The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to many cute New England towns, where historic downtowns, covered bridges, and welcoming main streets are perfect for slow wandering. These are the kinds of places where an afternoon can be spent popping into shops and bakeries, visiting apple orchards, hiking to an overlook, admiring fall foliage, or pulling over for a postcard-worthy mountain view. Each town has its own character, shaped by its history, landscape, and generations of New England living, which makes exploring a few of them especially rewarding.
Staying at Under Canvas White Mountains puts you within reach of many cute New England towns, making it easy to pair outdoor adventure with small-town charm. Here’s a look at a few worth adding to your White Mountains itinerary.
Littleton
Littleton is one of the most beloved, cute New England towns, and it’s easy to see why. Its downtown is picture-perfect, with a covered bridge, a river walk, and a Main Street lined with local shops and eateries.
The town is also connected to the 1913 novel Pollyanna, thanks to hometown author Eleanor H. Porter and Littleton’s cheerful “Be Glad” motto. Walk beneath Pollyanna Gateway, walk the shops along Main Street, and make your way toward the River District, where Harmony Park and the Ammonoosuc River add to the town’s charm. Stop by the Littleton Historical Society Museum, sample local brews at a nearby pub, or treat yourself to a visit to Chutter’s, home of the world’s longest candy counter.
For a quick but rewarding outdoor adventure, head to Kilburn Crags or explore local trail systems like Parker Mountain and The Dells.
Jefferson
Jefferson is one of those places that’s worth exploring in every season. It’s perfect for those who want scenic beauty with plenty of ways to get outside.
The town is home to Santa’s Village, a Christmas-themed park and a longtime family favorite open from May through January, and the beautiful Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, where wetlands, trails, and mountain backdrops make for peaceful outdoor exploration. Golfers can tee off at one of the oldest 18-hole courses in the state, while hikers and scenic drivers will appreciate the panoramic vistas of the Presidential Range.
Lancaster
Set along the Connecticut River, Lancaster offers a quieter side of the White Mountains. Considered a gateway to New Hampshire’s Great North Woods, Lancaster feels rooted in the landscape, with big mountain views, rolling farmland, and an easygoing pace.
One of the town’s highlights is Weeks State Park, once the summer estate of John Wingate Weeks. Explore the grounds, walk the wooded trails, and visit the stone fire tower on Mount Prospect for views of the surrounding countryside. The former homestead is also a museum, adding another layer of history to the experience. If you visit in late summer, the Lancaster Fair brings the community together with food, music, and lots of family-friendly fun.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem blends mountain-town beauty with culture and history. In the late 1800s, it became a summer retreat for urbanites needing relief from heat and hay fever, and that sense of restorative escape still lingers today.
Spend time exploring shops, art galleries, and eateries, then catch a performance or film at the Colonial Theatre, a local landmark. The Rocks Estate is another spot worth visiting, offering scenic views, walking trails, and a fascinating look at the property’s history and forestry mission.
After a day of exploring, Rek’-lis Brewing is a favorite stop for craft beer, from scratch eats, live music, and a relaxed local feel.
Gorham
On the eastern side of the White Mountains, Gorham feels more rugged and adventure-forward, nestled in the Androscoggin Valley near the Presidential Range.
Jericho Mountain State Park draws ATV and UTV enthusiasts, while nearby Pinkham Notch opens the door to some of the region’s best hiking, waterfalls, and mountain biking. Gorham is also a good place for spotting moose, paddling local waters, and taking in views of Mount Washington.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is a bucket-list drive for many visitors, while guided kayak trips offer another memorable way to experience the area. Back in town, local shops and restaurants offer cozy spots to unwind and enjoy a meal.
North Conway
North Conway has long been one of the White Mountains’ most popular destinations, thanks to its mix of outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and classic small-town charm.
The village is filled with historic buildings, bookstores, bakeries, and boutiques, and a huge outlet mall at Settlers Green. The Conway Scenic Railroad adds a nostalgic touch with its 1874 station and scenic train rides. This is where you can climb aboard a vintage rail car on the Valley Train or the Mountaineer for dramatic views through Crawford Notch.
Nearby, outdoor adventures range from rock climbing at Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge to swimming holes along the Saco River and scenic drives to waterfalls and covered bridges. North Conway has a little bit of everything!
Franconia
The town of Franconia may be small, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with scenery. Home to the northern portion of Franconia Notch State Park, this town is surrounded by nature and history.
From here, you can take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for panoramic mountain views or walk through the dramatic rock walls of Flume Gorge. Echo Lake offers a more relaxed pace, with paddleboat rentals, a sandy beach, and beautiful views of Cannon Mountain.
For those interested in poets and poetry, The Frost Place (once home to Robert Frost) is a meaningful stop, while the New England Ski Museum shows off the region’s ski heritage. The museum has locations in both Franconia and North Conway, each with its own exhibits.
Where to Stay in New Hampshire
After days spent exploring these cute New England towns, Under Canvas White Mountains offers a peaceful place to return to. Set on 86 scenic acres in the heart of the region, the camp is surrounded by meadows, orchards, and forest, with sweeping views of the Presidential Range. The experience blends upscale safari-inspired glamping with thoughtful comforts, including king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, daily programming, and al fresco dining, all in a setting close to nature.
With Franconia Notch State Park nearby and attractions like the Kancamagus Highway and the Mount Washington Cog Railway within easy reach, Under Canvas White Mountains is the perfect base for exploring the best of the region.
Plan a road trip from the White Mountains to Acadia National Park to see even more cute New England towns!