Gorham, New Hampshire, is a town that exudes a historic and nature-loving atmosphere.
It’s perfectly situated in the Androscoggin Valley next to the Presidential Mountain Range, one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the United States.
This town has a variety of activities to offer for history and nature enthusiasts.
Shops, guided tours, and other recreational activities can also be enjoyed here.
Located in Coös County, Gorham was first chartered in 1770 by colonial Governor John Wentworth.
The land was first home to farms, logging operations, and some stores and stables.
Its name was suggested by Lot Davis, a relative of the Gorham family who settled in the town way back in 1764.
As per the United States Census Bureau, Gorham’s land area measures 31.8 square miles, while 0.50 square miles consist of water.
This place is best for hiking and ATV rides during the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure or relaxing getaway for you and your loved ones, take a look at this list of the best things to do in Gorham, New Hampshire!
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The Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum is a seasonal museum that opens from late May to early October.
Located on Railroad Street, this historical destination is managed by the Gorham Historical Society.
The structure was used to house the former Grand Trunk Railway depot, which was constructed in 1907.
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Railroad engines, cars on static display, unique railroad models, essential artifacts, objects, and photographs can be found inside the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum.
Also displayed inside are the B&M 4265 diesel, Fairmont ST2 Track Inspection Car, Baldwin steam locomotive, four freight cars, and more.
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White Mt. ATV Rental is a local company on Main Street that offers ATV and UTV rental services and wildlife tours in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Their UTVs are well-maintained and have GPS tracking devices to ensure safety.
Helmets and other protective gear are also provided.
You can choose between a guided or solo trip.
The expert guides and staff guarantee a safe yet heart-stopping adventure.
The trails are also well-marked, and you can stop for a quick snack with your buddies while surrounded by green scenery.
With 27 years in the business, White Mt. ATV Rental provides its visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience to reconnect with nature.
Grab the chance to experience wildlife through a guided tour with Gorham Moose Tours, North Country’s longest-running tour service.
The knowledgeable staff will fascinate you with information about the wildlife you will encounter during the tour.
Gorham Moose Tours assures you a 93% to 97% chance of spotting several moose.
It’s important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable; still, the tour operator always does its best to give visitors an unforgettable experience.
The tour departs from Gorham Information Booth on Main Street.
Gorham Moose Tours runs for three to four hours, so bring your jacket or sweater and cameras to capture this once-in-a-lifetime chance of moose sighting.
Tours are also conducted at night, adding more excitement to the experience.
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Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is a haven for adventurous people.
Located at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road, this place has a selection of activities for people of all ages.
You can choose from guided kayaking, mountain biking, fat biking, trail runs, river trips, and more, so you will never run out of things to do at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.
During the winter, you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snow tubing.
After a day well spent enjoying these activities, you can relax in their lodging rental partners offering picturesque mountain views.
Situated in the White Mountains Region on the northern portion of the Presidential Range is a 755-acre of natural wonders waiting to be experienced.
Moose Brook State Park sits at an elevation of 1,070 feet above sea level.
It was founded by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and opened its doors to the public in 1936.
You can spend the afternoon fishing at Peabody and Moose Rivers or wandering through towering trees, mountains, streams, and still lakes.
A variety of trails can be explored on foot or mountain bike.
Other activities to choose from are swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, and trail walking.
Relax and be one with nature after choosing from Moose Brook State Park’s 59 well-maintained and easily accessible campsites.
Leashed pets are allowed on campsites and trails, except at the beach and swimming areas.
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The Medallion Opera House is a 224-seat performing arts center on Park Street.
It was renovated and reopened in 2021.
The opera house will let you witness various shows, from plays, movies, exhibits, workshops, concerts, and more.
Established in 1915, it is located in the historic Gorham Town Hall building.
Its mission is to be the home of performing arts and educational experiences for the people of New Hampshire.
The Medallion Opera House is the place to go if you want a quick break from the great outdoors.
Open since 1861, the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum is the only surviving barn among all the horse and hay barns from the last century.
It is situated at the base of Mt. Washington Carriage Road.
Here, you can revisit Gorham’s auto road history.
Many horse-drawn and motor vehicles that have been through the surrounding mountain summits are also displayed here.
Some of the museum’s most important displays are the 1870s Abbot-Downing Concord Coach, 1918 Pierce-Arrow, and 1938 Ford station wagon.
The artifacts inside are in excellent condition and hold many stories.
The Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum is a small establishment that can be toured within 30 minutes.
It’s one of the few places where you can relive the past and fascinate yourself with the town’s rich history.
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Wildcat Mountain houses one of the United States’ first ski racing trails.
It’s perfectly situated in Jackson near the Mt. Washington Valley.
You can get an eye-level view of the Tuckerman Ravine and Mt. Washington across the Pinkham Notch.
Due to its high elevation and the insane amount of snow that settles on this land, a modern ski area was developed on Wildcat Mountain and can be enjoyed for most of the year.
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Apart from skiing, snowboarding and gondola rides can also be experienced here.
After a day of snow activities, you can dine at their in-house pub and cafeteria that serve hot and cold beverages, grilled snacks, beer, and more.
You, your family, and friends will undoubtedly take home many memories from Wildcat Mountain.
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Mt. Madison Inn and Suites is one of the most conveniently located hotels in Mt. Washington.
It can be found just between Mt. Washington Valley and the Great North Woods.
The hotel’s amenities include a heated pool, an eight-person hot tub, a fire pit, grills, and a laundry facility.
Mt. Madison Inn and Suites also has kid-friendly pool areas, so you won’t have to worry about your children’s safety.
You can spend the day unwinding or trying out the hotel’s in-house activities.
This place allows you to stay indoors while still being one with nature or go outside for some outdoor adventures.
Everything that brings comfort can be surely found at Mt. Madison Inn and Suites.
If you’re looking for a hotel near the mountains with access to recreational activities, this is the place you’re looking for!
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Previously called the Mt. Washington Carriage Road, the Mt. Washington Auto Road will let you experience an exciting 30-minute drive if you’re aiming to reach the 7.6-mile ascend.
This is an eight-mile road towards the top of Mt. Washington.
Adrenaline junkies will enjoy this road trip for its steep and narrow roads.
You can drive by yourself or join a guided trip.
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Once you reach the mountain, an outdoor center, gift shop, and cafe wait for you.
An escapade on the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road is highly recommended for those who aren’t afraid of heights.
Mt. Washington’s picture-perfect sceneries and cool wind will blow all your problems away.
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Situated in the White Mountains in Berlin, Jericho Mountain State Park is an easy 26-minute drive from Gorham.
Visitors who want an ATV, UTV, bike, or snowmobile adventure will also have a great time here.
Jericho Mountain State Park is famous for its 20 ride-in or ride-out campgrounds and cabins that are perfect if you’re longing for a quiet time away from the city.
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Timberland Campground is located in the White Mountains near Mt. Washington.
It’s just a six-minute drive away from Gorham.
You can choose from its various campsites where you can go stargazing at night.
Pets are also welcome at Timberland Campground, so you can bring your furry family members with you.
Take your dogs on the campgrounds’ pet-friendly walking trails, which come with views of the majestic Mahoosuc Mountain Range.
Just a 24-minute drive from Gorham, the Mt. Madison and Mt. Adams loop measures 15.3 kilometers.
It’s considered a challenging yet exciting loop and takes at least eight hours to complete.
Backpackers, campers, and bird enthusiasts always come to admire the beauty of these mountains.
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Jackson is home to Crystal Cascade, an enchanting 100-foot waterfall near the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, the waterfall sits at the end of a short out-and-back trail that takes a little over 20 minutes to traverse.
Crystal Cascade is a quick 13-minute drive from Gorham, so this place will surely be one of your favorite quick getaways outside the town.
It’s a beautiful place to snap photos, so don’t forget to bring your cameras!
Mt. Isolation is a short 15-minute drive from Gorham.
This mountain is famous among hikers for its calming and therapeutic atmosphere.
Dogs are also permitted on the mountain, but they must be kept on their leashes.
Mt. Isolation is a part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and is the highest peak on Montalban Ridge.
Gorham offers a lot of exciting activities all year round.
This place is primarily known for hiking, skiing, ATV rides, and wildlife viewing, but there are still a lot of fun surprises and destinations waiting to be explored by people of all ages.
If you want to break from the city’s hustle and bustle, a quick trip to Gorham will surely give you the peace you’re seeking.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bags, and don’t waste the chance to experience the best things to do in Gorham, New Hampshire.
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