Things to do in New Hampshire, United States: The Best Geologic Formations

July 30, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

If you are looking for diversity, you will certainly find it in New Hampshire. From lakes to beaches, waterfalls to woods and mountains to sea coast, the state has huge potential for outdoor vacations, including downhill or cross-country skiing in winter. With no less than seventy-five state parks that offer natural areas, hiking trails, beaches and historic sites, New Hampshire caters for a variety of tastes. Crawford Notch State Park in Harts Location has picturesque waterfalls, wonderful mountain views and opportunities for viewing wildlife. You can go hiking and fishing there as well as pay a visit to the historic Willey House. Monadnock State Park, unlike some other state parks, is open all year round for hiking. Want to go swimming? You will find five state park beaches along the coast of New Hampshire, such as Wallis Sands with its view of the rocky Isles of Shoals. On North Hampton State Beach and Jenness Beach you can have a picnic as well as a swim. When you've finally had your fill of fresh air, head for the Museum of New Hampshire History in Concord with exhibits focusing on heritage and traditions; children should enjoy them just as much as adults.
Restaurants in New Hampshire

1. Tuckerman's Ravine

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
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0%
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Tuckerman's Ravine

2. Flume Gorge

852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia, NH 03251 +1 603-745-8391 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/park-sites/flume-gorge
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,644 reviews

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge trail is temporarily closed for hiking until May 10, 2019 An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. It is open from May 8 - October 25.

Reviewed By ddaltamura - Stamford, United States

5 of us did the flume gorge hike which includes the "pool", "avalanche falls", "liberty gorge" and "flume gorge" all along about a 2 or 2.5 mile hike. You can take a bus to bypass parts of it on the way up. It's a lot of uphill walking and the flume gorge part has a lot up stairs going up. The sights are really magnificent and worth seeing.

3. White Horse Ledge

North Conway, Conway, NH
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

White Horse Ledge

An 800-foot cliff for climbing that is located in the White Mountains.

Reviewed By josephbU5018VU - Conway, United States

You must do it. Incredible views looking over the White Mtns and across the valley to the Town of Conway, NH There is an auto road choice over climbing the back side of the trail to the top of the White Horse Ledge During the Summer rock climbers come up the ledge right in front of you as you are viewing from the top. Highly recommend this climb for a family. It is well worth the effort.

4. Cathedral Ledge

Cathedral ledge, North Conway, Conway, NH +1 603-356-6335 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/cathedral-ledge-state-park
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,003 reviews

Cathedral Ledge

A rock cliff that is popular with climbers.

Reviewed By kafiagirl - Woonsocket, United States

After viewing the ledge from Echo lake we took the short drive up to the ledge. It was a beautiful clear day - views were beautiful, mountains in the distance, Echo lake from the top, rock climbers making their way up.

5. Crawford Notch

Excellent
75%
Good
20%
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Poor
3%
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2%
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4.5 based on 40 reviews

Crawford Notch

This geological formation is located between North Conway and Franconia, New Hampshire.

Reviewed By JNFII - Stamford, United States

Crawford Notch is worth driving through and exploring. The views and vistas are spectacular. The main road through the Notch is rt 302, which is pretty well maintained all year long. There are many opportunities for hiking, swimming, bouldering, and checking out waterfalls.

6. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 990 reviews

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.

Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States

Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!

7. Sandwich Notch

Sandwich, NH
Excellent
67%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
8%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Sandwich Notch

8. Indian Head

Mount Pemigewassett, Lincoln, NH
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 131 reviews

Indian Head

Reviewed By seawitch449 - Grosse Pointe, United States

Another fantastic mountain sculpture by Mother Nature. A must-see on your tour of the White Mountains!

9. Madison Boulder

Madison, NH +1 603-227-8745 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/madison-boulder-natural-area.aspx
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
14%
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4.5 based on 44 reviews

Madison Boulder

Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States

A fascinating little side trip if you’re planning on driving The Kanc. At 4662 tons, 87 feet long and 37 feet high, to say this thing is huge is a tad underwhelming lol. There’s a little parking area that was virtually empty on my visit - me and one other couple were there. To get to it, you have to drive a very bumpy dirt road so if you have a low vehicle, be really slow and careful ....had some large, deep potholes and wash boarding! The car behind me didn’t even dare it and turned around lol! Trust me, it’s worth it tho! There’s a short, flat hike to get to the boulder after you park - it’s so lovely and peaceful! And during October, the vibrant fall colors make it a marvelous wonderland to meander through! Some of the path is paved and some isn’t - mostly just soft, dark dirt. Once you reach the boulder, the sheer size will have you in awe! There’s plenty of pathway to walk around it and take photos etc. There are a couple of signs around with info about the boulder. There are no bathrooms and the cell/internet signal is non-existent so plan accordingly!

10. Sculptured Rocks Natural Area

Between Routes 3A and 118, Hebron, NH 03241 +1 603-485-2034 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
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0%
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4.5 based on 51 reviews

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area

Reviewed By ChewInRI - East Greenwich, United States

Came here for a quick afternoon visit after a recommendation from a family member who lives in the area. What a great little spot with amazing water views and nice hiking. Parking is easy and located right across the street. There are some rocks to climb around and to get great views of the rapids. Then there's a nature trail that leads up into the woods. Some good geocaches located along the way as well! I would highly recommend this area for families with kids (of all ages). Good for dogs too!

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