Goshen New HampshireATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Goshen, New Hampshire.
1. Mount Sunapee State Park & Ski Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Mount Sunapee State Park & Ski Area is a popular recreational destination offering year-round outdoor activities in the foothills of Mount Sunapee. In winter, visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding on well-maintained slopes, while summer brings hiking trails with stunning panoramic views. The park combines natural beauty with modern amenities, making it perfect for both adventure seekers and families looking to connect with nature.
2. Gunnison Lake
THE GOSHEN OCEAN
Gunnison Lake, affectionately known as 'The Goshen Ocean' by locals, is a tranquil 60-acre man-made lake serving as a centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Goshen. Visitors can enjoy peaceful activities like canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, and excellent bird-watching opportunities along the shoreline. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxing natural retreat away from busy tourist areas.
3. Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATH
The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail offers a peaceful walking path circling Gunnison Lake, providing easy access to some of Goshen's most beautiful natural scenery. Hikers can enjoy the changing seasonal landscapes while traversing through wooded areas and alongside the tranquil waters. The well-maintained trail is suitable for all skill levels, making it perfect for family outings or solo nature appreciation walks.
4. Strategy Zone
OUTDOOR LASER TAG
Strategy Zone in Goshen provides an exciting outdoor laser tag experience for visitors seeking active entertainment. The facility combines natural terrain with gaming elements, creating a unique adventure that appeals to participants of all ages. This family-friendly attraction offers a rowdier alternative to Goshen's otherwise peaceful outdoor activities, perfect for group outings and special celebrations.
5. Lucia's Lookout
HISTORIC PANORAMIC VISTA
Lucia's Lookout provides hikers with a rewarding panoramic vista after a moderate climb through Goshen's forested hills. The lookout point carries historical significance, being connected to the area once owned by President Franklin Pierce who managed a local mine. Visitors can appreciate both the natural beauty and the historical context while enjoying one of the region's most impressive viewpoints.
6. Pierce Plumbago Mine
PRESIDENTIAL MINING HISTORY
The Pierce Plumbago Mine offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into both industrial and presidential history, as it was once managed by President Franklin Pierce after his term in office. The historic site continues to yield plumbago and serves as an interesting stop for hikers en route to nearby trails and lookouts. History enthusiasts particularly appreciate this unique connection between Goshen's natural resources and America's political past.
7. Mount Sunapee Resort
FOUR-SEASON RECREATION DESTINATION
Mount Sunapee Resort is a premier four-season destination located just minutes from Goshen, offering exceptional recreational opportunities throughout the year. Winter brings excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions across varied terrain suitable for all skill levels, while summer transforms the resort into an adventure park with mountain biking, zip lines, and scenic chairlift rides. The resort also hosts numerous events and festivals, combining outdoor adventure with cultural experiences in a beautiful mountain setting.
8. Nordic Skater
WINTER SPORTS SPECIALTY
Nordic Skater is a specialty shop and experience center dedicated to winter sports equipment and activities in the Goshen area. The establishment provides expert guidance, quality gear, and unique opportunities for visitors to explore the region's frozen landscapes. Winter enthusiasts appreciate the authentic local knowledge and specialized focus on Nordic skating and related cold-weather recreational pursuits.
9. John Hay National Wildlife Refuge
SERENE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The John Hay National Wildlife Refuge preserves 164 acres of diverse habitats including forests, fields, and wetlands near Goshen, creating a protected environment for native wildlife. Visitors can explore several miles of well-maintained trails while observing various bird species, deer, and other New Hampshire wildlife in their natural settings. The refuge's peaceful atmosphere and historical connection to John Hay, who served as Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, adds cultural significance to the natural experience.
10. Pillsbury State Park
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Pillsbury State Park, just 13 km from Goshen, offers a heavily wooded wilderness experience with wetlands and several lakes and ponds that create a primitive natural environment. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a network of mountain biking trails, opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and loons, and water activities including canoeing and kayaking. Winter visitors can participate in cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, making this park a year-round destination with historic elements including refurbished cellar holes from the area's 18th and 19th-century lumbering industry.
11. Friendly Farm
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Friendly Farm in Dublin, a short 20-minute drive from Goshen, provides visitors with an interactive experience featuring a variety of adorable farm animals including baby goats, turkeys, and lambs in a relaxed, natural environment. Guests can meet, play with, and learn about the animals through direct interaction, making it an ideal destination for families with children. The establishment also functions as a restaurant, offering visitors a chance to enjoy delicious meals after spending time with the animals, creating a complete day-trip experience.
12. Franklin Falls Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL RECREATION
Franklin Falls Dam is an impressive flood control structure that doubles as a recreational area for visitors from Goshen and surrounding communities. The site features hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots along the Pemigewasset River, providing multiple outdoor activity options. During the warmer months, the area surrounding the dam becomes a popular gathering place for water-based recreation and nature appreciation.
13. Dartmouth Skiway
COLLEGIATE SKIING TRADITION
Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme offers a distinctive skiing experience with 30 trails spread across two mountains, providing options for all skill levels within a day trip from Goshen. The facility combines a rich collegiate skiing tradition with modern amenities and a friendly, less crowded atmosphere than larger commercial resorts. Winter sports enthusiasts appreciate the reasonable prices, well-groomed slopes, and the unique connection to Dartmouth College's historic skiing program.
14. Brook Road Inn
CHARMING COUNTRY LODGING
Brook Road Inn provides visitors to Goshen with a quaint, clean, and highly-rated lodging experience that captures the essence of New Hampshire country charm. The inn serves as an excellent base for exploring Goshen's natural attractions and the surrounding Sugar River Region. Guests consistently praise the inn's hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and authentic New England character.
15. Sugar River
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The Sugar River flows through Goshen, offering scenic beauty and recreational opportunities along its winding course through the Mount Sunapee foothills. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and riverside hiking along various accessible points throughout the town. The river has played a significant role in Goshen's history since the town's establishment in 1791, connecting visitors to both natural beauty and cultural heritage.