an actual natural wonder given that it dates back to the 1600s and was created by humans. But! There's plenty of nature to take in along the way and access to these views is its own kind of natural wonder. Learn more about the drive here.
As one the state's largest waterfalls, Arethusa Falls is a beauty to see. The 140-foot drop is dramatic and each season brings a completely different look. You can visit by hiking the 2.8-mile out-and-back Bemis Brook Trail. Learn more about it by checking out this article.
5. Emerald Pool, Chatham
Emerald Pool, State Rte 113, Chatham, NH 03813, USA
This perfectly clear swimming hole is great on a summer day, but visiting when it's cold still offers plenty of beauty. You can find it just off of the Baldface Loop Trail and you can learn all about it here.
6. Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent's Purchase
Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846, USA
Lakes of the Clouds requires a bit of effort to reach, but if you can do it the payoff is well worth it! The hike to reach it will bring you about 5,000 feet above sea level. The series of lakes between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe are a unique part of the landscape, making hikers feel as though they've entered another world.
There are 272 acres of things to see in Scuptured Rocks Natural Area. The smooth rocks and pools were created by the Cockermouth River over centuries. Today there are pools that are perfect for swimming, but be ready for chilly temps even in the summer!
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8. Lost River Gorge, Woodstock
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 1712 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA
There's a lot to see at Lost River Gorge and it's worth CARVING out a day to do it. The area was formed by slow moving glacier and a stream. The results are walls of rock that tower over visitors. You can see it using the network of stairs and the boardwalk that have been built. All together it's about .75 miles. The boardwalk and stairs are not wheelchair accessible and might not be great for those who aren't physically fit. You can learn more about visiting here.
What are some of your favorite natural wonders to see in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments so we can check them out!