Take a Walk to Engage All Your Senses
Walking can lift your spirits and engage your mind and body as you contemplate the world around you. In New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains region, the air is crystal clear, towering peaks march off into the distance, and the natural world of trees, wildflower meadows, rushing rivers and birdsong is close at hand, although shops and restaurants are never too far away!
Take a walk that leads to expansive views of nearby mountain peaks, learn about the region's architecture and history, contemplate outdoor sculpture, or explore one of our Main Streets. At Adair, we can assist you in finding the perfect walk to suit your interests and comfort level.
Gardens & Trails at Adair
The beautiful grounds surrounding the Adair were designed by the Olmsted Brothers, nationally renowned landscape architects who designed many public and private parks and gardens during the mid-20th century. Stately white birches, rambling stonewalls, perennial gardens that attract butterflies and songbirds, and walking trails throughout the 200-acre Adair property are worth exploring. The Adair staff can provide you with a trail guide of the property.
Bethlehem Walking Tour
Picture-perfect downtown Bethlehem has mountain views and a walkable Main Street with intriguing shops, art galleries, eclectic dining and a movie and performing arts center. Long a magnet for visitors to the region, the village once boasted a number of grand hotels and other noteworthy buildings. Take a self-guided walking tour to glean some of the town's history. Pick up a free map at the Visitors' Center. Bethlehem Visitors' Center →
The Rocks
Located just down the road from the Adair, The Rocks was home to the Glessner family for more than 100 years and is now owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. A variety of hiking and nature trails crisscross the estate, from two .8-mile easy trails to a 4.6-mile trail with varied terrain. Panoramic views of the White Mountains, a Christmas tree plantation, historic buildings and interpretive signage help you envision The Rocks' history, past and present. Visitors (and their dogs) are welcome year round from dawn to dusk. Pick up a map at the kiosk adjacent to the parking lot. Hiking Trails at The Rocks →
Franconia Art Walk
The easy, self-guided Franconia Art Walking Tour takes you past sculpture, architecture, paintings, mosaics and gardens, all set amongst beautiful river and mountain views. Download the interactive map.
Littleton's Downtown & Riverwalk
Over 20 historic sites, located between the Post Office and the Town Hall/Opera House, are included in downtown Littleton's Walking Tour. Delve into Littleton's history as an economic, social and cultural hub as you stroll along the community's bustling Main Street. Download the brochure [731 KB pdf].
From Main Street, step through one of two arched gateways that lead to Littleton's Riverwalk, connected on both sides of the Ammonoosuc River by a 352-foot covered bridge. Stroll across the bridge for exceptional views of the river as it rushes and tumbles over large boulders. The far side of the bridge leads to a flat gravel footpath along the river that takes you to a suspension bridge (don't cross if you're afraid of heights!) at its other end. Round trip, it's about a half-mile walk amongst wildflowers, trees and shrubs, with the burbling sounds of the river adding to the delights of the walk.
Mill Street on the Main Street side of the river has a paved sidewalk where overlooks provide vantage points to view the rushing river. Harmony Park at one end includes a number of stationary musical instruments that invite hands-on musical interpretation. Learn more about Littleton's River District.
Littleton's Nature Trails
Explore this trio of easy to moderate walking trails in Littleton, each offering a unique experience. The short and lovely Dells trail borders a small pond that attracts many water birds like great blue herons and bitterns, and wildflowers bloom along its edges during spring and summer. The one-mile looped Pine Hill Trail features glacial erratics left there over 10,000 years ago by retreating glaciers. Kilburn Crags has outstanding views of Littleton, the Ammonoosuc River Valley, the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, along with Lafayette and Cannon Mountains. Download maps for each trail here.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson & Whitefield
The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is a noted bird watching habitat, where more than 200 species have been recorded. The almost flat 1.5-mile trail leads to a viewing platform at Cherry Pond, with a magnificent view of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Access to the refuge is from Airport Road in Whitefield, at the kiosk directly across from the Whitefield Power and Light plant. Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge →
Mud Pond, Jefferson
The 0.6 mile handicap accessible Mud Pond trail in Jefferson is a short, easy hike that begins on a packed trail surface that transitions to a raised boardwalk that meanders through a black spruce/northern white cedar swamp. At its end is a viewing platform overlooking the small, but pretty, Mud Pond, where you might spot ducks floating serenely on its surface. Access is off Route 116 in Jefferson, some five miles from the center of Whitefield. Look for the Silvio Conte Refuge sign on the right.
Franconia Notch Recreation Path
Ready to tackle an energetic walk on a paved trail? Try the Franconia Notch Recreation Path, an 8.7-mile walking and biking trail through Franconia Notch. The trail is adjacent to several of the park's attractions: the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site, Echo Lake, and the Flume Gorge, all of which are signed and are wheelchair accessible. The Recreation Path begins at the Skookumchuck trailhead, reached from Exit 36 off I-93 S.
