The Ultimate Guide to Littleton, New Hampshire: Where to Stay, Eat, Fish, Hike, Ski & Explore
- Dan Keim
- 7 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a fishing trip, a hiking adventure, a ski vacation, or simply looking to experience one of New England's most charming mountain towns, Littleton, New Hampshire makes the perfect home base.
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains and just minutes from Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain, and Moore Reservoir, our Boma container cabins offer easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation, local restaurants, breweries, scenic drives, and seasonal events in the region.
Fishing Spots
1. Comerford Picnic Area and Boat Launch (3 miles)
Easy public access to the Connecticut River with shoreline fishing and a boat launch. Popular for bass, pike, perch, and trout.
2. Moore Reservoir - Moore Dam Launch (4 miles)
Popular public boat launch with access to Moore Reservoir’s deep water and shoreline structure. Known for smallmouth bass, lake trout, salmon, perch, and northern pike, with good fishing from both boats and kayaks.
3. Ammonoosuc River (10 miles)
A scenic trout stream known for wild and stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Popular for fly fishing and wade fishing with multiple public access points along the river.
4. Partridge Lake (12 miles)
A quiet lake with excellent access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Known for bass, pickerel, perch, and trout, with plenty of shoreline and shallow-water habitat to explore.
5. Echo Lake (17 miles)
A beautiful mountain lake known for clear water and scenic views. Popular for trout fishing from shore, kayak, or canoe, with opportunities to catch brook, rainbow, and lake trout.
6. Profile Lake (18 miles)
Nestled beneath Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, Profile Lake is a scenic trout fishery known for brook trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon. Easy shoreline access and calm waters make it a great spot for a relaxing day of fishing.
7. Streeter Pond (20 miles)
A quiet, remote pond popular for canoe, kayak, and shoreline fishing. Known for bass, pickerel, and perch, with peaceful surroundings and light recreational traffic.
8. Forest Lake (25 miles)
A large, family-friendly lake with excellent fishing opportunities for bass, trout, perch, and pickerel. Offers easy access for shore fishing, kayaks, and small boats.
9. Mirror Lake (24 miles)
A scenic North Country lake known for bass, trout, perch, and pickerel. Offers easy access for shore fishing, kayaking, and small boats in a peaceful setting.
10. Lake Tarleton (28 miles)
A picturesque mountain lake known for trout, bass, and perch fishing. Popular for kayaking and small boats, with clear water and a quiet setting surrounded by forested hills.
Hiking Trails
1. Kilburn Crags (10 miles)
A rewarding hike featuring dramatic cliff views overlooking the Connecticut River Valley and surrounding White Mountains. The relatively short trail leads to scenic ledges that are especially popular for sunrise, fall foliage, and photography.
2. The Dells (12 miles)
A scenic natural area featuring waterfalls, rocky gorges, and forested walking trails along the Ammonoosuc River. A great spot for a short hike, photography, and enjoying the area's unique geology.
3. Parker Mountain Trails (11 miles)
A network of wooded trails leading to scenic overlooks of Littleton and the surrounding mountains. Popular for hiking, trail running, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage.
4. Artist's Bluff (18 miles)
One of the White Mountains' most popular short hikes, featuring a stunning cliffside overlook of Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain. A must-visit spot for sunset views, photography, and fall foliage.
5. Bald Mountain Loop (18 miles)
A moderate hike through scenic forest leading to open ledges with panoramic views of the White Mountains. Popular for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying a quieter alternative to some of the area's busier trails.
6. Lonesome Lake Trail (20 miles)
A classic White Mountains hike leading to a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by forest and dramatic peaks. Known for scenic views, wildlife, and access to some of the region's most iconic hiking terrain.
7. Franconia Ridge Trail (19 miles)
One of New Hampshire's most iconic hikes, featuring breathtaking ridge-line views, alpine terrain, and panoramic vistas of the White Mountains. A challenging but unforgettable trek for experienced hikers.
8. Mount Lafayette Trailhead (21 miles)
The starting point for several legendary White Mountains hikes, including Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge. Offers access to stunning alpine scenery, mountain summits, and some of the best panoramic views in New England.
9. Flume Gorge Trails (25 miles)
A scenic walk-through towering granite walls, waterfalls, covered bridges, and forested trails in the heart of Franconia Notch State Park. One of New Hampshire's most popular natural attractions and a great family-friendly adventure.
10. Mount Washington Area Trails (40 miles)
Home to some of the Northeast's most famous hiking trails, offering everything from easy walks to challenging summit climbs. Known for spectacular mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine views, and access to New England's highest peak.
Ski Areas
1. Mt. Eustis Ski Hill (10 miles)
A local community ski area offering affordable skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in a family-friendly setting. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed day on the slopes close to town.
2. Cannon Mountain (18 miles)
A premier four-season destination offering skiing, scenic tram rides, hiking, and breathtaking views of Franconia Notch. The summit observation area provides some of the best mountain vistas in New Hampshire.
3. Bretton Woods (20 miles)
New Hampshire's largest ski resort, offering year-round outdoor recreation including skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, hiking, and scenic mountain views. Set against the backdrop of Mount Washington, it's one of the region's premier destinations for adventure and sightseeing.
4. Loon Mountain (30 miles)
One of New England's premier mountain resorts, offering year-round activities including skiing, snowboarding, scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor events. A popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts in every season.
5. Waterville Valley (45 miles)
A popular four-season mountain destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, golf, and family-friendly activities. Known for its scenic mountain setting, vibrant village, and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.
Breweries
1. Schilling Beer Co. (11 miles)
Located along the Ammonoosuc River in downtown Littleton, Schilling Beer Co. is one of New England's most acclaimed breweries, known for its European-inspired craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and scenic riverside setting. A popular spot for food, drinks, and relaxing after a day of exploring the White Mountains.
2. Rek-Lis Brewing (12 miles)
A popular White Mountains brewery and restaurant known for its craft beer, live music, and mountain-town atmosphere. Offers a full food menu, outdoor seating, and regular events, making it a great stop after hiking, skiing, or exploring the area.
3. Iron Furnace Brewing (22 miles)
A small craft brewery offering locally brewed beer in a relaxed North Country setting. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, rotating tap list, and great stop for a drink while exploring the White Mountains region.
http://ironfurnacebrewing.com/
4. Woodstock Inn Brewery (32 miles)
A White Mountains favorite offering award-winning craft beer, a full restaurant, and a lively mountain-lodge atmosphere. Known for great food, local brews, and a convenient location near many of the region's top outdoor attractions.
http://www.woodstockinnbrewery.com/
Restaurants
The Little Grille (11 miles)
A longtime Littleton favorite serving breakfast and lunch with a menu that includes sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods, and coffee. Known for its casual atmosphere, live music, and local community feel.
Tall Provisions (11 miles)
An upscale dinner spot serving seasonal American dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and rotating chef-driven menus. Known for elevated food in a small, intimate downtown Littleton setting.
https://www.tallprovisions.com
Sour's Taverna (11 miles)
A Mediterranean-inspired tapas restaurant and cocktail bar serving small plates, craft cocktails, seafood, lamb, house-made specialties, and rotating seasonal dishes. Known for sharing-style dining, creative flavors, and one of the area's more elevated food experiences.
Mill Street Kitchen (11 miles)
A casual riverside spot from Schilling Beer Co. serving smashburgers, döner kebabs, falafel, poutine, hand-cut fries, craft cocktails, and beer-friendly food. Great for lunch, dinner, and drinks after a day outdoors.
https://schillingbeer.com/location/mill-st-kitchen/
Baltic Kitchen (12 miles)
A cafe-style spot serving handmade pierogis, Polish comfort food, and rotating seasonal menus. Good for dine-in or takeout.
Littleton Diner (11 miles)
A historic 1940s-style rail car diner serving classic New England comfort food, breakfast all day, homemade corned beef hash, pancakes, burgers, soups, and daily specials. Known for hearty portions and old-school diner atmosphere in the heart of downtown Littleton.
https://www.littletondiner.com
Chang Thai Cafe (11 miles)
A Thai restaurant and sushi bar serving curries, pad thai, drunken noodles, ramen, pho, sushi rolls, and specialty cocktails. Known for its large menu, Thai comfort food, and creative Southeast Asian-inspired dishes.
Taste The Thai & Sushi House (11 miles)
A Thai restaurant and sushi bar serving curries, pad thai, drunken noodles, pho, sushi rolls, sashimi, stir-fry dishes, and specialty appetizers. Known for its large menu, fresh sushi, and authentic Thai flavors with both dine-in and takeout options.
http://www.tastethethaiandsushihouse.com/
The Beal House Restaurant (11 miles)
A restaurant and cocktail bar located inside a historic inn, serving elevated American cuisine with dishes like steaks, seafood, pasta, and seasonal specials. Known for craft cocktails, a refined atmosphere, and one of the area's more upscale dining experiences.
Topic of the Town Restaurant (11 miles)
A longtime Littleton restaurant serving classic diner-style breakfast favorites alongside a newer menu of Indian cuisine, including curries, biryani, tandoori dishes, and naan. Known for hearty breakfasts, large portions, and a unique mix of American comfort food and authentic Indian flavors.
https://www.topicofthetownrestaurant.com
Cold Mountain Cafe (15 miles)
A longtime Bethlehem restaurant serving internationally inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, fresh seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, and its well-known Black Bean Cake. Known for creative dinner menus, seasonal ingredients, and a more upscale dining experience in the White Mountains.
http://www.coldmountaincafe.com/
Polly's Pancake Parlor (16 miles)
A New Hampshire institution known for its made-from-scratch pancakes, house-made maple products, waffles, breakfast classics, and mountain views. Guests can choose from different pancake batters and locally sourced toppings, making it one of the most iconic breakfast stops in the White Mountains.
https://pollyspancakeparlor.com/restaurant-menu/
Sugar Hill Inn Restaurant (17 miles)
An upscale inn restaurant serving refined American cuisine with seasonal menus, steaks, seafood, lamb, craft cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. Known for its fine dining atmosphere, mountain views, and one of the more elevated dinner experiences in the White Mountains.
Franconia Inn Dining Room (20 miles)
Located inside the historic Franconia Inn, this restaurant serves classic New England and American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, pasta, and seasonal specials. Known for its mountain views, cozy atmosphere, and traditional inn dining experience in the heart of the White Mountains.
https://www.franconiainn.com/dining
Shopping
Chutters (11 miles)
Home to the world's longest candy counter, featuring over 100 feet of bulk candy, nostalgic favorites, chocolates, fudge, and New Hampshire-made treats. One of Littleton's most iconic downtown stops for both kids and adults.
Troutsmith (11 miles)
A specialty fly fishing shop offering flies, rods, gear, apparel, local fishing knowledge, and guided fly-fishing trips throughout northern New Hampshire. A great stop for current fishing conditions, river recommendations, and everything needed for trout fishing in the White Mountains.
Little Village Toy & Book Shop (11 miles)
An independent toy and bookstore offering educational toys, games, puzzles, children's books, local-interest titles, and gifts for all ages. A favorite downtown stop for families, with a focus on learning, creativity, and screen-free entertainment.
http://www.littlevillagetoyshop.com/
Bella Funk Boutique (11 miles)
An upscale women's clothing and lifestyle boutique offering curated fashion, denim, footwear, jewelry, accessories, beauty products, and gifts from brands like Free People, Paige, Farm Rio, Frye, and Z Supply. Known for its stylish selection and unique downtown shopping experience.
Purple Peacock (11 miles)
A two-story antique and artisan shop featuring vintage finds, antiques, collectibles, home décor, jewelry, artwork, books, and goods from dozens of local artists and vendors. Known for its constantly changing inventory and treasure-hunt shopping experience in downtown Littleton.
http://thepurplepeacocknh.com/
Maison Boheme (11 miles)
A boutique home décor and lifestyle shop offering furniture, lighting, art, antiques, floral arrangements, gifts, women’s apparel, baby items, apothecary products, and interior design services. Known for its curated design aesthetic and unique collection of home goods in downtown Littleton.
Littleton Bike & Fitness (11 miles)
A full-service bike shop offering mountain bikes, road bikes, rentals, repairs, gear, and fitness equipment. Located near the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and local mountain bike networks, it's a great stop for trail information, rentals, tune-ups, and outdoor gear before exploring the White Mountains.
Littleton Coin Company Store (12 miles)
One of the largest coin and currency dealers in the country, offering collectible U.S. and world coins, paper money, precious metal products, and coin collecting supplies. A unique stop for collectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in rare coins and numismatic collectibles.
Lahout's Ski Shop (15 miles)
America’s oldest ski shop, family-owned since 1920, offering skis, snowboards, outdoor apparel, hiking gear, rentals, tuning, boot fitting, and equipment from major outdoor brands. A go-to stop for trail advice, mountain gear, ski rentals, and White Mountains outdoor expertise.
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