State · Nova Inglaterra

Nova Hampshire

New Hampshire, in New England: the White Mountains and Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Highway in autumn, Lake Winnipesaukee and the port city of Portsmouth.

In the photo: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Nova Hampshire

New Hampshire lies in northern New England, between Vermont and Maine, with a short Atlantic coastline and mountains along the border with Canada. The state is one of forests, lakes, covered bridges and villages of white houses, and it levies no state sales tax, which draws shoppers from neighboring states.

The White Mountains occupy the north. Mount Washington, at 1,917 meters, is the highest peak in the Northeast and is known for extreme weather at the summit; you can reach it via the Mount Washington Auto Road or the Cog Railway, from 1869, the world’s first mountain rack railway. The Kancamagus Highway crosses the forest between Lincoln and Conway, and Franconia Notch features the Flume Gorge trail.

In the lakes region, Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake, offers boat tours and summer villages like Wolfeboro and Meredith. On the coast, Portsmouth is a port city founded in the 17th century, with the outdoor museum Strawbery Banke showcasing houses from different eras, and Hampton Beach is the state’s busiest beach.

Concord, the capital, and Manchester, the largest city, sit in the Merrimack River valley. Hanover, on the Vermont border, is home to Dartmouth College. At the table, maple syrup from sugar houses in late winter, creamy clam chowder and apples from farms where visitors pick their own fruit in autumn.

When to go

The fall foliage, from late September to mid-October, fills the White Mountains, with roads and towns busy on weekends. Summer, from June to August, is lake and hiking season; atop Mount Washington temperatures are usually much lower than in the valley, even in July. Winter, from December to March, brings snow and skiing. New Hampshire is 2 hours behind Brasília (1 hour during daylight saving time).

Getting there

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) has domestic flights, but most visitors arrive via Boston’s airport, about 1 hour from Manchester and Portsmouth. From Brazil, flights to Boston may be direct or with connections depending on season and carrier; check before booking. From Boston, the White Mountains are about a 2.5-hour drive, and Lake Winnipesaukee about 2 hours. In the mountains, a car is the most practical way to get around.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Nova Hampshire

How to get up Mount Washington?

By car via the Mount Washington Auto Road, about 12 km long, or by train on the Cog Railway, which climbs the west slope with steam and biodiesel locomotives. The ascent to the summit operates from spring to fall, weather permitting; up there it’s windy and cold even in summer. There are also trails, long and demanding.

When to see fall foliage in New Hampshire?

The north usually changes color in late September, and the southern part of the state in mid-October. The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch are the most popular routes; on weekdays traffic is usually lighter.

Can you do a day trip from Boston to New Hampshire?

You can go to Portsmouth, about 1 hour away, or to Lake Winnipesaukee. The White Mountains require at least one overnight stay because of the distance and mountain roads.

Why do so many people shop in New Hampshire?

Because the state does not charge a sales tax, so the ticket price doesn’t increase at checkout. There are outlets in North Conway, Merrimack and Tilton. Meals and lodging have their own taxes.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.