Looking for small-town charm, scenic trails, and rich heritage? Head to Warner, New Hampshire! Nestled in the foothills of the Mink Hills, Warner is a friendly New England town offering museums, hiking, maple syrup, and local festivals. It’s a great escape for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Warner is in the fall (September–October) for colorful foliage and festivals, or spring through summer (May–August) for hiking, farmer's markets, and outdoor exploration. Winter brings peaceful scenery and snowy charm for cross-country skiing or cozy getaways.
How to Get There
- By Car: Warner is located just off I-89, about 30 minutes northwest of Concord and 1.5 hours from Boston.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), about 1 hour away by car.
- By Bus: Concord Coach Lines offers regional bus service to nearby Concord, with car rentals or rideshares available from there.
Where to Stay
- The Maples at Warner – Quaint bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms, homemade breakfast, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Rosewood Country Inn – Romantic country inn with elegant rooms, gardens, and peaceful views in nearby Bradford.
- Camping & Cabins – Rustic rentals and campgrounds available at Mount Kearsarge State Forest and Rollins State Park.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hike Mount Kearsarge for Sweeping Summit Views
Mount Kearsarge is located within the Kearsage Mountain State Forest, where it offers visitors a beautiful outdoor recreational area. At the northern and southern base of the mountain you will find Winslow State Park and Rollins State Park, both of which offer excellent hiking and nature observation. Winslow State Park has an elevated picnic area from which you can set off on a 1 mile hike to the summit of the mountain. If you choose to explore the mountain from Rollins State Park you have the option of using the auto-road which will take you to within half a mile of the summit. On a clear day visitors can see the Boston skyscrapers, 80 miles in the distance.
Mount Kearsage, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
⮕ Explore Native Heritage at the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum
The Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum strives to preserve Native American history and culture through the ages. The pivotal concept of the museum is to showcase the Native Indian respect for the earth and for all living creatures. To this end the museum has exhibits which display thousands of artifacts and information about the everyday lives of historic and contemporary Native American communities all over the U.S. In the Medicine Woods you can learn about how natural elements were used for medicine, food, tools and shelter. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the museum and the Medicine Woods and Arboretum.
Mount Kearsage Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Rd, Warner, NH 03278, Phone: 603-456-2608
For Photographers
⮕ Snap a Classic New England Photo at Waterloo Covered Bridge
Located in western Warner, the Waterloo Covered Bridge is one of just a handful of historic covered bridges to have withstood the tests of time. The single-span bridge crosses the Warner River across a length of 84 feet. The bridge was built more than 160 years ago in 1859, when the necessity arose to provide adequate transport over the river for several businesses which were reliant on the water power of the Waterloo Falls. Over the decades the bridge has been rebuilt or renovated several times, most recently in 1987. Of special note are the Lattice Truss construction method and the cut-outs which allowed for plenty of light to enter the bridge.
Waterloo Covered Bridge, 68 Newmarket Road, Warner, NH 03278
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Wander Back in Time at Dalton Covered Bridge
The Dalton Covered Bridge was built in 1853, pre-dating the Waterloo Bridge, and it is slightly shorter at 76 foot long. The bridge was extremely innovative for its time, using a new patented truss system composed of King Trusses supported by Queen Trusses, which can support longer openings. The sides of the covered bridge are made of vertical boarding and each side has four windows to allow light to enter the interior. The roof of the bridge is made from corrugated metal and was intended to preserve the wood from weathering by rain and snow. There is parking available at both ends of the bridge for visitors to stop and explore. The bridge is particularly beautiful when surrounded by fall foliage.
Dalton Covered Bridge, 78 E. Main Street, Warner, NH 03278
⮕ Browse Local Reads and Charm at Main Street Book Ends
Main Street Book Ends is a family-owned independent community book store which has been catering to the reading needs of Warner locals and visitors since 1998. The book store is housed in an historic 200 year-old homestead which was built in 1795, with an attached barn which now serves as The Gallery, showcasing the talents of local artists. The store specializes in books by local and regional authors, organic gardening and alternative technology book, children’s books and educational toys and much more. The gallery offers art classes and many more community services and is a must-visit attraction for all visitors to Warner.
Main Street Book Ends, 16 E. Main Street, Warner, NH 03278, Phone: 603-456-2700
⮕ If You Love Farm-Fresh Finds, Then Visit Yankee Farmer’s Market
Yankee Farmer’s Market is the place to go to stock up on delicious natural meat and meat products. The farm aims to supply customers with real natural meat which has not been tampered with. Most people will be familiar with the mass meat production methods commonly used to improve some producer’s bottom line – animals are fed unnatural grains, routinely injected with antibiotics and growth stimulants and sometimes inhumanely treated. When you visit Yankee Farmer’s Market you can rest assured that all products, including their signature buffalo and bison meat is 100% naturally farmed and processed. The market stocks natural beef, buffalo, bison, pork, chickens, lamb, elk (in season) and turkey. Visitors are welcome to come and see how a truly natural farm operates.
Yankee Farmer’s Market, 360 Route 103 E., Warner, NH 03278, Phone: 603-456-2833
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- New Hampshire Telephone Museum – Fascinating collection tracing the history of telecommunications from the 1800s to today.
- Warner Historical Society & Museum – Learn about the town’s roots and browse local exhibits in a historic building.
Where to Eat
- Charlie Mac’s Pizzeria – Laid-back spot for pizza, sandwiches, and casual eats in the center of town.
- FootHills Restaurant & Tavern – Cozy, family-friendly diner serving breakfast, lunch, and hearty homemade dinners.
- Cafe One East – Local coffee shop with espresso, baked goods, and community events in a relaxed setting.
Local Events
- Warner Fall Foliage Festival (October) – Town-wide celebration with parades, crafts, live music, and classic New England charm.
- Maple Weekend (March) – Visit sugar shacks and sample fresh maple syrup during New Hampshire’s sweetest season.
- Summer Farmer’s Market (June–October) – Local produce, baked goods, and crafts on Saturday mornings downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Warner, New Hampshire
- Concord (30 min) – Explore the state capital’s shops, restaurants, museums, and historic downtown district.
- Sunapee (25–30 min) – Enjoy boating, swimming, or skiing at Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee Resort.
- Hopkinton (15–20 min) – Browse charming village stores, cafés, and peaceful countryside views.
- Henniker (20 min) – Home to New England College, Pat’s Peak ski area, and covered bridge charm.
- Webster (20–25 min) – Quiet town known for its rural beauty, nature trails, and old stone walls.
FAQ
- Where is Warner located?
- Warner is tucked away on the north-eastern border of New Hampshire in Merrimack County.
- What attractions can visitors enjoy in Warner?
- Main Street in Warner offers a good variety of shops and restaurants.
- What is the highlight of the year in Warner?
- The highlight of the year is the Warner Fall Foliage Festival.
Plan Your Trip