New Hampshire in Pictures: 18 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Thanks to its forests, lakes, and mountains, New Hampshire is best known for its natural scenery and old New England charm, with countless opportunities for eye-catching pictures.

The northern part of the state is crowned with the White Mountains, while the central and southern regions are home to sparkling lakes, rolling hills, and a scattering of romantic covered bridges.

From the lighthouses of the Atlantic to the stately greens of Dartmouth College, there are so many beautiful images of New Hampshire.

1. Autumn Foliage

The bright oranges and reds of early fall foliage contrast beautifully with the green trees that have yet to turn, adding color to every scene. Autumn leaves can easily turn even the most mundane roadside stop into a wonderland of rich hues, and a drive through the hilly back roads in any part of the state provides opportunities capture incredible images.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Hampshire

2. Lake Winnipesaukee

The contrast of blue skies, weather-worn wood, and rippling water framed by rich green foliage makes ample opportunity to capture stunning images on Lake Winnipesaukee and throughout the Lakes Region, which is also rife with excellent freshwater beaches for summertime fun.

With more than 270 lakes in New Hampshire, there are countless opportunities to capture pictures of idyllic lake life.

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in New Hampshire

3. Mount Washington Resort

The Mount Washington is a stunning hotel, sprawling in classic grand hotel style to resemble an ocean liner, complete with decks that encircle it. The stark white and red roofs of the resort are an iconic landmark of the White Mountains region, and the resort hotel's interior is equally striking with its sweeping staircases and grand ballroom.

4. Historic Portsmouth

The gardens of Prescott Park bloom in the summer sun, while nearby the port is busy with tour boats heading out to explore Portsmouth Harbor. One of the state's most historic cities, Portsmouth is home to the photogenic colonial houses at Strawbery Banke, complete with costumed interpreters and authentic furnishings.

Other photo-worthy Portsmouth attractions include North Church on the lovely Market Square, the Portsmouth Athenaeum, and the shops and galleries along Market Street.

5. White Mountains National Forest

Everything seems clearer when standing atop one of the many mountains that rise above the landscape of northern New Hampshire. Hikers have numerous trails of all types to choose from, including sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Picture opportunities are everywhere. There are plenty of other activities, too, including camping, fishing, and simply taking in the view.

• Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in New Hampshire

6. Winter in the Mountains

With the tallest peaks in New England, New Hampshire's White Mountains have some of the best natural snow in the northeast. Thanks to snowmaking, even the smaller mountains in southern and central parts of the state have good skiing all season long.

Up north, you will find snow-covered trees and snowmen still standing even during the warmer winter days.

• Read More: Top-Rated Ski Resorts in New Hampshire

7. New Hampshire's Lakes and Rivers

New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and forests make it the ideal place for immersing yourself in the natural world, and some of the most touching photographs highlight the beauty of this simplicity.

Brightly colored canoes and kayaks provide a striking contrast to the soft blue of the water, and if you are patient enough, wildlife will reveal itself for that perfect photo.

8. Rye

Fishing boats and personal craft sit patiently within a small harbor in Rye. The coast of New Hampshire may be short, but the influence of the sea is evident in the copious number of lobster traps, brightly painted buoys, and other nautical touches that adorn the weather-worn shingles of shops and restaurants.

9. Franconia Notch State Park

A wooden walkway traverses a brook as it rushes down an 80-foot-deep gorge through the granite rocks at the foot of Mount Liberty in Franconia Notch State Park. Flume Gorge is just one of the many photogenic natural attractions in the area, along with The Basin, Echo Lake, and views from Canon Mountain.

10. Covered Bridges

The historic wooden Flume Covered Bridge spans the Pemigewasset River in Lincoln. You will need to take a trip off the beaten path to find all of New Hampshire's covered bridges, but with 55 of them throughout the state to choose from, it won't be difficult to find at least one.

11. Traditional Farmhouses

Rustic reds and crisp whites of a traditional New England farmhouse contrast with the vibrant green grass as the morning sun rises over the hills. Sprawling farmhouses with wooden barns and acres of grazing fields grace the countryside, a reminder of simpler days past.

12. Portsmouth Harbor

The best way to photograph Portsmouth Harbor is from the water, which affords excellent views of the historic waterfront buildings, picturesque homes, and, of course, the iconic Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. It's also a great place to capture images of boats, from the adorable tugboats and the massive ships they tow to private sailboats and yachts that fill the harbor in summer.

A sightseeing tour by Portsmouth Harbor Cruises offers the opportunity to get these photos while learning about the area's rich history.

13. Conway Scenic Railway

One of the popular things to do in Conway, the Conway Scenic Railway travels through the mountains of the north country, providing a stunning perspective of the valley below. The Valley Train runs from North Conway Village, while the Notch Train travels through Crawford Notch, crossing the Willey Brook Bridge and the Frankenstein Trestle.

14. Dartmouth College, Hanover

Stately brick buildings line the Dartmouth Green, while the 1928 Baker Memorial Library stands watch with its 200-foot clock tower. The campus of this Ivy League college has several 19^th-century buildings, including the castle-like Wilson Hall (1884) and the Shattuck Observatory (1854).

15. The Isles of Shoals

Off the coast of New Hampshire near Rye Harbor, White Island is home to the Isles of Shoals Light, built in 1821. The Isles of Shoals include larger islands like Star Island, home of the Oceanic Hotel. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company provides harbor and island tours that depart from Portsmouth.

16. The Kancamagus Highway

Locally known simply as "the Kanc," the Kancamagus Highway traverses the Kancamagus Pass between Lincoln and Conway. Along its 35 miles through the White Mountains National Forest, tourists will find numerous pull-offs at prime scenic vistas, and trailheads that lead to photogenic waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls.

17. The State Capitol

A statue of Franklin Pierce stands in front of the New Hampshire State Capitol Building in Concord. There are several beautiful historic buildings in downtown Concord including the New Hampshire Historical Society.

Among Concord's highlights are the many public art installations, as well as photo-worthy Eagle Square and Bicentennial Square.

18. The Balsams

Although this historic White Mountains grand resort is no longer open to guests, the property's beauty endures. Located in Dixville Notch, this 19^th-century resort hotel could easily be mistaken for a European palace with its turreted towers and sprawling layout.