Autumn trees with vibrant colors under a cloudy sky, mountains in the distance.

A Tourist’s Go-To Guide to the Wonders of Bethlehem, New Hampshire

People often say that “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”, and that sentiment couldn’t be truer when you spend a week or weekend in Bethlehem, NH. Imagine a kind of place where you can breathe a little deeper, sleep in a little longer, and truly unplug without feeling disconnected. That type of feeling is just an example of what Bethlehem offers to its visitors. Whether you’re coming here for a reunion, a weekend getaway, or any other reason, our small mountain town delivers big when it comes to activities and experiences.


Here’s what you need to know.

Woman overlooking a fall landscape with a lake, road, and mountains with colorful foliage.

The Top Outdoor Activities in Bethlehem, NH

The New Hampshire mountains give no shortage of things to do, especially here in Grafton County. Below are a few things you can expect during your stay here:


Hiking and Walking Trails

With the White Mountains surrounding Bethlehem, you can bet there are quite a few hiking trails. You’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re just looking for a nice stroll or are trying to burn off some vacation calories. There are a variety of short, well-maintained trails just minutes from town, but for a more challenging hike, plan on exploring Mount Agassiz. This overlook has sweeping views of the summit and is a relatively short hike. 


Just a short drive away, you can hop on the Appalachian Trail, along with dozens of other trails in the White Mountains National Forest. In the fall, the foliage shows bright hues of yellows, oranges, and reds, with the spring and summer bringing rows and rows of wildflowers. You’ll want to stop and take it all in, and we encourage you to do so.


Biking

Bethlehem is one of the most bike-friendly towns in the area, and for good reason. The PRKR MTN Trails, for example, have over 20 miles of singletrack trails that attract riders from all over the New England area. Or, if you’re looking for some scenic backroads to explore, the Ammonoosuc River Valley has views that are anything but boring.


Other Sports

If you’re into golf, Bethlehem has two incredible courses to choose from: Bethlehem Country Club and Maplewood Golf Course. Both are open to the public and give you that classic New England golf experience you’ve been looking for: mature trees, mountain views, and plenty of challenges for all types of players.


Once the snow hits, Bethlehem transforms into a hub for winter sports. There are several stops nearby for both cross-country skiing or downhill skiing and snowboarding, such as Bretzfelder Park, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, and more.

We get it: it’s hard to predict the weather. Snow, hail, rain, thunder, you name it, it can happen. We’ve got you covered with some of the best activities that you can do indoors, regardless of season and weather conditions.


  • The Colonial Theatre: One of the oldest operating movie theaters in the country, you’ll enjoy watching some indie films, documentaries, and live performances throughout the year.
  • Local Art Galleries: Art lovers will need to check out the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) and The Gallery at Maia Papaya. These spots show off some of the best local and regional works in all of New Hampshire.
  • Coffee Shops & Book Nooks: If you need a good spot to read a book or catch up with some friends, buckle up. Rek’-lis Brewing Company serves more than just a craft beer; they’ve also got coffee, pastries, and a cozy vibe that’s sure to delight. For a more classic cafe style, check out Maia Papaya.

Indoor Activities For All Seasons

Assortment of fudge pieces on a marble surface. Fudge varieties include layers and nuts.

Fun For The Kiddos

Bethlehem, NH makes it easy to travel with your kids without fear that they won’t have anything to do. Keep the kiddos busy with a stop at:



  • Bretzfelder Memorial Park: Easy walking trails, a pond, and a covered pavilion? Our park has it all! 
  • Littleton’s Riverwalk & Chutters Candy Counter: Just ten minutes away from Bethlehem, Littleton has a beautiful Riverwalk that is stroller-friendly. And you can’t possibly stop in Littleton without grabbing some sweets over at Chutters, the world’s longest candy counter!
  • Santa’s Village: A little further of a drive to Jefferson, Santa’s Village is the ultimate Christmas celebration, providing a low-stress and surprisingly affordable option compared to other theme parks.

You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time. Many of the best activities here are either free or low-cost. From scenic drives through Routes 302 and 112, to local farmers’ markets, there’s always something going on here in Bethlehem. Places like Rek’-lis often have live music events, or if you’re looking for something a little more lowkey, our dark skies are perfect for watching the stars.

Sticking to a Budget

Stay at Granite Ridge Retreats

During your trip to Grafton County, plan on staying at Granite Ridge Retreats, your go-to spot for relaxation. Our cabin rentals provide you with a well-equipped place to stay, close to all the action, without the noise of the city. We’re a great home base, especially for groups, couples, and families who want to spend their evenings by a firepit, swapping ghost stories and cooking marshmallows.


Sound up your alley? Book your stay today and see for yourself why once you vacation in New Hampshire, there’s no going back. Trust us: you’ll love every minute of it.