Take A Trip To This Underrated New Hampshire Town For A Picturesque Outdoor Getaway

Located in the northeast corner of the United States, New Hampshire is renowned for its natural beauty. Because of its stunning scenery, the state is alternatively known as the Granite State, Mother of Rivers, or Switzerland of the United States. At just over 9,000 square miles, it is the fifth smallest state in the U.S. However, in contrast to its size, New Hampshire offers an outstanding array of big outdoor adventures. Taking a trip to the underrated town of Lincoln is a great way to enjoy an outdoor getaway in the Granite State.

Like the state it's in, the town of Lincoln is not large. In fact, with a permanent population of less than 2,000 people, it can best be described as quaint. It is the town's location, however, not its size, that makes it such an amazing place for travelers looking for an outdoor getaway. Beyond the stunning local scenery, including amazing fall foliage, Lincoln is an ideal jumping-off point to enjoy the vast array of outdoor activities and natural attractions New Hampshire has to offer.

Visitors are able to take in a number of attractions created to entertain families, such as Clark's Bears, a trained bear show. There are also museums, climbing towers, a waterpark, and a farmer's market. Loon Mountain Resort, which boasts New Hampshire's longest gondola ride, the 1.3-mile long White Mountain Express, is just outside of town. Visitors can also take in the scenery in unique ways, by either riding the Granite State Scenic Railway or taking one of a handful of scenic drives, including the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and the White Mountains Trail. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for those wishing to explore.

Among the areas that are easily reachable from the town of Lincoln is White Mountain National Forest. This 800,000-acre tract of the White Mountains is the perfect spot for a fall hiking adventure. Don't believe us? It's also considered one of the best fall camping spots in the U.S by people who have been there. The reason White Mountain National Forest gets such high marks in autumn is simple — the already stunning scenery is accented by the colorful fall foliage.

While the fall season gets much of the attention, White Mountain National Forest is a popular destination for outdoor recreation year around. A big part of the reason this national forest draws millions of visitors annually is the more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails it contains. Among the hikes visitors to White Mountain National Forest can undertake is the Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop, which AllTrails has ranked as the top hike in New Hampshire. However, while this is a scenic hike, it is also very difficult. In addition to good hiking boots and the 10 hiking essentials, it is recommended hikers utilize trekking poles, like those offered by TrailBuddy.

During winter months, several hiking trails within White Mountain National Forest are popular for snowshoeing. Those who enjoy winter outdoor recreation will find plenty of other options within the People's Forest as well. There are more than 400 miles of snowmobile trails, as well as ample opportunities for snow skiing and snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing. White Mountain National Forest is also an outstanding destination for a winter camping trip. Those wishing to overnight in the forest have the option of renting a cabin, camping in one of the campgrounds, or pitching their tent in the backcountry. 

Although it offers adventurers a myriad of opportunities, White Mountain National Forest isn't the only option for enjoying the outdoor aspects of New Hampshire. There are numerous outdoor recreation areas within a short distance of Lincoln. Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is one such spot. Situated just a short distance west of town, the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves features a mile-long boardwalk that winds through the gorge and alongside the Lost River and waterfalls. There are also 11 glacial boulder caves, a suspension bridge, treehouse, and guided tours.

Just a short drive north of town, visitors will find Franconia Notch State Park. Here visitors can trek along trails that offer stunning views of the 800-foot Flume Gorge, as well as Mount Liberty. The two-mile self-guided hike through the gorge, which winds around waterfalls, boulders, and caves, is a popular route. It is also possible to hike up Mount Liberty via the Liberty Spring Trail, which is a seven-mile out-and-back trek.

Lincoln is also a good jumping-off spot to explore Mount Washington State Park, which is home to the highest elevation in the Northeast. The hour-and-a-half drive from Lincoln to Mount Washington is plenty scenic in its own right and passes numerous trails, mountains, rivers, and gorges. However, for those who enjoy hiking, it is worth making a quick road trip to see the view from atop the 6,288-foot tall Mount Washington. On clear days, those who reach the summit are able to catch a glimpse of four other states — Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York — the Canadian province of Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean.