Exploring New Hampshire by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the scenic town of Meredith offers a charming starting point for waterborne exploration. Just about 45 minutes north of Concord, Meredith’s docks on Lake Winnipesaukee invite visitors to embark on a boat tour that reveals the grandeur of the largest lake in the state. Boarding a classic cruise vessel, travelers can glide past islands adorned with historic summer cottages and dense forests, often catching glimpses of loons and eagles. The lake’s shimmering surface framed by the distant White Mountains makes summer evenings particularly magical, as the golden light casts long reflections and the air cools after a warm day. Exploring the lake by boat here is not just about the water; it’s about immersing yourself in the natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture that define this iconic region.
Travelers seeking a different perspective on the Granite State can head to the small town of Conway in the Mount Washington Valley, approximately 50 miles north of Manchester. Here, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers a memorable train journey through the heart of the White Mountains. The route winds along the Saco River, past deep forests and towering cliffs, with views of the iconic Mount Washington looming in the distance. The historic steam and diesel locomotives operate seasonally, allowing passengers to experience the golden age of rail travel. Riding the train is like stepping back in time, with vintage cars and attentive staff adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. Fall foliage transforms the landscape into a patchwork of fiery reds and golds, making autumn the best time to savor this scenic ride, but spring and summer also reveal lush greenery and riverbanks alive with wildlife.
For those drawn to the sky, the town of Bristol, located about 25 minutes southwest of the lakeside city of Laconia, is a launch site for hot air balloon adventures that offer sweeping aerial views of New Hampshire’s diverse landscape. Ascending gently over the rolling hills and farmlands of Grafton County, pilots steer balloons to reveal a patchwork quilt of forests, rivers, and charming villages. Early mornings, just after sunrise, provide the most serene flying conditions and the chance to watch the world wake up from above. The experience combines thrill with tranquility, as the silent glide offers a rare chance to observe the state’s vast natural beauty in complete peace. Floating above the Pemigewasset River and catching sight of the Kancamagus Highway winding through the White Mountains creates memories that linger long after landing.
In the southern part of the state, Portsmouth stands as a historic port city about an hour’s drive east of Manchester, where boat tours of the Piscataqua River and nearby Isles of Shoals bring maritime heritage to life. The harbor cruises explore the rugged seacoast, revealing lighthouses perched on rocky outcrops and the storied fishing communities that shaped the region. The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse itself, accessible by boat, is a landmark for visitors eager to connect with New England’s nautical past. Late spring and early summer, when the weather is crisp and the ocean breezes invigorate, are ideal for these trips. The city’s vibrant waterfront district, with its colonial-era architecture and bustling markets, adds to the rich tapestry of sights and sounds experienced from the water.
Heading west of Concord, the historic rail line through the town of Claremont offers another unique train journey, this time along the banks of the Connecticut River. About 45 minutes west of the state capital, the Claremont Railway provides excursions that highlight the region’s 19th-century industrial heritage against the backdrop of gentle river landscapes and wooded hills. The route includes a stop at the Sugar River Rail Trail, where travelers can stretch their legs and enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride on a flat, well-maintained path. The mild terrain and river vistas make this area especially pleasant in spring when wildflowers bloom and migratory birds return. Riding the rails here combines history, nature, and outdoor recreation in a way that few other New Hampshire destinations do.
Up in the northern reaches of the state, the lakeside town of Wolfeboro, perched on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee about 60 miles north of Concord, offers a blend of water and aerial exploration. From here, boat rentals and tours provide access to quiet bays and sandy beaches, but it is also a launching point for hot air balloon rides that drift over the lake’s shimmering waters and the surrounding hills. The vistas from the basket highlight the contrast between deep blue water and lush green mountains, a visual feast best appreciated on calm summer mornings or late afternoons. Wolfeboro’s quaint downtown, with its boutique shops and historic inns, invites visitors to linger after their flights, making it a well-rounded destination for those who want to experience New Hampshire from multiple vantage points.
Travelers looking for a more rugged train and hike combination can venture to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, located in the town of Bretton Woods about 70 miles north of Concord. This historic railway climbs Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. The cog railway’s steep, toothed track allows visitors to travel almost to the summit without the grueling hike, but those who want to stretch their legs can explore the preserved hiking trails around the summit area. The panoramic views from the top, on a clear day, span four states and even Canada. The railway’s vintage steam engines and the alpine tundra ecosystem make this journey uniquely New Hampshire. Summer’s cooler temperatures and the blooming alpine flowers create an ideal window for this experience, while winter’s snow transforms the mountain into a stark, dramatic landscape accessed by snow coaches rather than the cog train.
Each of these experiences—whether gliding across a lake, chugging along a scenic rail line, or drifting high above in a balloon—unveils a different facet of New Hampshire’s rich natural and cultural tapestry. The state’s varied geography, from coastal ports to mountain peaks, invites travelers to choose their own path and mode of discovery, promising unforgettable views and stories at every turn.