Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Woodstock, NH

  • Published 2023/02/14

With about 2,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest set within its borders, it’s no wonder that this little town bustles with outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

But Woodstock offers much more than just its natural wonders.

It also has a vibrant arts community.

If you’re looking to explore a perfect place to enjoy all four seasons, Woodstock should be your destination!

This small town is packed with things to do, from hiking trails to scenic drives.

Here are 20 of the best things to do in town:

Try Hiking at the White Mountains National Forest

Body of water surrounded with autumn trees at White Mountains National Forest

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

The White Mountains National Forest is a federally protected area located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The area covers more than 1 million acres, known for its rugged landscape, pristine forests, and alpine scenery.

The United States Forest Service, a division of the Department of Agriculture, manages the forest.

The White Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world, and the forest is home to a variety of plants and animals, including moose, black bears, and bobcats.

Nature trail at White Mountains National Forest

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

More than 2,000 miles of hiking trails also cross the forest, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Besides hiking, people can enjoy camping, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.

There are also plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife watching.

The forest is also home to many charming towns and villages, including Woodstock, Lincoln, etc.

Short waterfall at White Mountains National Forest

Jerry Gantar / Shutterstock.com

Go Fishing at Franconia Notch State Park

Echo lake at Franconia Notch State Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Franconia Notch State Park is a beautiful park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The park has many features that make it unique and special, including the Franconia Ridge, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Flume Gorge, and the Old Man of the Mountain.

The park also has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s as a railroad station.

A man hiking at Franconia Notch State Park

John Penney / Shutterstock.com

Franconia Notch State Park is a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors.

The Franconia Ridge is a ridge of mountains that runs for about eight miles through the park.

The ridge is known for its beautiful views, and it is a popular destination for hikers.

There are plenty of things to do in the park, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.

Cascade at Franconia Notch State Park

Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock.com

See the Beautiful Scenery with Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Tourists riding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway's cable car

Kyle Lee / Shutterstock.com

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

The tramway is the longest and highest in the eastern United States (New England), and it takes passengers on a ride to the summit of Cannon Mountain.

The tramway consists of two passenger cars that travel back and forth on a cable between the mountain summit and the base lodge.

Scenic view from Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Nancy Kennedy / Shutterstock.com

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the tramway in 1938, and its initial name was the Cannon Mountain Aerial Highway.

In 1980, the government rebuilt the tramway, renaming it the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

The views from the summit are spectacular, and visitors can see for miles in every direction.

The tramway is open year-round, and it is a great place to visit during all seasons.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway's gift shop sign

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

See the Waterfalls at the Flume Gorge

Covered bridge over The Flume Gorge's water

Michael Paixao / Shutterstock.com

The Flume Gorge in Lincoln, NH, is a natural marvel that has attracted visitors for over a hundred years.

Jonathan Willard’s surveyor discovered the Flume Gorge in 1808.

While exploring the area for a possible route to the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, he found the gorge.

It is a popular tourist destination, and it also has historical significance.

Waterfall downstream at The Flume Gorge

BaberPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Native Americans used the Gorge as a transportation route, and the military also used it during the Revolutionary War.

The Gorge is a two-mile-long chasm with walls that rise to 70 feet.

Visitors can walk along a well-maintained path and admire the rushing waterfalls, granite cliffs, and forests surrounding the gorge.

The Merrimack River formed the gorge, which eroded the rocks over time.

Boardwalk at The Flume Gorge

Pierre Leclerc / Shutterstock.com

Marvel at Clark’s Bears

Train station in Clark's Trading Post

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Clark’s Bears is a popular tourist attraction located in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Its former name was Clark’s Trading Post.

Founder Will Clark brought the first bear cubs to the trading post in 1944.

Their descendants populated the attraction.

Vintage gas station at Clark's Trading Post

Cliff from I now live in Arlington, VA (Outside Washington DC), USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The site is famous for its trained bears, which perform several tricks for the audience.

In addition to the bears, Clark’s Bears also offers a variety of other attractions, such as a haunted house, train rides, and a petting zoo.

Remember the Past at Hobo Railroad

Front view of a train at Hobo Railroad

Jyothis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hobo Railroad began operations on July 1, 1871, as the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

It was the first railway to use a cogwheel-powered locomotive to climb a mountain.

The railway ran from Woodstock, New Hampshire, to the summit of Mount Washington in Pinkham Notch.

Body of a train at Hobo Railroad

Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Woodstock initially built the railway to carry tourists to the summit of Mount Washington, but it also carried mail and freight.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway closed in 1942 due to a lack of passengers.

It re-opened as the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which operated until its closure in 1978.

Today, the Hobo Railroad preserves the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

One of Hobo Railroad's train

Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Find the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves are natural attractions in Woodstock, NH.

Lost River Gorge is a natural wonder home to various geological features, including a gorge, caves, and waterfalls.

Boulder Cave is an artificial cave created when workers blasted through solid rock to build the railroad.

It features a tour of the gorge, a deep and narrow river valley formed through erosion, and a cave that underwent the same process.

The attraction also has some outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking, and there is a gift shop on site.

Spend the Day at Whale’s Tale Waterpark

A waterslide at Whale's Tale Waterpark

Ken Gallager, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Whale’s Tale Waterpark is a great place to visit for a summer day of fun.

Many activities keep you entertained, including a large waterpark, mini-golf, and an arcade.

The park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and tickets are very affordable.

Group rates are available, making it an excellent place for a summer outing with friends or family.

There are water slides, a lazy river, and a heated pool for swimming.

The park is open from May to September, and there is also a café on site.

Bring Your Special Someone to Profile Falls

Daytime view of the beautiful Profile Falls

Brandon Gadbois / Shutterstock.com

Profile Falls, located in Woodstock, New Hampshire, is a beautiful and serene waterfall and popular tourist destination.

Settlers in the early 1800s discovered the waterfall, and their descendants came up with its current name in the 1930s.

Aerial view of Profile Falls

Eli Wilson / Shutterstock.com

Profile Falls is a great place to visit for those who want to take a walk in the woods and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Locals say that the Profile Falls got its name because it’s the first view of the White Mountains a traveler sees as they come over the Kancamagus Highway.

The falls are marvelous, a great place to stop and take a break while driving through the White Mountains.

Explore the Outdoors at the Mount Washington Cog Railway

Steam train at Mount Washington Cog Railway

Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a historic mountain railway located in Mount Washington, New Hampshire.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain-climbing railway.

The railway climbs to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States.

The railway is 3.8 miles long and climbs to an elevation of 6,288 feet.

Gorgeous mountain views at Mount Washington Cog Railway

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

The railway has operated since 1869.

It is a popular tourist attraction, and over 250,000 people ride it each year.

The railway is open from late April through November and offers scenic rides to the summit of Mount Washington.

It is a popular tourist attraction known for its steep grades and tight curves.

The tracks of Mount Washington Cog Railway

Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Historic Rocks Estate

Exterior of The Rocks Estate

Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Deacon Samuel Blodgett established the Rocks Estate in 1802.

It is located in Woodstock and is open to the public from May to October.

The estate is a popular destination for tourists and offers guided tours of the property and a variety of other attractions and activities.

An early settler, Blodgett acquired the land from the Abenaki Indians.

The Blodgett family has owned the property for ten generations.

Have Some Quality Time at Six Gun City Theme Park

Six Gun City is a western-themed amusement park in Woodstock, NH.

Six Gun City Theme Park is a family-owned and operated amusement park located in Woodstock, NH.

The park first opened in 1969 and features over 30 rides and attractions, including a water park.

The park is most famous for its wooden roller coaster, the Thunderbolt.

It features a variety of attractions, including staged gunfights, stagecoach rides, and a gold mine.

The park is open from late May to early October.

Each show features six shooters who compete in various challenges, such as speed shooting and accuracy.

There is also a restaurant on-site, as well as a gift shop.

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including a petting zoo, a replica of an Old West town, a train ride, a mine tour, a gunfight show, and a variety of amusement park rides.

The park also offers a variety of other activities, including stagecoach rides and a gold panning.

Check Out Story Land

Cinderella's castle at Story Land

AnotherMaker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Story Land opened in 1952.

It started as a small, family-owned amusement park that catered to the children of the employees of the nearby Mount Washington Hotel.

Colorful houses at Story Land

Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The hotel would bring their guests’ kids over for an afternoon of fun, and the park gradually grew from there.

Over 60 years later, Story Land has become one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, drawing in crowds of over half a million people every year.

It has become a New Hampshire tradition for families to visit Story Land during the summer months.

Sculptures at Story Land

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Exhibits at the New England Ski Museum

Exterior of New England Ski Museum

Ken Gallager, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The New England Ski Museum is famous for its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to experience the history and culture of skiing.

Located in Woodstock, NH, the museum has operated since 1993 and has welcomed over 500,000 guests.

The museum’s exhibits include a variety of ski-related artifacts, including equipment, clothing, photographs, and videos.

There is a section on skiing history, from its origins in Scandinavia to its popularity in North America.

The museum also offers educational programs for school groups.

Bring Your Family to Waterville Valley Skatepark

The Waterville Valley Skatepark is located in Woodstock.

It is a popular spot for skateboarders and other extreme sports enthusiasts.

The park is open from dawn until dusk and includes a variety of ramps, rails, and other obstacles for users to enjoy.

There is also a basketball court on-site for those wanting to play another sport.

It features a street course with stairs, rails, ledges, and a bowl with a spine and a deep end.

Shop at Wayne’s Market

Since 2001, the Clermont Family has owned and operated Wayne’s Market.

It consists of an exceptional butcher shop, a modest grocery store, and a complete-service deli offering made-to-order sandwiches.

They sell various items, including ice, beer, wine, cigars, lottery tickets, and firewood.

Wayne’s market routinely offers more than 800 different types of beer, making it the northern New Hampshire region’s biggest beer variety.

Come in and visit the greatest deli and butcher store, accessible from 5 am to 10 pm.

Wander around the Woodstock Farmhouse

Since 1890, anniversaries, tourist groups, business summits, and other events have been held at the Woodstock Farmhouse.

The Maplewood Cottage and Rooms was initially constructed in 1890 for tourists traveling through the White Mountains to the Woodstock Farmhouse.

With its broad wood floors and wide farmhouse table, the seven-bedroom, five-bath home is decorated in an ancient farmhouse style.

The dining room will entice you to remain long after the dinner is complete, and the farmer’s kitchen’s hospitality makes tailoring your stay a pleasure.

The arrangement features master suites, one accessible to people with disabilities on the first floor, and a stunning powder room on the second floor, all designed to make your gathering unforgettable.

Delight in Goodies at Woodstock Pie and Coffee Company

Pay a visit to the Woodstock Pie and Coffee Company, which offers pie, coffee, and other services to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Your early morning and afternoon goodies are all taken care of here.

Everything from take-and-bake pies and delectable pastries to a steaming cappuccino or a customized quiche.

Soak in the ambiance of another of New Hampshire’s most distinctive bakeries while sipping coffee and chatting with helpful employees.

Through a wide range of customizing options and a variety of goods, they aim to meet various requirements and interests.

Spend the Day Exploring the Ice Castles

Fountain at Ice Castles

Keith J Finks / Shutterstock.com

Ice Castles is a breathtaking winter phenomenon that presents fairy tales to life.

The goal of Ice Castles has been to provide an experience that people will remember long after the ice has melted since 2011.

You may either wander and get lost in an ice maze or scream with excitement as you speed down one of the thrilling ice slides constructed.

Ice sculpture at Ice Castles

Keith J Finks / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a leisurely stroll amid the trees on a quarter-mile walking route entirely lit up by the winter’s ethereal glow.

Experience the timeless rush of speeding down a tubing hill on a course plowed for enjoyment, safety, and speed.

View of Ice Castles

K_Media / Shutterstock.com

Learn More about Woodstock at White Mountains Visitor Center

Come and visit the White Mountains Attractions Visitor Center in North Woodstock to kick off your White Mountains vacation in the best possible way.

You may get free brochures, guides, and more from the helpful staff, which can also provide you with a great deal of information regarding places to go and activities to see.

The Visitor Center additionally sells Mountains Recreation Passes.

While at it, spend some time in their gift shop, which is the ideal spot to buy a keepsake from your trip.

Look up local information on the White Mountains Attractions Visitor Center before you go on your trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for some great things to do in Woodstock, you’ll want to check out the nearby White Mountain National Forest.

This massive park offers plenty of fantastic hiking trails and camping, fishing, and skiing opportunities.

You’ll also want to visit the town’s charming main street, home to unique shops and restaurants.

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