New Hampshire

Best Outdoor Attractions in New Hampshire | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards

The Granite State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in New Hampshire for 2014. BEST FAMILY CAMP: AMC’S THREE MILE ISLAND, Laconia Many families return the same week every summer to hike, swim, canoe, and sail. Or simply relax at the main house with its […]

By Yankee Magazine

Jun 10 2014

Pitcher Mountain

Best Blueberry Picking | Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard

Photo Credit : Lori Pedrick
Pitcher Mountain
Best Blueberry Picking | Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard
Photo Credit : Lori Pedrick

The Granite State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in New Hampshire for 2014.

BEST FAMILY CAMP:
AMC’S THREE MILE ISLAND, Laconia

Many families return the same week every summer to hike, swim, canoe, and sail. Or simply relax at the main house with its game rooms, fireplace, library, and piano. Three Mile Island. 603-279-7626; 3mile.org

BEST OBSTACLE COURSE:
MOUNT SUNAPEE ADVENTURE PARK, Newbury

Zipline tours, an aerial challenge course, and off-road Segway excursions are ideal for summer adventurers, while chairlift rides are perfect for those counting down to ski season. 1398 Route 103. 603-763-3500; mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/adventurepark/welcome.asp

BEST CANOEING:
NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL, North Stratford

This section of the Connecticut River offers lots of sandy beaches for swimming and picnics, and best of all: no portages. Look for great blue herons, river otters, beavers, and minks. 802-496-2285; northernforestcanoetrail.org/PlanaTrip-3/North-Stratford-to-Guildhall-97

BEST BLUEBERRY PICKING:
PITCHER MOUNTAIN, Stoddard

It’s hard to look down, given the views of Mount Monadnock along this easy climb, but you’ll be rewarded if you do—fresh wild blueberries are everywhere you look, and yours for the picking. Route 123

BEST CANYON:
SCULPTURED ROCKS NATURAL AREA, Groton

The Cockermouth River carved out this narrow canyon, stretching across 272 acres, while on its way to Newfound Lake during the Ice Age. Today, you can scramble along the edges and explore its unique shapes and potholes—and if you’re more adventurous, take a dip in its cool waters. 251 Sculptured Rocks Road, between Routes 3A and 118. 603-227-8745; nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area.aspx