Bridgewater New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bridgewater, New Hampshire.
1. Wellington State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Wellington State Park is a popular recreational destination situated on the shores of Newfound Lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters, hiking on scenic trails, or relaxing on one of the largest freshwater beaches in the New Hampshire state park system. The park provides amenities such as picnic areas, boat rentals, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Basic Ingredients Bakery
ARTISANAL BAKED GOODS
Basic Ingredients Bakery offers a delightful selection of freshly made pastries, breads, and desserts in Bridgewater. The bakery is known for using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes to create their mouth-watering treats. Visitors can enjoy a warm cup of coffee alongside their baked goods in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
3. West Shore Marine
WATERCRAFT RENTALS AND SERVICES
West Shore Marine provides boat rentals and marine services for those looking to explore Newfound Lake. Their fleet includes various watercraft options suitable for different activities such as fishing, water sports, or leisurely cruises. The friendly staff offers expert advice on navigating the lake and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
4. Woodman's Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Woodman's Brewery is a local craft brewery producing a variety of unique and flavorful beers in Bridgewater. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, learn about the beer-making process, and sample different brews in their tasting room. The brewery often features seasonal specialties alongside their signature ales and lagers, making each visit a new experience.
5. Cardigan Mountain Orchard
SCENIC FRUIT PICKING
Cardigan Mountain Orchard offers a picturesque setting for apple picking and enjoying fresh farm produce. Families can spend a day wandering through rows of apple trees, selecting their own fruit during harvest season, and taking in views of the surrounding landscape. The orchard also sells homemade goods such as cider, preserves, and baked treats made from their own harvest.
6. Bridgewater Mountain
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Bridgewater Mountain offers spectacular panoramic views from Sky Fields, an open field on the mountaintop with an old estate. Visitors can reach this scenic spot by hiking or snowmobiling up Poole Hill Road and Bridgewater Mountain Road. It's an ideal location for watching weather patterns move across the landscape and enjoying the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
7. Pasquaney Inn
HISTORIC LAKESIDE ACCOMMODATION
The Pasquaney Inn is a historic establishment that takes visitors back to the heyday of New Hampshire resort life in the 1930s and 1940s. Located on the shores of Newfound Lake, this charming inn offers a glimpse into the unique era when summer cottages and resorts lined the entire circumference of the lake. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations while experiencing a piece of Granite State history.
8. Newfound Lake
PRISTINE WATERS EXPERIENCE
Newfound Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in New Hampshire, offering visitors a pristine natural setting for recreation. The lake is home to 22 species of fish and features miles of shoreline and islands that can be explored by land or water. It serves as a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year long, hosting activities ranging from swimming and boating in summer to ice fishing and ice racing in winter.
9. Stinson Mountain
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Stinson Mountain offers spectacular views of the Baker River Valley and the Franconia and Sandwich ranges. Hikers can access the mountain by driving west from Plymouth on Route 25 to Rumney, then following directions through the village to Stinson Lake. The trail provides a rewarding outdoor experience with breathtaking panoramic vistas at the summit.
10. Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area features remarkable rock formations carved by the Cockermouth River over thousands of years. Visitors can observe the intricate patterns and smooth surfaces created by the flowing water as it eroded the bedrock. This natural attraction offers excellent opportunities for photography, geological study, and cooling off in the river during summer months.
11. Cardigan Mountain State Park
POPULAR HIKING DESTINATION
Cardigan Mountain State Park offers extensive hiking trails leading to spectacular views from its 3,121-foot summit. The park's network of paths accommodates hikers of various skill levels, with the bald rocky peak providing 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding landscape. At the top, visitors can explore the fire tower and enjoy unobstructed vistas stretching to Vermont, Maine, and even Canada on clear days.
12. Elwell Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
Elwell Trail is a picturesque walking path that follows the Newfound River through Bristol. The trail offers a peaceful nature experience with opportunities to observe local wildlife and plant species along the riverbank. Visitors can enjoy easy walking conditions suitable for all ages while connecting with the natural beauty of the Lakes Region.
13. Little Round Top
HISTORIC VIEWPOINT HIKE
Little Round Top is a modest hiking destination offering impressive views of Newfound Lake and the surrounding region. The trail is relatively short but rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that are especially stunning during fall foliage season. This lesser-known spot provides a quieter alternative to more popular viewpoints in the area.
14. Old Hill Village
ABANDONED HISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Old Hill Village is the remnant of a community that was relocated in the 1940s to make way for a flood control project. Visitors can explore the foundations and cellar holes of the former village, which offer a fascinating glimpse into New Hampshire's past. The site now serves as an interesting historical destination where nature has reclaimed much of the abandoned settlement.
15. Sky Fields Estate
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Sky Fields Estate is an old mountain retreat situated at the top of Bridgewater Mountain with exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. This historic property features open fields that provide an ideal vantage point for observing weather patterns and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Accessible by foot or snowmobile, it offers a tranquil escape and connection to Bridgewater's past.