New Hampshire is known as a state of small towns – people assume we all live in tiny, quaint hamlets with only a general store for shopping, and that perhaps we ride horses to work. While that’s far from true, we definitely do still have some teensy little towns that retain the old-time charm of rural life that you might just drive on by if you’re not careful. We’re not talking incorporated areas or villages within towns here – these are all municipalities, albeit itsy bitsy ones. And they’re all a delight to visit! Note that for our list below, all population numbers come from the 2010 census, so they are likely to be a bit outdated. We also didn’t solely choose the smallest towns in New Hampshire – rather, these are ones that have a lot of beauty to offer but are too often missed. Enjoy!
- Hart’s Location
Flickr/Paul Gagnon With a population of just 41, Hart’s Location is the smallest municipality in the state. Though it receives services from Barrett, it does have an independent town government! Home to Crawford Notch State Park, this tiny town is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States.
- Ellsworth
Flickr/Ishamari Drennan-Colon This teensy tiny town in Grafton County is the only dry town in New Hampshire – meaning that no alcohol can be sold within its borders. The beautiful Mount Kineo lies within the town, and is a popular hike for locals.
- Errol
Google/Harshad Sanaje Tucked way up in Coos County, Errol is home to the gorgeous and under-appreciated Umbagog State Park. It’s population of 291 only has a density of about 4 people per square mile, so there’s plenty of room to catch your breath here.
- Dummer
Wikimedia Commons/magicpiano This tiny Coos County town is home to the village of Paris, as well as the Pontoocook Reservoir, famous for its birdwatching. Its 304 residents know that it’s also a splendid place for canoeing and kayaking.
- Randolph
Flickr/yrpopqueen Part of this Coos County town sits within the White Mountain National Forest, so the views are absolutely spectacular. The town’s 310 residents are so outdoorsy that they formed their own Randolph Mountain Club!
- Orange
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan Dating back to 1769, this Grafton County town is home to Mount Cardigan, one of the most hiked peaks in the entire world. As such, the traffic coming through town vastly outnumbers the 331 residents!
- Chatham
Flickr/Kathleen Conklin Tucked away in the White Mountain National Forest, Chatham is home to 337 residents, as well as to several mountains (notably South Baldface and Kearsage North) and to the lovely Upper Kimball Pond.
- Shelburne
Flickr/cappi thompson At the north end of the Washington Valley, this Coos County town is a stunning refuge for its 372 residents.
- Eaton
Town of Eaton Just south of Conway and bordering Maine on the East, this lovely little town has just 393 residents. The beautiful Crystal Lake makes this spot an idyllic place to live.
- Sullivan
Google/Wayne Lorman Sullivan (not to be confused with the county!) has just 677 residents and plenty of small-town charm. Their library is one of the most lovely we’ve ever seen!
Love small-town New Hampshire? Check out this town that’s small in size but huge in history.
Flickr/Paul Gagnon
With a population of just 41, Hart’s Location is the smallest municipality in the state. Though it receives services from Barrett, it does have an independent town government! Home to Crawford Notch State Park, this tiny town is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States.
Flickr/Ishamari Drennan-Colon
This teensy tiny town in Grafton County is the only dry town in New Hampshire – meaning that no alcohol can be sold within its borders. The beautiful Mount Kineo lies within the town, and is a popular hike for locals.
Google/Harshad Sanaje
Tucked way up in Coos County, Errol is home to the gorgeous and under-appreciated Umbagog State Park. It’s population of 291 only has a density of about 4 people per square mile, so there’s plenty of room to catch your breath here.
Wikimedia Commons/magicpiano
This tiny Coos County town is home to the village of Paris, as well as the Pontoocook Reservoir, famous for its birdwatching. Its 304 residents know that it’s also a splendid place for canoeing and kayaking.
Flickr/yrpopqueen
Part of this Coos County town sits within the White Mountain National Forest, so the views are absolutely spectacular. The town’s 310 residents are so outdoorsy that they formed their own Randolph Mountain Club!
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Dating back to 1769, this Grafton County town is home to Mount Cardigan, one of the most hiked peaks in the entire world. As such, the traffic coming through town vastly outnumbers the 331 residents!
Flickr/Kathleen Conklin
Tucked away in the White Mountain National Forest, Chatham is home to 337 residents, as well as to several mountains (notably South Baldface and Kearsage North) and to the lovely Upper Kimball Pond.
Flickr/cappi thompson
At the north end of the Washington Valley, this Coos County town is a stunning refuge for its 372 residents.
Town of Eaton
Just south of Conway and bordering Maine on the East, this lovely little town has just 393 residents. The beautiful Crystal Lake makes this spot an idyllic place to live.
Google/Wayne Lorman
Sullivan (not to be confused with the county!) has just 677 residents and plenty of small-town charm. Their library is one of the most lovely we’ve ever seen!
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