20+ Fun Things to Do in Gorham, NH (From a Local!)

Hi! I’m Jamie Feinberg, an adventurer and creative who lived in northern New Hampshire for several years before becoming a full-time RVer from 2016 to 2021.

Most recently, I’ve written a book about my adventures in New Hampshire and across the United States, which I’ll be releasing in 2026. 

Given that, before moving to Gorham, my husband and I vacationed in the region, I bring multiple perspectives to this article and have a lot of advice on things to do in Gorham, NH!

If you’re planning a visit to Gorham or to northern New Hampshire more generally, by the end of this guide, you’ll have some great ideas and tips for your visit!

Introduction: Discovering Gorham’s Charm

I fell in love with the nature, arts community, and people of the region, and I spent a fair amount of my time in Gorham and the surrounding communities.

From hiking the Presidential Range to enjoying small-town festivals and dining on Main Street, I came to appreciate just how much this little town has to offer. Gorham may not be as famous as nearby Conway or Lincoln, but that’s precisely what makes it so special.

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or someone who wants a quiet getaway in the mountains, Gorham has something for you. In this guide, I’ll share more than 20 of my favorite things to do in and around Gorham, NH.

Getting to Gorham

Want to spend some time in northern New Hampshire? Specifically, in Gorham?

You will need to either drive your own car (or truck, etc., or even your class C or other RV) or fly in and rent a car to get around here.

If you’re flying in, you can fly into Manchester, NH (2 hours by car), Burlington, VT (2:30 by car), or Portland, ME (2 hours by car). There’s also a tiny municipal airport in Gorham, in case you’ll be flying your plane in! 

And if your only vehicle is your RV, you’ll want to be especially mindful of planning your route, as some of the roads off the beaten path could be nerve-wracking to drive amongst the mountains of New Hampshire. 

Your route from Portland, ME, would be fairly scenic, going from Route 302 to Route 2, driving through a variety of small towns (and avoiding the tolls of Maine!). 

From Burlington, VT, you’ll take the interstate for a bit (89 and 93) until taking routes 302, 3, 115, and 2 through the beautiful towns of Littleton and Bethlehem, NH (that area was my home base for years!), followed by a few other small communities.

And if you’re coming from Manchester, NH, the quickest route is up 293 and 93 and through Franconia Notch (some of the most iconic mountain views and hiking in NH) along routes 3, 115, and 2.

Alternatively, you can avoid tolls by heading toward 125 N, which will take you toward Rochester, Conway (another tourist destination), and Jackson (another sweet community popular with tourists).

I especially recommend enjoying the sections of this route that aren’t on the interstate. Stop for beer or ice cream in Littleton or Bethlehem. Take the railroad in Conway or hit up the outlets for some shopping. And take advantage of the many, many incredible trails throughout these communities. 

Getting Around Gorham

Getting around Gorham is pretty straightforward, as long as you have a vehicle to drive!

Main Street in Gorham is pleasant, though not exceptionally compact, with several dining establishments, a bookstore, and a few places to stay (with more nearby). You’ll also find ATV rentals downtown, and you’re not far from Appalachian/Mahoosic trail access and the Androscoggin River. 

One of my best tips for navigating Gorham and the surrounding region is that while many businesses maintain a website, a Google presence, and/or a Facebook page, it is 100% normal for you to drive 45 minutes to visit a store you’re excited about or a restaurant you’ve heard great things about and find out it’s closed today.

These are small towns, workers may be scarce, and it’s just a different pace of life here. So please call ahead to confirm they’ll be open, or have a backup plan in mind. (Or both!)

When is the Best Time to Visit

Gorham will have plenty to do in the winter, particularly if you’re interested in snowmobiling and other outdoor winter activities.

And then of course, spring and summer have plenty of activities in the way of outdoor recreation, as well as for arts and culture, and some good eats. Summer is generally the most popular time to visit.

But if you’re looking for things to do in Gorham, NH, the most special time has to be the fall (autumn), when the leaves change color in absolutely splendid oranges, reds, and yellows. 

You just can’t beat the combination of mountains/lakes/rivers, and changing leaves in this part of the world. Since the main roads will get congested with leaf peepers, plan to stay closer to “home” on the weekends and do more of your sightseeing during the week. Pack snacks, water, and your patience. And enjoy! 

When Not to Visit

Northern New Hampshire is beautiful most of the year. But I do not recommend visiting in mud season. 

Mud season is somewhere in the mid-March/to mid-April area. It’s hard to define precisely, but it’s the time of year when the snow has pretty much melted (barring another surprise storm or two) and the snow combines with all of the dirt roads to coat everything in mud.

It’s messy. It’s kind of gross. And mud season is the time of year when nearly every business goes on vacation, closes, or otherwise gets out of town.

Do not visit at this time of year. Outdoor activities will be a pain in the butt, and nearly every local business will be closed. (And yes, that’s true in neighboring communities as well.) 

Don’t see anything posted from the businesses you plan to visit? See above for my note about how unreliable online research is for this part of the world. 🙂 

Summer Things to Do in Gorham, NH

Summer is a wonderful time in Gorham (and into the fall, weather permitting). 

Explore the Mountains

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a privately owned, incredible way to reach the top of Mt. Washington, home of some of the world’s most dramatic weather. You can drive your own vehicle, if you dare, or take a guided tour or even an ATV on certain days.

There are limited opportunities to see a rare bird, Bicknell’s Thrush, or make a trip for sunset or visit the Red Barn Museum for a glimpse of the past. 

The Presidential Trail takes you to some of the most beautiful and iconic peaks in the White Mountains.

Appalachian Mountain Club offers a suggested itinerary for the seasoned hiker.

Not quite your speed? Gorham is still a great base for less experienced mountain adventurers.

Mount Crag Loop, Shelburne Basin Falls Trail, and Moose Brook State Park loop from Gorham are just a couple of many, many places that less advanced hikers will enjoy. 

Or, hike the Appalachian Trail! Gorham is a popular place for thru-hikers to stop on their way north to Katahdin, Maine. Though you may not want to commit a season to hiking the trail, why not hike a portion of it while you’re here? (Most of the pictures in this post were taken by Cindy while she was in the area on her Appalachian Trail thru-hike.)

Get out on a Kayak

In the warmer months, kayak or canoe down the Androscoggin River, where you can keep your eyes out for moose, eagle, osprey, and other wildlife along the way.

Options are available whether you’re new to kayaking or an advanced kayaker – the river is generally considered beginner-friendly. Guided tours are available.

Go Swimming

Looking to cool off? Nearby swimming options include Garnet Pool or Third Hole, local swimming holes, or visit Jericho Lake at Jericho Mountain State Park.

And while it can get especially busy, you can actually swim at the waterfall at Diana’s Baths! There are also TONS of other places to swim within an hour’s drive of here. 

Go Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing on the Androscoggin River is popular much of the year, and you can take a guided tour with outfits like Top Notch Fly Fishing. You’ll find brook, brown, and rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. 

Check out a Waterfall

While you may have to fight crowds for parking, make a visit to this stunning waterfall while you’re in the area. 

Add in a Thrill

Storyland, Santa’s Village, Attitash Mountain Coaster, and the Mt. Washington Cog Railway (take a train ride to the top of Mount Washington!) are all nearby and worth a visit if they’re of interest. 

See a Show

A trip to the Weathervane, a local professional Equity summer stock theatre, is well worth the trip to nearby Whitefield, NH, during the summer and fall. Other options include a visit to Gorham’s Medallion Opera House for a concert or event. 

Winter Things to Do in Gorham, NH

When you’re looking for winter things to do in Gorham, NH, you’ve got plenty of options. 

Go Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is very popular here, and you can enjoy ATVing year-round. Berlin, NH, is near Gorham, and Berlin and the surrounding communities have worked hard to make their cities ATV-friendly. Jericho Mountain State Park is a destination for snowmobiling and ATVers in particular. 

Go Downhill Skiing

Downhill skiing is popular in this part of the world. Your best options nearby would include Wildcat Mountain in Jackson, NH (10 minutes), Sunday River (in Maine, but about a half hour’s drive), Bretton Woods (40 minutes), Cranmore (35 minutes), and Attitash (30 minutes). Honestly, I could keep naming off places within an hour’s drive, so you have tons of options if you like to ski here! 

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is prevalent here, but pay close attention to conditions as many of the trails aren’t maintained the way the downhill ski resorts are. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center offers extensive trails that are groomed daily (in addition to extensive biking and walking/running trails and kayaking tours in season). 

Experience Fat Biking

There are lots of opportunities for fat biking in the White Mountains as well, including at the aforementioned Great Glen Trails Outdoor Centre.

Enjoy Dog Sledding

Finally, Muddy Paw and Dog Sled NH offer family-friendly dog sledding adventures. 

Further Out Adventures

Honestly, there is just SO much to do outdoors in this region. I’ve already touched on a ton, but I’ve just scratched the surface, and if you’re willing to drive further, you’ll hit other wonderful places to visit, too. There’s an extensive amount of hiking, lots of cute historical museums, and great places to experience the arts, too. 

60 miles outside of Gorham is the beautiful Jackson Falls.

About 75 miles outside of Gorham, you may enjoy a guided moose tour by visiting Crawford Notch State Park or Arethusa Falls (said to be the tallest in NH in one drop). 

And approximately 95 miles away is the adorable village of Bethlehem, NH (and maybe check out Littleton, Franconia, or Sugar Hill while you’re there), and grab some Super Secret Ice Cream and an extraordinary panini or coffee from Maia Papaya. 

Lastly, my personal favorite part of New Hampshire – or at least, the most stunning place to visit – is the Connecticut Lakes (Pittsburg). While it’s a couple of hours’ drive north of Gorham (about 140 miles away), if you’re only going to take a day trip or do a quick overnight, Gorham isn’t a bad place to begin your adventure.

The Connecticut Lakes area is extraordinarily gorgeous, and it’s right along the US/Canadian border. You may want to turn your cell phone off, as your phone may think you’re in Canada. 

The Best Instagram Spot

Of everything mentioned here, the Connecticut Lakes are the most Instagrammable, but check out the falls as well.

And Mr. Pizza, White Mountain Cafe, and other local food spots will give you a very Instagrammable foodie shot!

But seriously, any of these nature adventures will give you a great photo. 

An Overrated Spot

In my opinion, the nearby Conway area is kind of interchangeable with a lot of other ski resort communities. Gorham will be cheaper and isn’t a carbon copy you’ve seen before. 

Places to Stay

This area is honestly full of fantastic, charming places to stay. 

Gorham, NH Vacation Rentals

Looking for a vacation rental to stay in while in the area?

Check out this Victorian on Main Street or this cozy cabin tucked away nearby in the mountains.

Or explore more options on this map:

Gorham, NH Hotels

Top Notch Inn is a good budget option here. You can also look into local hostel options. 

Town and Country Inn is a bit more, but still very reasonably priced, with food available on site. They also have a conference center here. 

The Glen House is pretty fancy and has a fascinating history, with an amazing view and an on-site restaurant. 

Want to splurge? If a local bed and breakfast isn’t enough for you, Gorham is just forty minutes down the road from the OMNI Mount Washington Resort and Spa, the absolute icon of history with astonishing views, wonderful meals, entertainment, and more. Treat yourself to spa, golf, and other experiences here. (This is also a fun place to visit, even if you aren’t staying on site!)

Gorham, NH Campgrounds

RV and tent camping options nearby include Dolly Copp Campground, KOA Twin Mountain, and Moose Brook State Park. 

Dispersed camping options are available in parts of the White Mountains, but do your homework first, please. 

Gorham, NH Bed and Breakfasts

Looking for an inn or bed and breakfast experience?

Mt. Washington Bed and Breakfast gets outstanding reviews (in Shelburne, right next door) and offers daily breakfast and free wifi. Rates are super reasonable!

Philbrook Farm Inn (in Shelburne) is on the registry of historic places. It offers complimentary continental breakfast AND dinner to guests as well as a variety of amenities. Options vary from $260 semi-private to $400 for a cottage (including pet-friendly cottages) in season. 

The Libby House Inn delivers baked goods and juice to your room each evening. It’s a historic 1880s inn and kind of a bargain, honestly. 

Gorham, New Hampshire Restaurants

In addition to the aforementioned Mr. Pizza and White Mountain Cafe, both of which I can highly recommend, there have been some great breweries opening up in this area!

Try checking out Big Day Brewing while you’re in town, or drive nearby to Copper Pig Brewery (30 minutes), Rek-Lis Brewing (40 minutes), Iron Furnace Brewing (50 minutes), or Schilling Brewery, all of which have made northern NH a destination for beer lovers.

Gorham, New Hampshire Tours

Gorham Moose Tours offers you your best chance (as a non-local) of seeing moose while you’re in this part of the world. 

Here are some other tour options that are popular in the area:

Viator

GetYourGuide

Tips from a Local Wrap Up: Things to Do in Gorham, NH

Gorham is in the heart of a whole lot of wonderful things that make northern New Hampshire really special. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts’ parade, and I find that Gorham is a bit of a hidden gem compared to some of the more well-known tourist destinations in the area, like Lincoln and Conway. Though it’s a small town, you can find what you need here, and anything you can’t find is certainly available a short drive away. 

There are so many things to do in Gorham, NH, and nearby, and I hope this helps you in your planning. Enjoy your visit, whether it’s for the fall colors, a summer getaway, or a winter escape. 

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