Want a gateway to the White Mountains with small-town charm? Visit Gorham, New Hampshire! Nestled along the Androscoggin River, Gorham is an outdoor lover’s paradise—offering hiking, ATV trails, scenic drives, and year-round recreation just minutes from Mount Washington.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gorham is from late spring through early fall (May–October) for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. Winter (December–March) is also popular for snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains.
How to Get There
- By Car: Gorham is located on US-2, about 2.5 hours north of Concord and 3 hours from Portland, Maine.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), each about 2.5–3 hours away by car.
- By Train: There is no train service to Gorham—driving is the best option for flexibility and exploring nearby parks.
Where to Stay
- Town & Country Inn and Resort – Full-service resort with an indoor pool, dining, and mountain views.
- Top Notch Inn – Comfortable and stylish motel with updated rooms and outdoor amenities including a fire pit and hot tub.
- Mt. Madison Inn & Suites – Budget-friendly option with clean rooms and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Top Attractions
⮕ Drive Above the Clouds on the Mount Washington Auto Road
Drive or take a guided tour to the summit of the Northeast’s tallest peak.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is probably the most exciting road trip you can take in the Eastern US. Amazingly, the road was built 160 years ago – a true engineering miracle back in the day. Although the Auto Road is just 7.6 miles long, it climbs 1,408 meters with an average gradient of 11.6%.
Driving to the summit of Mount Washington will reward you with wonderful views, bragging rights and a flashy bumper-sticker for your car. You do need to have nerves of steel to undertake the narrow road and nervous drivers are advised to join a guided tour instead. The road hosts several road races and mountain-biking events each year but cyclists are not permitted to use the road outside of an event day.
Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Auto Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, Phone: 603-466-3988
⮕ Camp, Swim, and Unwind at Moose Brook State Park
Located within the White Mountains region, the Moose Brook State Park was built by young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Using whatever they could find on site, these men built park facilities, trails, cabins and offices using local wood, stones and rock.
Today visitors can enjoy an area of outstanding natural beauty offering diverse outdoor activities. Here you can enjoy excellent fishing in the river which also has a beach/swimming area. Other activities include walking and hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and camping. There are around 59 campsites in various parts of the park where you can spend a night or two getting back to nature.
Moose Brook State Park, Moose Brook State Park, 30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, Phone: 603-466-3860
⮕ Bike or Hike Through History on the Presidential Rail Trail
Scenic biking and walking trail offering mountain views and wildlife sightings.
Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to explore the beautiful Presidential Rail Trail which meanders for 18 miles from Airport Road at Whitefield to Lilac Lane in Gorham. The trail crosses some outstanding landscape and offers a very different view of Mount Washington and surrounds.
Each of the peaks in the mountain range is named for a US president and the trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting as you make your way. The gravel/grass trail is multi-use and is popular with hikers, bikers and horse-back riders. At the Gorham end of the trial you will find the Moose Brook State Park where you can set up camp and do some fishing.
Presidential Rail Trail, 2 State Route 2, Gorham, NH 03581
⮕ Step Into Railroading’s Golden Age at the Gorham Historical Society and Railway Museum
The establishment of the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, (which was later re-named the Grand Trunk Railway) in 1851 put the little settlement of Gorham firmly on the map.
Visitors from all over the East Coast and from Canada could now easily visit the remarkably scenic area, and tourism soon became an important source of revenue.
Today you can find out all about the pioneer days of the railway in North Hampshire when you visit the Railway Museum. The museum is housed in the original 1907 Gorham Station Building which was rescued and restored by the Gorham Historical Society. The museum contains a unique model railway constructed inside a boxcar and many other interesting exhibits.
Gorham Historical Society and Railway Museum, 25 Railroad Street, Gorham, NH 03581, Phone: 601-466-5338, website
Where to Eat
⮕ Shop Local Treasures at Scoggins General Store
The epitome of an old-style general dealer, Scoggins General Store is located in an original historic building which dates back to the 1880’s. Today the store is a treasure-trove of interesting gifts and souvenirs and you can pick up just about anything from fudge to phone cases.
Dolls, angels and other figurines rub shoulders with moose-themed mugs, prints, books and more. Conveniently located on Main Street, the store is something of a downtown landmark and attracts visitors from near and far. On hot summer days you can pick up a cool drink or ice cream at the adjacent Scoggins Cool Shack.
Scoggins General Store, 133 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581, Phone: 603-466-5204
⮕ Refuel with Comfort Fare at Town and Country Motor Inn Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of the scenic White Mountains, the Town and Country Motor Inn Restaurant Restaurant is open to the public for breakfast and dinner daily. The restaurant serves a great breakfast buffet which will set you up for a day of sight-seeing in the mountains.
The Dinner menu offers a choice of enticing appetizers including their signature Bacon-wrapped Scallops. These are followed by a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and comfort-food favorites like Fish and Chips, Ribs or various pasta dishes. Carnivores can select their perfect steak while seafood enthusiasts will not be disappointed by their selection of fresh fish and seafood.
Town and Country Motor Inn Restaurant, 20 State Route 2, Gorham, NH 03581, Phone: 603-466-3315
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- White Mountain National Forest – Endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and leaf-peeping in fall.
- Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center – Year-round fun with hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Presidential Rail Trail – Scenic biking and walking trail offering mountain views and wildlife sightings.
- Androscoggin Valley ATV Trails – Gorham is a hub for off-roading with trail access right from town.
More Places to Eat
- Mountain Fire Pizza – Wood-fired pizza, burgers, and brews in a cozy setting with outdoor seating in warm months.
- Welch’s Restaurant – Classic diner-style spot known for hearty breakfasts and comfort food favorites.
- Libby’s Bistro (in nearby Berlin) – Inventive French-inspired cuisine served in a historic house just minutes from Gorham.
Local Events
- Gorham’s 4th of July Celebration – One of the region’s biggest festivals with a parade, carnival, fireworks, and live music.
- NH ATV Festival (July) – Celebrate off-roading with demo rides, trail tours, and community events.
- Fall Foliage Season (Late September–October) – Drive or hike through blazing autumn colors across the White Mountains.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Gorham, New Hampshire
- Berlin (10–15 min) – Explore the Northern Forest Heritage Park or paddle along the Androscoggin River.
- Shelburne (5–10 min) – A quiet village near hiking trails and scenic forested drives along Route 2.
- Pinkham Notch (15–20 min) – Access Mount Washington and popular hiking trails like Tuckerman Ravine.
- Jefferson (25–30 min) – Home to Santa’s Village amusement park and scenic views of the White Mountains.
- Bethel, ME (25–30 min) – A charming ski town with shops, cafés, and access to Sunday River Resort and outdoor activities.
- Success (20–25 min) – A remote area great for ATV trails, forest roads, and solitude in the mountains.
- Dummer (20–25 min) – A small community offering fishing, boating, and peaceful forest escapes.
- Milan (25–30 min) – Visit Milan Hill State Park for views, picnicking, and a quiet nature experience.
- Jackson (30 min) – A classic mountain village known for covered bridges, skiing, and charming inns.
FAQ
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Where is Gorham located?
- Gorham is nestled in the heart of the Androscoggin Valley.
- The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of the White Mountains, NH.
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Why is Gorham a popular vacation destination?
- It is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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What are some must-visit outdoor attractions in Gorham?
- Drive or take a guided tour on the Mount Washington Auto Road for a thrilling adventure.
- Explore scenic trails at Moose Brook State Park.
- Experience the Presidential Rail Trail for excellent hiking and biking.
- Visit the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center for mountainous terrain exploration.
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What can visitors explore in Downtown Gorham?
- The town has retained its small-town charm.
- Visitors can soak up the atmosphere at Scoggins General Store.
- The Railroad Museum offers a glimpse into Gorham’s history.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for hiking and exploring scenic trails.
Town & Country Inn and Resort – A comfortable stay with great amenities.
Visit Moose Brook State Park – Enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
Summer (June-August) – Perfect for outdoor adventures and warm weather.
Top Notch Inn – A family-friendly stay near White Mountains.
Take a scenic drive on the Mount Washington Auto Road – Experience breathtaking mountain views.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning autumn foliage and cool temperatures.
Gorham Motor Inn – A budget-friendly option for travelers.
Explore the Presidential Range Rail Trail – A beautiful way to see fall colors.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Drive Above the Clouds on the Mount Washington Auto Road
- 2. Camp, Swim, and Unwind at Moose Brook State Park
- 3. Bike or Hike Through History on the Presidential Rail Trail
- 4. Step Into Railroading’s Golden Age at the Gorham Historical Society and Railway Museum
- 5. Shop Local Treasures at Scoggins General Store
- 6. Refuel with Comfort Fare at Town and Country Motor Inn Restaurant