A bill to bar state colleges and universities from curbing gun rights on their campuses drew a crowd to Concord on Tuesday. Most came to fight the bill, including the president of the University of New Hampshire, students from several state colleges, and multiple members of law enforcement.

“We are stunned we are even here today talking about this,” Durham Deputy Police Chief Jack Dalton said at a small rally before the bill’s state Senate hearing. “Hopefully common sense prevails, so we can move on in Durham.”

Under the bill, anyone legally allowed to carry a weapon could do so on a college campus in the state without limit. The proposal is similar but more sweeping than laws already on the books in about a dozen states. Its backers say the bill, which cleared the New Hampshire House along party lines in February, will make campuses safer while honoring fundamental rights.

“We want senators to understand, they took an oath to defend the Constitution,” said Rep. Sam Farrington, R-Rochester, the bill’s lead sponsor and a current UNH student. “College students are adults and deserving of all their rights.”

The bill would block any college or university that accepts taxpayer funding of any kind from regulating firearms, as well as non-lethal weapons like pepper spray, stun guns or tasers. Right now, UNH students are allowed to keep guns for hunting or target shooting but must store them at the local police department. This bill would allow students to store weapons in their dorm rooms.

According to several people who showed up for the hearing who manage college dormitories, the atmosphere there is already volatile enough.

“A lot of our incidents revolve around alcohol,” said Hans Hendricks, who has been a UNH resident hall director for three years. “We see it every single week, and truly I cannot say it enough: We don’t need guns added to the mix.”

That message was echoed by top college administrators, who stressed that this bill goes farther than similar policies in effect in other states.

This would make New Hampshire unique, said UNH president Elizabeth Chilton: “It would be the most liberal or the most conservative, depending on the way that you look at it.”

According to Farrington, that was by design: “This would be the best campus carry statute in the entire nation,” he told lawmakers.

But the proposal’s breadth appeared to be a sticking point with several senators.

“I am a big gun person, but I do have concerns,” Sen. Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, said, noting that even U.S. military academies bar cadets from keeping guns. “I am scared that institutions that really know weapons have chosen not to have it in their dorms.”

Sen Daryl Abbas, R-Salem, meanwhile, pushed Farrington about whether his bill should include provisions to allow colleges and universities to punish students from carrying weapons while drunk.

“It seems to me pretty much a no-brainer,” Abbas said after Farrington at first seemed to oppose the idea.

“I would support an amendment, so long as it was carefully written, that allows the school to regulate that,” Farrington said.

Winning favor with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is expected to vote on it later this month, will be this bill’s first test. Republicans hold a 16-8 Senate majority, and this bill has four Senate co-sponsors.

But Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who has prioritized policies she says promote public safety, has yet to take a position on the bill.

Tuesday’s hearing attracted several dozen students to the Statehouse plaza who held signs protesting the proposed bill.

Emily Hunt, a student at the University of New Hampshire, said she felt safe on campus but was worried that making it easier for people to carry guns would change that dynamic.

“I spent all of my education, K through 12, being afraid of a school shooting, both for myself and for my loved ones,” Hunt said. “And I don’t want that at college.”

Eli Orne, a UNH freshman, said he was concerned that more guns on campus could lead to more suicides as it would be easier for students in crisis to get their hands on a deadly weapon.

“Because when you have access to a gun in any capacity — it doesn’t have to be yours, it could just be around — your risk of dying by suicide increases,” he said.

These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.

New Hampshire is covered with forests and greenery, and many of its off-the-beaten-path towns sit right in the middle of it all. Waterville Valley is one such town, set against the White Mountains with Corcoran Pond, year-round outdoor recreation, and a tiny population of just 520 people. New Castle and Woodstock have the added advantage of gorgeous water views, with New Castle overlooking the Piscataqua River and Woodstock tracing the Lost River. Of New Hampshire’s many tiny towns, the 11 below offer some of the best glimpses of small-town living in the state.

Waterville Valley

It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-path than Waterville Valley, with only one road in and out. The road through the town ends at the spectacular White Mountains. Although Waterville Valley’s population is less than 1000, it swells to 6,000 in winter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, including the NH Special Olympic Winter Games in March. Summer trails include hiking and biking, as well as boating, fishing, and swimming. Waterville Valley’s own trail network offers excellent access to the surrounding landscape, while Corcoran Pond and the nearby White Mountain scenery make it easy to enjoy the outdoors in every season.

The authors of the popular Children’s Curious George books, former residents of Waterville Valley, founded the Rey Cultural Center, which focuses on art, science, and nature education through its many exhibits and programs.

Watch spectacular sunsets from Corcoran Pond and appreciate the beauty of seclusion.

New Castle

Off the coast of New Hampshire lies a town on an island. Originally named Great Island, New Castle is the only town in the state completely on an island. It provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and panoramic vistas of the Piscataqua River. History buffs will particularly enjoy exploring New Castle. Notable sites include Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Stark Historic Site, and Great Island Common, although Fort Constitution is currently closed for repairs.

Ashland

Located on the southern edge of the White Mountains and surrounded by the beautiful lakes region, Ashland is a charming town full of delightful surprises. Visitors can explore the historic Whipple House Museum, built in 1837 and once home to Dr. Whipple, as well as the Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum, showcasing charming toys from the 1800s collected by Glidden. Don’t miss the Ashland Railroad Station Museum and the picturesque Squam River Covered Bridge, which are among the town’s beloved historic landmarks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to enjoy! Whether you’re hiking, biking, or engaging in water activities, Squam Lake, the Whitten Woods Trailhead, and the stunning White Mountain National Forest offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Woodstock

Initially, Woodstock served as a hub for the logging industry until 1911. In 1905, tourism emerged as a vital part of Woodstock’s economy thanks to its pristine setting in the White Mountains. Today, the town draws many visitors who come to explore and enjoy its charming, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Discover the raw power of nature and breathtaking landscapes at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves by walking along the wooden boardwalk through the gorge alongside the Lost River. Jagged rock formations, massive boulders, cascading waterfalls, a treehouse, and a suspension bridge invite every adventurer.

The Woodstock Inn Brewery offers backstage passes for guests to learn about the brewing process, live music, and spectacular igloo dining experiences. Another standout winter attraction in Woodstock is Ice Castles, a seasonal experience featuring ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, and illuminated frozen sculptures.

Colebrook

In the Great North Woods Region is Colebrook, a stunning small town off-the-beaten path to relax and revive the body and mind. The town has preserved its centuries-old history by restoring and maintaining the architecture, historical markers, like the Coos Trail marker, and old-town ambiance. Magnificent buildings, such as the Citizen’s Bank and Hicks Hardware, can be viewed when walking through the town.

Moose watching and hunting are popular activities in Colebrook. The North Country Moose Festival takes place annually on the weekend before Labor Day. Exploring the countryside and its beautiful landscapes, the Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum celebrates the Poore family’s efforts toward Colebrook’s sustainability. In addition to the museum, the homestead offers picnic areas and hosts events such as field trips, demonstrations, concerts, and a six-week student program. For a closer connection to nature, the Beaver Brook Falls Wayside features hiking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests.

Chichester

Chichester is a town tucked neatly off the beaten path on the Suncook River. A prominent must-see in Chichester is the 1887 Thunder Bridge, crossing the Suncook River. The Chichester Historical Society keeps its heritage alive with many documents, artifacts, and knowledge of landmarks for public interest.

Family fun in Chichester is best experienced at Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, which provides a variety of activities for all ages, including go-karts, climbing walls, ziplines, bumper boats, and batting cages. Additionally, the Chichester Town Line Trail is a gentle two-mile route offering great wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery.

Sunapee

Sunapee is a charming small town that welcomes visitors year-round. During summer, Strolling along Sunapee Harbor offers live music, shops, and dining experiences, especially at The Livery. Visitors can also take a scenic lake cruise or a dinner cruise around Lake Sunapee. In spring and fall, the area is perfect for hiking and biking, while the Adventure Park at Mount Sunapee Resort in nearby Newbury provides additional family entertainment. In winter, the mountain’s ski trails are popular among skiers.

Sunapee’s intriguing past is brought alive at the Sunapee Historical Society’s Flanders-Osborne Museum and the Sunapee Archives on Main Street. In nearby Newbury, explore The Fells, the 83.5-acre 20th-century John Hay Estate, and its six gardens.

Hinsdale

Hinsdale hosts the oldest continuously operating post office in the same building in the U.S., operating since 1816. The area spans 37 acres along the Connecticut River, featuring landmarks like the Ebenezer Hinsdale House, Fort Hinsdale, and the Ebenezer Hinsdale Farm. The site includes livestock and agricultural barns, plus a blacksmith shop. Located in the Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, Hinsdale offers numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. An easy trail leads to the Walter H. Child Monument and connects to Miners Ledge, which provides stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield.

Hinsdale is part of the popular 13,300-acre Pisgah State Park, which offers excellent outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, ATV and snowmobiling, and many water sports. Since it is off-the-beaten-path, far from city entertainment, Northfield Drive-In, which has entertained people since 1948, is great for a family outing.

Ossipee

Ossipee, sharing its name with the Ossipee Mountains, is a hidden outdoor haven composed of several small villages nestled in the hills. The area features Ossipee Lake, its rivers, and the mountains, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. At the Ossipee Historical Society’s Grant Hall Museum, visitors can see men’s and women’s clothing, a spinning wheel, a bootmaker’s stand, and Civil War artifacts. The historic Whittier Bridge, which crosses the Bearcamp River and stands as an Ossipee monument, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Campton

The Campton Falls, also known as Beebe River Falls, is a 28-foot-tall waterfall nestled amidst lush vegetation but easily accessible to visitors. It flows throughout the year, offering stunning views of this natural attraction. Campton features 18 historical markers, including sites like the Campton Congregational Church, Campton Pond and Dam, the Campton Town House, and Campton Hollow, one of the original settlements.

The town’s conservation efforts enable visitors to enjoy preserved natural areas such as Blair Woodland Natural Area, Pattee Conservation Park, and West Branch Brook Forest.

Squiggles adds entertainment to this off-the-beaten-path town. It’s more than just a store in an 1826 building that sells locally sourced products, including gifts, toys, and candies. It also hosts a vintage arcade with games like air hockey, various pinball machines, and Pac-Man, all operated with quarters. Additionally, the venue offers mini-golf and a function hall.

Shelburne

Shelburne, a small town with about 360 residents, may be off the beaten path, but it is vibrant and rich in history. Nestled along the Androscoggin River and surrounded by the White Mountains, it is part of the scenic Presidential Range Trail. The town consistently charms and impresses visitors year-round. Notable landmarks include The Shelburne Birches, which features a bronze plaque honoring military service members, and the Stone Fish, a unique piece from Mason’s 1900 stone collection that stands as an interesting landmark.

New Hampshire’s small towns, gloriously placed within luscious mountain ranges and alongside rivers and the coast, might be off-the-beaten-path, yet they offer excellent outdoor and historical activities that cannot be experienced in a city. New Hampshire is a state for all seasons: winter invites skiers to the mountain slopes, summer invites water sport enthusiasts, and spring and fall invite hikers, bikers, and rock climbers to its countless trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and covered bridges.