For the adrenaline-seekers, the fun-lovers and the bold—New Hampshire is the perfect playground for absolutely epic summer adventures. From conquering some of the tallest peaks in the northeast to battling the thousands of miles of ATV trails through the state’s untamed wilderness, you can have it all here in the Granite State. So this summer, get ready to gear up and make unforgettable memories that will leave you with one word to sum it all up: EPIC.
Adventure Calls
With so many exhilarating experiences and so little time, your first move is to map out which adventures call to you. Whether you’re interested in soaring above New Hampshire’s landscapes on a high-speed zipline, gliding above our mountainous terrains on a scenic plane ride, or earning your wings on a powered paraglider ride or a parasail above the Atlantic—there are plenty of opportunities to see the state from a roaring bird’s eye view.
If you’re looking to hike to great heights, the state is jam-packed with unbelievable hikes where larger-than-life summits and views that stretch on for miles reward your efforts. And with dozens of brag-worthy peaks peppered across the state and 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, you’ll have no trouble finding an awesome mountain to conquer.
Or maybe you’d prefer lower elevation adventures, like carving through the state’s rugged terrain on a high-flying mountain bike on one of the state’s legendary mountain biking trails. Not a fan of doing the work for yourself? Then head north and rent an ATV to race through New Hampshire’s wilderness. You can experience the raw adrenaline of riding on the state’s premier trail system connecting over 1,000 miles of off-roading tracks.
And don’t forget to hit the waters, where there are plenty more cool adventures to battle, like surfing the Atlantic Ocean at Jenness State Beach in Rye. But if surfing’s not your thing, there are endless places to paddle where you’ll have no trouble finding Class IV rapids to challenge or locating gentle waters to chill on.
Clean Up, Head Out
In between adventures, make time to visit some of New Hampshire’s cultural attractions to round out your trip. Why not head to New Hampshire’s largest city and catch a live performance in Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre? Or plan a visit to the nearby Currier Museum of Art, where you’ll be immersed in a fascinating collection of contemporary and traditional art. On our bustling Seacoast, you can follow up a legendary concert at Hampton’s Casino Ballroom with live fireworks on the beach before heading into Portsmouth to grab local brews and fresh seafood.
Rest Your Head
After an action-packed day, you’ll need a great home base where you can rest and recharge. There’s really no better way to unwind than by crowding around a crackling campfire, bragging about the feats of the day and toasting s’mores under constellation-filled skies at one of the state’s campgrounds. You could book one of Umbagog Lake State Park's remote sites in the Great North Woods for an adventurous stay, or indulge in an easy glamping experience in the White Mountains. Of course, there’s also quaint and cozy cabins and cottages to rest your head in, hotels, motels, resorts—and plenty more accommodating places to stay.