Top 18 Things To Do In Gorham, New Hampshire

Hannah
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read
things to do in Gorham NH

Tucked among the soaring peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Gorham is a gorgeous getaway. This small mountain town brims with beautiful natural spaces, and is ideal for both thrilling adventures and peaceful relaxation alike! With its charming downtown, wonderful historic attractions and museums, and picturesque scenery, you’ll always find something to do no matter the season. In the warmer months, there are tons of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV rides, while the winter offers wondrous skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. From whitewater rafting at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center to cruising along the scenic stretch of Mt. Washington Auto Road, there are a plethora of ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the area. In town, visit historic attractions like Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum, then catch a performance at Medallion Opera House. Consider staying in one of the Airbnbs or Vrbo vacation rentals so you’ll have more time to try these adventures. Read the list below to find out the best things to do in Gorham, New Hampshire.

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1. Learn about local heritage at Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum

CABOOSE UPDATE: Thanks to the efforts of Nick Wenck, GHS volunteers Tim Sappington and Caramon Burrows, and some...

Posted by Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum on Saturday, 21 December 2013

Discover the city’s fascinating past at Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum. This small, seasonal museum brims with interesting artifacts and archives that trace the impact of railroads on tourism and growth in the local area. The museum is housed inside a train boxcar and features unique railroad engines and cars on static display, as well as photographs, objects, and scale models of local rail lines.

Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum

Address: 25 Railroad St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

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2. Take a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Source: Photo by user J. Miers - User: ... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For some of the best views of the area, enjoy a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This historic train ride takes visitors to the summit of breathtaking Mount Washington on a three-hour excursion. From this scenic viewpoint at the top, visitors can enjoy 360-degree vistas that encompass five states, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean and grab a snack at Sherman Adams Visitor Center. At the bottom of the mountain in Marshfield Base Station, visitors can learn more about cog railways in the interactive museum and pick up a souvenir from the quaint gift shop.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Address: 3168 Base Station Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03589, United States

Website: Mount Washington Cog Railway

Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)

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3. Take a hike in Moose Brook State Park

Moose Brook State Park (2605354825)
Source: Photo by user Steven Isaacson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located within New Hampshire’s White Mountains Region, Moose Brook State Park is a wondrous natural area of towering trees, cool, mountain streams, and still lakes. This gorgeous park is perfect for all types of outdoor recreation. Try fishing in the Peabody or Moose River, mountain biking along dappled paths, or snowshoeing among tranquil groves. The park also has a fantastic variety of hiking trails and walking paths that vary in length and difficulty. Visitors can also stay overnight in the family-friendly campgrounds.

Moose Brook State Park

Address: 30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Moose Brook State Park

Price: 4 USD

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4. Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center


With lush meadows, clear streams, and soaring mountains to explore, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is a beautiful place to enjoy some outdoor recreation. This gorgeous recreation area is nestled between the Great Gulf Wilderness and the Presidential Mountain Range and filled with stunning vistas and amazing ways to experience them. In the summer, enjoy a family-friendly bicycle ride along the wide, winding carriage trails, or paddle along in a kayak along the Androscoggin River on a guided wildlife tour. When the snow comes, the outdoor center transforms into a winter wonderland where you can try skiing, snowshoeing, or snow tubing. No matter the season though, the fun adventures here are endless!

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Address: 1 Mt Washington Auto Rd 1st floor, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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5. Visit the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum

Have you ever visited our Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum? If you're a history buff like we are- it's a little...

Posted by Mt. Washington Auto Road on Tuesday, 27 August 2019

Step back in time when you visit the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum. This small, free museum sits on the breathtaking Mt. Washington Auto Road and is dedicated to the historic route’s past. Of the many horse and hay barns that were situated on this stretch of road the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum is the last surviving building. Today, visitors can learn more about Mt. Washington Auto Road’s long history, and see various examples of historic transportation.

Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum

Address: 1 Mt Washington Auto Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Cycle along the Presidential Rail Trail


Located near Moose Brook State Park campground, the Presidential Rail Trail is a scenic path that meanders along under the shadow of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains. This beautiful hike is gentle, with slight slopes and grassy patches, and is perfect for hiking and cycling. The striking mountain views are stunning year-round, but the trail is especially scenic in autumn when the leaves erupt in vibrant colors. The trail stretches from Gorham to Whitefield and is about 18 miles (29 km) long.

Presidential Rail Trail

Address: US 2/Lancaster Road, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Race down the river with Raft NH


For a thrilling summer adventure, join an excursion by Raft NH and race along exhilarating rapids. Whether you prefer an adrenaline-pumping adventure along tumbling rapids or a slow, coasting trip among the cascades, there are plenty of excursion options that provide fun for the whole family. All tours include a guide, safety gear, comfort gear, and a light riverside snack, plus transportation from the rafting site. The company also offers exciting dog sledding excursions year-round! In the snow-less months, the team offers tours using rolling dog sleds, while in the winter months the mushers use traditional sleds.

Raft NH

Address: 196 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Raft NH

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8. Admire the area with Dan's Scenic Tours LLC

Female Moose (Alces laces)  side View
Source: Photo by user Jerry Kirkhart used under CC BY 2.0

Get out and enjoy the famed scenery of northern New Hampshire with Dan’s Scenic Tours LLC. This family-owned business offers a variety of private and public tours that highlight stunning landscapes around Gorham, including visits to Cannon Mountain, Flume Gorge, and Indian Head Mountain. From hiking Cathedral Ledge to riding mountainside tramways, these memorable tours brim with exciting activities. Another popular adventure the company offers is a moose sightseeing tour! Guests can also rent canoes or kayaks here to go paddling up the Androscoggin River.

Dan's Scenic Tours LLC

Address: 50 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Dan’s Scenic Tours LLC

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm (closed on Sun)

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9. Cruise along Mt. Washington Auto Road

2016-09-03 16 55 35 View eastbound down the Mount Washington Auto Road at about mile 6.3 (about 5520 feet above sea level) in Thompson and Meserve's Purchase Township, Coos County, New Hampshire
Source: Photo by user Famartin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mt. Washington Auto Road was first opened to the public in 1861, and still remains a popular tourist attraction to New Hampshire visitors. This scenic stretch of road starts just south of Gorham and stretches from 4,700 feet (1,433 m) from the base to 6,288 feet (1,917 m) at its peak. As you follow the road’s winding curves, stunning mountain vistas unfold around each steep bend. Visitors can take their own vehicle up the mountain, or ride up with a guide for a tour filled with fascinating information.

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Address: NH Route 16 in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire

Website: Mt. Washington Auto Road

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Feast on seafood or steaks at J's Corner Restaurant & Lounge

Posted by J's Corner on Wednesday, 17 July 2019

A wonderful option for a mouthwatering meal, J’s Corner Restaurant & Lounge is renowned for its sizzling steaks and succulent seafood. This cheerful casual restaurant has a lunch and dinner menu filled with creative appetizers like Buffalo Chicken Rangoons and Teriyaki Steak Skins, hearty entrees for meat and seafood lovers, and juicy sandwiches and burgers. Try favorites like the Fisherman’s Stew or opt for one of the seasonal specials. With decadent options like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and caramel brownie sundaes, you’ll want to make sure you save room for dessert! There are also plenty of beers on tap, and a fantastic cocktail menu.

J's Corner Restaurant & Lounge

Address: 277 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: J’s Corner Restaurant & Lounge

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm

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11. Share a plate at Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub


For warm hospitality and unbelievably tasty food made with the locally sourced ingredients, look no further than Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub. These renowned local restaurants sit side-by-side and offer fantastic menus filled with inventive specials and cocktails. Try one of the piled-high boards, or opt for a selection of starters and shareable plates. The seasons inspire both the entrees and the drinks here, and there are wonderful cocktails to enjoy.

SAaLT Pub

Address: 115 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: SAaLT Pub

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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12. See a performance at Medallion Opera House

Posted by Medallion Opera House on Friday, 4 October 2019

Since 1918, Medallion Opera House has been an exciting spot of entertainment in Gorham. This lovely auditorium and theater is located in historic Gorham Town Hall and has hosted many community events since it was reopened in 2011. The Medallion Opera House offers a brilliant line-up of musical performances, theatric productions, film screenings, and community workshops and events throughout the year. The Medallion Opera House’s Facebook page is filled with information about upcoming events.

Medallion Opera House

Address: 20 Park St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Medallion Opera House

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13. Zip along stunning trails with Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals


For a thrilling ride through the beautiful landscapes of New Hampshire, rent a vehicle from Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals! This local company offers both snowmobile and ATV rentals for year-round fun around Gorham. Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals has a large fleet of vehicles to choose from, and include options for single riders, as well as groups. In the warmer weather, visitors can take the ATVs on over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of connected trails, and enjoy either guided or self-guided adventures. The snowmobile adventures are self-guided and include free GPS tracking. Rental rates vary by size of vehicle and duration of the rental.

Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals

Address: 325 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Northeast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

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14. Spot local wildlife with Gorham Moose Tours

Posted by Gorham Moose Tours - Gorham NH on Wednesday, 2 December 2015

Enjoy a local wildlife safari on a guided excursion with Gorham Moose Tours! As you traverse the lush North Country and Androscoggin River, your experienced guide will share fascinating information about the area and the creatures that call this area home. While you scout for eagles, osprey, and deer, you’ll pass several historical sites and learn about local history. Of course, spotting giant moose strolling in the tranquil twilight is a highlight of this great tour! Each excursion lasts three hours, and tours run nearly every night in the summer.

Gorham Moose Tours

Address: 69 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Gorham Moose Tours

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm

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15. Enjoy family-friendly fun at Moose Meadow Mini Golf

Posted by Moose Meadow Mini Golf on Thursday, 31 July 2014

No matter your age, a day at Moose Meadow Mini Golf is sure to be filled with fun! This seasonal golf course and park in Gorham is filled with a variety of engaging entertainment options for the whole family. The 18-hole golf course which is filled with great challenges for both adults and children and lovely, themed features like covered bridges and ponds. Another exciting feature is the batting cage, which is open to visitors over the age of six. If the weather turns wet, head inside to the indoor arcade and try your hand at a vintage video game.

Moose Meadow Mini Golf

Address: 240 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Moose Meadow Mini Golf

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm

Price: 6 USD

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16. Bike along mountain trails with White Mt ATV Rentals

Posted by White MT ATV Rental on Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Cruise over rugged trails in the stunning White Mountains with a vehicle from White Mt ATV Rentals. This local company offers well-maintained ATVs and UTVs for individuals and groups for an exciting day exploring the beautiful White Mountains. Each vehicle provides GPS tracking and comes with helmets, eye protection, and up-to-date maps. Visitors can also opt for a guided tour, or choose to explore the area on their own. In addition to ATV rentals, White Mt ATV Rentals offers special wildlife and evening tours, as well as seasonal events throughout the year like Zombie Fun Rides, Festive Snow Safety, and Midsummer celebration.

White Mt ATV Rentals

Address: 299 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: White Mt ATV Rentals

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm (by appointment only on Sun)

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17. Grab a slice from Gorham House of Pizza

Posted by Gorham House of Pizza on Monday, 1 June 2015

Gorham House of Pizza is the perfect place for a quick, tasty meal. This casual restaurant serves classic dishes and inventive pizzas that are baked fresh and sizzling with flavor. Whether you opt for a slice of piping-hot cheese pizza or split a unique flavor like the spinach and feta or the Fenway pizza, the Gorham House of Pizza hits the spot. Gluten-free options are also available. In addition to pizza, there are fantastic options for starters, salads, burgers, sub sandwiches, and calzones. You can choose to dine-in or get your order to go.

Gorham House of Pizza

Address: 12 Lancaster Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Gorham House of Pizza

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Tue)

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18. Pick out a souvenir from Gateway Gallery & Gifts

Posted by Gateway Gallery & Gifts on Saturday, 30 December 2017

Scout out the best souvenirs and find a lasting memento at Gateway Gallery & Gifts. This local shop features one-of-a-kind items that make wonderful gifts or souvenirs and includes fine art and photography from local and national artists. From custom jewelry to framed wall art, to White Mountain memorabilia, there are so many hidden treasures to discover. In addition to mementos, Gateway Gallery & Gifts offers custom and creative framing.

Gateway Gallery & Gifts

Address: 32 Exchange St, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Website: Gateway Gallery & Gifts

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12:30pm - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

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Discover gorgeous Gorham

With its lovely downtown, magnificent recreation opportunities, and breathtaking scenery, Gorham is a wonderful place to explore. From the towering mountains to the tranquil forests, this New Hampshire town brims with beautiful landscapes and a variety of ways to see them. Whether you prefer cycling, rafting, dog sledding, or ATV rides, there are so many ways to enjoy the scenery here. In town, enjoy fantastic restaurants, quaint shops, and interesting museums! The opportunities for entertainment are as endless and varied as your interests. Start planning your trip today and enjoy these things to do in Gorham, New Hampshire.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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