New Hampshire

8 Of The Quietest New Hampshire Towns

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2025

Peace and tranquility are in high supply in New Hampshire. From the beauty of the White Mountains to lush forests that light up in the autumn, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. If you want to skip the seasonal crowds and enjoy the stillness of New Hampshire’s untouched landscape, there’s no better spot than these quiet towns. Whether you want a peaceful beach day in Rye or lose yourself in the untouched wilderness of Stark, these peaceful towns are New Hampshire’s most cherished gems. So, pack a bag and leave the noise of the city far behind!

Sugar Hill

St. Matthews Chapel in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

Few New Hampshire towns offer views as magnificent as the small hamlet of Sugar Hill. It got its name from the large grove of sugar maples highlighting the amazing views of the Dalton, Kinsman, Franconia, and Presidential mountain ranges. Before heading out, grab a bite to eat at Sugar Hill’s famous Polly’s Pancake Parlor for a stack of pancakes made with its locally sourced maple syrup. Then, it’s time to enjoy the unique beauty surrounding Sugar Hill!

Aerial view of Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

For some of the best views in the state, the Franconia Notch State Park, where you can connect to hikes along the New England leg of the Appalachian Trail. Flume Gorge is a must-see for visitors, with its steep stair climbs tracing waterfalls and damp, mossy caverns. Kinsman Mountain is also a popular spot for hikers, offering unique views of the White Mountains or pristine water views at Lonesome Lake. With few crowds and amazing views, Sugar Hill is one of New Hampshire’s most cherished hidden gems.

Rye

Small dinghies, rowboats, and pleasure craft are moored to a modest dock in calm, reflective water off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. — A dock in calm, reflective water off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire.

If you’re dreaming of a quiet New England beach getaway, Rye is a must-visit. It boasts eight miles of rocky coastlines and breathtaking serpentine beaches. One of the more popular beaches in Rye is the Wallis Sands Beach. You can relax along the sandy shores and admire the view of the Isles of Shoals in the distance. It’s quiet and serene and far less crowded than many of the other resort beach towns in the area.

Remains of ancient trees can be seen during low tide just beyond the harbor pictured here in Rye, New Hampshire.

What makes Rye special is its rich history. Pulpit Rock Tower. It was built during World War II as a lookout for German U-boats and now stands as an observation tower over the shores of Rye. Odiorne Point State Park is another scenic spot in Rye connected to World War II. While you can walk the trails with a view of the ocean, you may also stumble upon relics of the Second World War, like concrete bunkers and gun placements, which were formally a part of Fort Dearborn. With a rich history and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, be sure to add Rye to your New Hampshire bucket list!

Jackson

If the heart of the White Mountains is the ski resort city of Jackson, famous for its picturesque ski retreats and winding slopes. The Black Mountain Ski Area is considered by many as one of the best ski destinations in the entire state. With its winding trails taking you down snow-kissed mountains and fragrant evergreens, it’s a charming retreat for those who love winter sports.

Covered Bridge in Jackson, New Hampshire.

In the summer months, Jackson transforms into a nature lover’s paradise. You can hike one of the many trails in the area, like the Thomspon Falls Trail in the Wildcat Mountain area. The trail is accessible for all skill levels and leads to a stunning waterfall. Or, you can hike the Wildcat Ridge Trail, which offers views of the majestic Mount Washington and Carter Notch. Before you go, make sure to stop at White Mountain Cider Co. for one of their famous cider donuts! No matter what time of year you visit Jackson, it’s sure to be a memorable trip.

Wolfeboro

On the shores of New Hampshire’s esteemed Lake Winnipesaukee is the cozy area of Wolfeboro. With Lake Winnipesaukee to the west and Lake Wentworth to the east, you don’t need to travel far for breathtaking lakeside vistas. When you want to relax along the shores, one of the favorite spots by locals and visitors is Brewster Beach, known for its sandy shores, clear waters, and mountains off in the distance.

Historic town center of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, USA.

If you enjoy hiking in the shade of the White Mountains, the Cotton Valley Rail Trail takes you through the scenic town of Wolfeboro through shaded forest trails, lakeside vistas, and beach accesses. While the Cotton Valley Rail Trail is the best way to experience the town of Wolfeboro, the Front Bay Conservation Area connects you with untapped wilderness. The secluded paths are quiet, rarely crowded, and a great way to discover the beauty of the White Mountains. Whether you love the mountains or the beach, Wolfeboro has a little of everything!

Littleton

From covered bridges, quaint bookstores, and stunningly beautiful nature trails, life is peaceful in Littleton. You can spend the morning walking the colorful New England streets shaded by the White Mountains in the distance. Be sure to check out its cozy shops, like the Little Village Toy and Book Shop before setting out to explore the scenic nature trails and attractions.

Covered Bridge, Littleton, New Hampshire, USA.

One of the more popular tourist attractions in Littleton is the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, which offers sweeping views of the Ammonoosuc River and provides the best views of Littleton. When you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and go for a walk, the Parker Mountain Trails is centrally located in town. The trails are diverse, with shaded wooded paths that open to lush green meadows and spectacular views of the area. Time seems to stand still in the sleepy town of Littleton, making it the perfect place to recharge your batteries over a long weekend.

Walpole

On the banks of the Connecticut River is the idyllic hamlet of Walpole, bordering Vermont. It’s home to manicured gardens, farms, and amazing hiking trails that make for a wonderful weekend! Visiting the Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail feels like stepping into a storybook. With 155 acres of manicured gardens of native plants and hiking trails, it’s a great way to unwind and relax.

If you love winter sports, you don’t have to travel far to hit the slopes! The Granite Gorge Mountain Park provides seven unique trails on Pinnacle Mountain. Whether you’re strolling through Walpole’s gardens or traversing the wintery mountains, Walpole is a tranquil, quiet town with so much to offer. Plus, no trip to Walpole is complete without stopping by the Boggy Meadow Farm Cheese for treats to take home!

Tamworth

Far removed from the noise and traffic of the bigger cities is the picturesque hamlet of Tamworth. It’s at the base of Mount Chocorua in the heart of the White Mountains and delivers breathtaking views and clean mountain air. One of the best ways to appreciate the mountain views of Tamworth is by heading to the Great Hill Fire Tower. Just a few miles outside of Tamworth is a fire tower that was constructed in 1934 and lends a breathtaking view of the White Mountains below. The trek is only around 20 minutes long, and it offers an amazing perspective of the area.

Want to catch a glimpse of one of the tallest trees in the state? The Hemenway State Forest is home to a massive white pine that stands 150 feet tall with a circumference of over 15 feet. You can walk through the thick pine trails in the park, and it even has a charming wooden pedestrian bridge over the clear waters of the Swift River. If you want to explore the best of the White Mountains, Tamworth is a great hidden town in New Hampshire.

Stark

Some of the best places in New Hampshire are the lesser-known cities and parks, and that’s exactly what Stark is all about. Few make the trek north to this sleepy little town in the northern part of the state, but it’s well worth the drive. In the Great North Woods Region, visitors can explore the great, untapped wilderness and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

The Devil’s Slide Trail is an uncrowded stretch of wilderness of lush woods. Once you make it to the top, you will see a fantastic view of pointed church steeples and covered bridges in the area of Stark below. For a more difficult hike, Rogers Ledge is another trail of the White Mountains that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The trek is just shy of 10 miles and a little challenging, but the views at the top are absolutely stunning. If you love a good hike with the reward of a breathtaking view, Stark is a must-visit!

Find Your Quiet Place In New Hampshire

The charm of New Hampshire lies in the areas that are slightly off the beaten path. These cities offer the quintessential New England experience: picturesque city streets dotted with church steeples and covered bridges, mountain views, crystal clear waters, and a few beaches. Far from the noise and traffic of the big cities, the only chatter you’ll hear in these towns are flocks of mountain birds. When you’re ready to discover the best of New Hampshire, check out one (or all!) of these delightful communities.

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New Hampshire

Possible 2028 Democratic White House contenders weigh in on Iran with New Hampshire voters

Published

9 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Possible 2028 Democratic White House contenders weigh in on Iran with New Hampshire voters

As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran overtakes the foreign policy debate in Washington, two Democratic governors with potential 2028 presidential aspirations — Gavin Newsom and Andy Beshear — recently traveled to New Hampshire, introducing themselves to the state’s famously engaged voters. The two weighed in on the war and both criticized and questioned President Trump’s strategy and endgame.

“If a president is going to take a country into war, and risk the lives of American troops and Americans in the region, he has to have a real justification and not one that seems to change every five to 10 hours,” Beshear told CBS News after a Democratic fundraiser in Keene.

“This President seems to use force before ever trying diplomacy, and he has a duty to sell it to the American people and to address Congress with it,” Beshear continued. “He hasn’t done any of that. In fact, it appears there isn’t even a plan for what success looks like. He’s gone from regime change to strategic objectives and now is talking about unconditional surrender, which isn’t realistic where he is.”

Beshear also said he thought that Congress should have reined in Mr. Trump’s war powers.

“He is trying to ignore Congress. He’s trying to even ignore the American people,” Beshear said.

He went on to note that the president’s State of the Union address took place “three — four days before he launched this attack,” and Mr. Trump “didn’t even have the respect to tell the American people the threat that he thought Iran posed to us.”

Last week, both the House and the Senate failed to pass resolutions to limit Mr. Trump’s war powers and stop him from taking further military action against Iran without congressional support.

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks with voters in Keene, New Hampshire, on March 7, 2026.

Anne Bryson

For Newsom, the war with Iran constitutes part of a broader criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At an event last Tuesday in Los Angeles, Newsom had compared Israel to an “apartheid state.” Later, in New Hampshire, he sought to clarify his comment.

“I was specifically referring to a Tom Friedman [New York Times] column last week, where Tom used that word of apartheid as it relates to the direction Bibi is going, particularly on the annexation of the West Bank,” Newsom explained during a book tour event Thursday night in Portsmouth. “I’m very angry, with what he is doing and why he’s doing it, what he’s going to ultimately try to do to the Supreme Court there, what he’s trying to do to save his own political career.”

Friedman wrote that at the same time that the U.S. and Israel are prosecuting a war in Iran, within Israel, Netanyahu’s government has undertaken efforts to annex the West Bank, driving Palestinians from their homes; fire the attorney general who is leading the prosecution against Netanyahu for corruption; and block the government’s attempt to establish a commission to examine the failures that led up to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of Jews by Hamas.

CBS News has reached out to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment.

On Iran, Newsom said, “I’m very angry about this war, with all due respect, you know, not because I’m angry the supreme leader is dead. Quite the contrary. I’m not naive about the last 37 years of his reign. Forty-seven years since ’79 — the revolution,” Newsom said. “But I’m also mindful that you have a president who still is inarticulate and incapable of giving us the rationale of why? Why now? What’s the endgame?”

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with political commentator Jack Cocchiarella at an event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on March 5, 2026.

Anne Bryson

Many attendees at Newsom’s book event said that the situation in Iran is a top-of-mind issue for them, too. Some said they’re “horrified” by what is happening.

29-year-old Alicia Marr told CBS News she decided to attend Newsom’s event because of his social media response to the war with Iran.

“There was one spot left, and I decided to pick it up, and it was due to his response to the war, that it is just unacceptable, and I would agree with that,” Marr said.

While some voters like Marr are eager to hear about where potential candidates stand on foreign policy, many at Newsom’s event said they care most about how potential candidates plan to address domestic issues.

“I’m more focused on getting the middle class back on track and fighting the oligarchy, and I’m less invested in international issues,” said Anita Alden, who also attended Newsom’s event,

“I wouldn’t call myself America first, but we have so many problems at home that are my priority,” she told CBS News.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who may also be weighing another White House bid, told Fox 2 Detroit last week that she “unequivocally opposes” the Trump administration’s military action in Iran and urged Congress to take action.

“If we want to stop Donald Trump with this random decision that he has arrived at, then Congress must act, and Congress must act immediately. The American people do not want our sons and daughters to go into this unauthorized war of choice,” Harris said.

Mr. Trump has lashed out against Democrats who have pushed back on his Iran strategy, calling them “losers” last week and arguing that they would criticize any decision he made on Iran.

“If I did it, it’s no good. If I didn’t do it, they would have said the opposite, that you should have done this,” the president said.

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New Hampshire

Mass. man nabbed after allegedly driving over 100 mph in N.H.

Published

21 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Mass. man nabbed after allegedly driving over 100 mph in N.H.

Local News

Police say the Attleboro man was driving 104 mph in a 55 mph zone on Route 202 near in Rindge, New Hampshire.

A Massachusetts man was arrested late Wednesday night after police say he was driving more than 100 mph on a New Hampshire roadway.

Officers with the Rindge Police Department stopped a vehicle shortly after 11 p.m. on Route 202 near Sears Drive in Rindge following a report of a car traveling at excessive speed, according to a statement from Chief Rachel Malynowski.

The vehicle, a 2020 Kia Stinger, was spotted traveling at 104 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, Malynowski said.

The driver, a 21-year-old man from Attleboro, was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, according to police.

He is scheduled to be arraigned April 5. If convicted, the man faces a fine of at least $750, in addition to the court’s penalty assessment, and a 90-day license suspension, Malynowski said.