Albany New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Albany, New Hampshire.
1. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
NATURAL WATER WONDER
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is a popular natural attraction in Albany featuring dramatic rock formations carved by the Swift River. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque waterfall views from several observation points along the well-maintained pathways. The area offers excellent photography opportunities and peaceful spots for picnicking amid the White Mountain National Forest.
2. Albany Covered Bridge
HISTORIC 1858 LANDMARK
Albany Covered Bridge is a quintessential New England landmark built in 1858 that spans the Swift River. The charming wooden structure represents classic covered bridge architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the region's transportation history. Photography enthusiasts particularly appreciate the bridge against seasonal backdrops, making it a must-visit location year-round.
3. Lower Falls
POPULAR SWIMMING DESTINATION
Lower Falls is a beloved natural swimming area where visitors can cool off in the clear waters of the Swift River. The falls feature smooth granite surfaces and natural pools that create perfect swimming holes during the summer months. Families appreciate the relatively gentle current and scenic surroundings that make this spot one of Albany's favorite outdoor recreation areas.
4. Boulder Loop Trailhead
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Boulder Loop Trailhead serves as the starting point for a popular 3.1-mile hiking loop offering spectacular mountain views. The moderately challenging trail winds through forest and rocky terrain, eventually rewarding hikers with panoramic vistas of Mount Chocorua and the surrounding White Mountains. This well-maintained trail is accessible for most skill levels and provides an excellent introduction to hiking in the region.
5. Mount Chocorua
ICONIC MOUNTAIN PEAK
Mount Chocorua is one of New Hampshire's most beloved and photographed mountains, featuring a distinctive rocky summit that dominates Albany's landscape. The mountain offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty, all culminating in breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and White Mountain peaks. Its unique silhouette has inspired countless artists and photographers, making it an emblematic symbol of the region.
6. Kancamagus Highway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN BYWAY
The Kancamagus Highway is a world-renowned scenic byway that winds through Albany and offers spectacular views of the White Mountains. This 34.5-mile route features numerous pull-offs where visitors can admire waterfalls, mountain vistas, and historic sites along the way. Particularly famous for its autumn foliage, the highway transforms into a colorful corridor of red, orange, and gold leaves each fall, attracting visitors from around the world.
7. Passaconaway Ghost Town
ABANDONED LOGGING SETTLEMENT
Passaconaway Ghost Town is the remnant of a once-thriving logging settlement that had as many as 1,500 residents in the 1850s before being abandoned by 1930. Visitors can explore the few remaining foundations and imagine life in this remote mountain community that once had homes, a school, a sawmill, and its own post office. The ghost town offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's logging history and the boom-and-bust cycle of early resource extraction communities.
8. The Crepe Escape
FOREST BREAKFAST DESTINATION
The Crepe Escape offers a unique dining experience where visitors can enjoy French crêpes for breakfast in a serene woodland setting. The menu features both sweet and savory crêpe options made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that change seasonally. This charming eatery provides a perfect start to a day of outdoor adventures in the Albany region.
9. Tin Mountain Conservation Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
Tin Mountain Conservation Center is dedicated to environmental education and conservation of the White Mountains ecosystem. The center offers engaging nature programs, guided hikes, and hands-on workshops for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Its facility includes interpretive exhibits about local wildlife, sustainable forestry practices, and the unique ecology of New Hampshire's mountain environments.
10. White Mountain National Forest Headquarters
FOREST INFORMATION CENTER
The White Mountain National Forest Headquarters serves as the primary visitor information center for the 800,000-acre forest that surrounds Albany. Staff provide essential information about hiking trails, camping areas, wildlife viewing opportunities, and current forest conditions to help visitors plan safe adventures. The center features educational exhibits about forest ecology, conservation efforts, and the rich cultural history of the White Mountains region.
11. Settlers Green Outlet Village
TAX-FREE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Settlers Green Outlet Village is a premier shopping destination located near Albany that features over 60 brand-name outlet stores. Shoppers enjoy New Hampshire's tax-free shopping while browsing retailers offering clothing, outdoor gear, home goods, and specialty items at discounted prices. The landscaped outdoor shopping center includes comfortable seating areas, dining options, and seasonal events that enhance the shopping experience.
12. Conway Scenic Railroad
HISTORIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Conway Scenic Railroad offers nostalgic train excursions through the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Albany. Passengers travel in meticulously restored vintage rail cars while learning about the region's railroad history and enjoying views not accessible by car. Different route options include the Valley Train to Conway and the Notch Train through dramatic Crawford Notch, both providing unforgettable vistas of the White Mountains.
13. Diana's Baths
CASCADING NATURAL POOLS
Diana's Baths is a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools along Lucy Brook, just a short drive from Albany. The easily accessible 0.6-mile trail leads visitors to multiple levels of smooth granite basins where the water tumbles down approximately 75 feet in total. During summer months, these refreshing pools become a popular spot for wading and relaxation amid the picturesque forest setting.
14. Tuckerman Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Tuckerman Brewing Company is a beloved local brewery that produces craft beers named after the region's natural features and outdoor activities. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, learn about the beer-making process, and sample a variety of ales and lagers in the tasting room. The brewery's outdoor beer garden offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh pints while sometimes catching live music performances during summer weekends.
15. Cathedral Ledge
DRAMATIC CLIFF VIEWPOINT
Cathedral Ledge is a towering 700-foot granite cliff that provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the White Mountains near Albany. Visitors can either drive to the summit on the auto road or hike several trails to reach the top, where panoramic views stretch across the Saco River Valley to the surrounding mountains. The cliff face is also a world-renowned rock climbing destination, attracting climbers from across the globe to test their skills on its challenging routes.