Outdoor Activities in Littleton
Multi-Use Trail System
Littleton OfF-Road Riders, Inc.
The Littleton Off Road Riders is a non-profit organization which maintains a 75-mile+ year round trail system throughout the Littleton area. This system connects to those of the towns around us including: Whitefield, Lisbon, Bethlehem, Monroe and Dalton. The trails are used for many purposes - some include snowmobiling, dog sledding, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, all terrain vehicles, and cross-country skiing. Littleton's trail system would not be possible without the landowners who give their permission to cross their properties, business owners, and members of the Littleton Off Road Riders who put in hundreds of hours each year to keep the trail system open. Membership also helps us with the costs of trail maintenance and the purchasing of grooming equipment. We invite everyone to use and enjoy the trails of Littleton. All we ask in return is that people act responsibly, and obey the requests of the landowners. If you have used Littleton's trail system, and would like to help contribute towards the maintenance costs, club membership dues are only $10.00 a year.
Littleton Off-Road Riders,
PO Box 281,
Littleton, NH 03561
Easy Hikes & Short Walks
The Dells
Littleton at Rt. 302 & 10.
The Dells Park, conservation area, pond, and surrounding area offer endless possibilities for bird watching, flower and tree identification, picnicking, delightful walking on nature trails and clean, healthy air.
Walking Tour of Littleton
Main Street offers a study of the town's architecture and history including the Public Library, Littleton Community House, Opera House, and Thayer's Hotel, to name a few. Most were built before the turn of the century.
Riverwalk of Littleton
Off Mill Street, there is a covered walking bridge that connects to a beautiful walking path along the Ammonoosuc River. Follow the river path to another footbridge over the river for a short loop around the Mill Street area of Littleton.
Kilburn Crag
Located on Rt. 18N. Just outside Littleton town limits, Kilburn Crag offers an easy climb to a breathtaking view of Littleton and the White Mountains.
Hikes in Franconia Notch
Mt. Lafayette
The highest peak in Mountain Country (5,260 feet) provides spectacular views. A strenuous all-day hike of 8 miles round trip via Old Bridle Path and Greenleaf Trail, starting opposite Lafayette Campground. A popular loop option continues on Franconia Ridge Trail over Mt. Lincoln and down Falling Waters Trail (9 mi. total). Stay on the trail above the treeline. Properly equipped hikers only. Avoid in bad weather.
Mt. Pemigewasset
Starting off the Franconia Notch Bike Path just north of the Flume Visitor Center, the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail climbs at a moderate grade to the ledges atop the famed Indian Head and spectacular views. 3 1/4 mi. round trip. 3 hrs.
Basin-Cascades Trail
From The Basin parking area on the west side of the Notch, first visit The Basin, a large pothole pool, then follow the Basin-Cascades Trail to Kinsman Falls at 0.4 mile and Rocky Glen Falls at 0.9 mile.
Lonesome Lake
Follows an old bridle path with easy to moderate grades to elevation of 2,743 ft. Magnificent views from the shores of the lake. Trail starts at Lafayette Campground; 3 1/4 mi. round trip, 3 hrs.
Artist's Bluff & Bald Mountain
These two rocky outlooks, especially Bald Mtn., provide panoramic views of the Notch and surrounding mountains for little effort. Trail starts off Rt. 18 near Echo Lake parking. 1 1/2 mi. loop, 1 1/4 hr.
Biking
Franconia Notch State Park Bike Path
This 9-mile paved path runs the length of Franconia Notch State Park and accesses most of the major attractions.
North of The Notch...
Mountain bike paths crisscross the entire North Country. Littleton has excellent multi-use trails maintained by the local snowmobile club that connect to all other trails throughout the region. A map of their trails may be obtained from the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The White Mountain National Forest
Most of the National Forest is open to biking. Many old roads are excellent for mountain bikes. The Forest Service does ask that bikers avoid muddy trails and stay on designated roadways. The White Mountain National Forest Bike Map is available at the Visitors Center in Lincoln.
Scenic Drives
I-93 and Franconia Notch Parkway
From Woodstock north on I-93, the parkway takes you through Franconia Notch State Park, and between the towering peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.
The Kancamagus Highway
Undoubtedly the most scenic route in Mountain Country, the Kancamagus Highway stretches from the Pemigewasset River at Lincoln in the west, 34 1/2 miles east to Conway. This National Scenic Byway with dramatic views climbs to nearly 3,000 ft.
Northern Routes
Route 116 from Franconia Village to Rt. 112 takes you through Easton where you can reverse direction and head to Sugar Hill. Don't miss Sunset Hill Road; while short, it has spectacular views. Route 117, from Rt. 302 to Rt. 18 is wonderfully scenic as are... Route 142, from Franconia to Bethlehem, and... Jefferson Notch Road from near the Mt. Washington Cog Railway base to Rt. 2, and... Mt. Clinton Road from Crawford Notch and Rt. 302 to the Cog Railway base. From Littleton, take Rt. 18N to Rt. 135N for beautiful views of the Connecticut River, then join Rt. 3 in Lancaster and head south past Weeks State Park to Rt. 116. Or from Rt. 18N take... Rt. 135 S through Monroe to Woodsville, a lovely country road with nice views of lush farmland and the river. From Woodsville pick up Rt. 112, for a spectacular ride with lakes, views, and country areas. Rt. 112 will take you back to North Woodstock. All along these routes you'll find superb views, hiking or walking trails, waterfalls and picnic areas.
Covered Bridges
Clark's Railroad Covered Bridge
Located on White Mtn. Central RR at Clark's Trading Post. This 120 ft. long bridge is the only Howe truss railroad bridge left in the world. Built in 1904, it spans the Pemigewasset River.
Jack O'Lantern
This 76-ft. span bridge was built over a pond at the Jack O'Lantern Resort on Rt. 3, Woodstock.
Sentinel Pine Bridge
Built in 1939, this 60-ft. footbridge spans the Pemigewasset River at The Pool in Franconia Notch State Park. It is named for a tall pine that once stood near the pool; the pine was felled by the 1938 hurricane, and the bridge was built atop it. This bridge is only accessible by foot via entrance to the Flume (admission charged).
Flume Bridge
This c. 1886, 50-ft. bridge spans the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch State Park. Of paddleford truss construction, it has a hiker's walkway on its north side (admission charged).
Littleton RiverWalk
Near Mill Street, there is beautiful covered walking bridge that was built in 2004. This bridge connects to a path along the Ammonoosuc River to another footbridge further down the river. A picturesque 2-mile loop riverwalk.
Nature Centers/Museums
The Frost Place
Ridge Rd., Franconia. Open Memorial Day - Columbus Day. 1-5 pm daily; closed Tuesdays. Poet Robert Frost's farm includes a museum, nature trail and a resident poet. (603) 823-5510.
New England Ski Museum
Franconia Notch Parkway, Ex. 2, Franconia. Open daily 12-5 pm Dec. 1 - March 31, closed Wed. and Thurs; Memorial Day-Columbus Day, open 7 days. Fascinating collection of historic ski memorabilia. Museum Gift Shop. Free admission. (603) 823-7177.
The Rocks Estate
Owned and managed by SPNHF, 1300 acres of historic buildings, educational trails and programs set in a working tree farm. Open year 'round with some of the best views in the North Country. www.therocks.org
Golf
Maplewood Country Club
Located high in the White Mountains, in historic Bethlehem. Elegant grounds feature a Donald Ross 6,000 yd. 18-hole championship course and a restored Victorian Clubhouse. Maplewood also features a 651-yard Par 6. (603) 869-3335. www.maplewoodgolfresort.com
The Mount Washington Hotel & Resort
Located on Route 302 in Bretton Woods, the hotel offers 27 holes of PGA golf. The 18-hole Mount Washington Course was designed by Donald Ross. Or sharpen your skills on the historic 9-hole Mount Pleasant Course. Special golf packages, unique 18-hole putting green, new full service clubhouse, pro shop, 300-yard driving range & practice area, and custom lesson programs. Advance tee times recommended. (800) 258-0330. www.mtwashington.com
Sunset Hill Golf Course
Welcome to Sunset Hill Golf Course, New Hampshire's oldest 9 hole course built in 1897. This conservation-protected landmark, approved for the historic register, has stunning views of 5 mountain ranges and is designed as a fun and breathtaking place to enjoy your game. www.sunsethillgolf.com/
Rafting
North Woods Rafting
Located in Milan NH just one hour north east of Littleton. North Woods Rafting has been offering a variety of rafting programs for individuals, families, corporate, school and recreational groups of all ages and experience levels since 2001. Trips are run daily. Please call (603) 449-BOAT for prices and availability. www.northwoodsrafting.com
For more information visit the Chamber Office, the Littleton Information Booth or the I-93 Exit 44 Welcome Center, or pick up a Littleton "A Notch Above" brochure at any New Hampshire visitor center.