Things To Do
in Gorham
Gorham, New Hampshire is a small, classic White Mountains town that serves as a gateway to the Presidential Range and the northern stretch of the White Mountain National Forest. The village sits along the Androscoggin River and Route 2, offering easy access to hiking, fishing, and scenic drives while retaining a quiet, small-town character. Visitors find a mix of year-round residents, seasonal outdoor enthusiasts, and family-run businesses — especially in summer and leaf-peeping season.
The town is a practical base for exploring nearby Mount Washington, Maine border communities, and long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail and Crawford Path.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Gorham and check into your cozy lodge, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the White Mountains. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in homemade pastries and fresh coffee. Take a stroll through the charming town center to soak in the quaint ambiance and local shops.
Embark on your first adventure with a visit to the Gorham Historical Society and Railroad Museum, learning about the town's rich history. Afterward, explore the scenic trails at Moose Brook State Park, where you can hike or bike while surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. Remember to pack a picnic to enjoy by the tranquil brook.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local eatery known for its hearty comfort food, where you can savor classic New England dishes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with friendly locals and maybe catch a live music performance. End your day with a leisurely walk to the nearby park, soaking in the crisp mountain air under a starlit sky.
Rise early to embark on a guided hiking tour of the nearby Presidential Range, where experienced guides will take you on thrilling trails. Enjoy a packed breakfast while taking in breathtaking views from mountain summits. This immersive experience will allow you to appreciate the rugged beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness.
After a vigorous hike, visit a local farm for a taste of fresh produce, where you can sample apple cider and homemade jams. Spend the afternoon exploring different trails in the National Forest, keeping an eye out for wildlife and autumn colors. Capture vibrant photos of the landscape as a reminder of the breathtaking natural scenery.
After a fulfilling day, unwind at a lakeside restaurant with stunning views of the mountains reflecting off the water. Savor a gourmet meal featuring locally sourced ingredients as you watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. End the evening with a relaxing boat cruise on the lake to enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.50 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🎟️Attraction or small tour | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to world-class hiking and mountain scenery.
- Quieter, authentic small-town New England atmosphere with friendly locals.
- Excellent seasonal activities: summer hiking, fall foliage, winter snow sports.
- Limited nightlife and dining options compared with larger towns.
- Public transportation is minimal — a car is strongly recommended.
- Services and businesses can be seasonal and may close in shoulder months.
Places to Visit in Gorham
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside scenes with rapids, reflections and fall foliage provide classic New England landscape shots at sunrise and sunset.
Wooded trails, small waterfalls and footbridges offer intimate nature photography opportunities close to town; good for macro and wildlife shots.
Sweeping mountain vistas and dramatic ridgelines on hikes toward Mount Washington and along the Crawford Path make for striking panorama photos.
Quaint downtown scenes, old railroad architecture and classic town streetscape capture local character — especially photogenic in snow or autumn color.
Multiple pullouts and overlooks along Route 2 provide framed views of valleys and peaks; excellent at golden hour during fall foliage season.
Food in Gorham
Gorham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy chowder widely available in local diners and taverns; hearty and warming after a day outdoors.
Must-Try!
Classic Maine/New England lobster roll appears on many menus — best found at seafood-focused spots a short drive away or seasonal stands.
Pancakes, donuts or pies made with local maple syrup or wild blueberries from the region; bakeries and farmers markets showcase these flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small summer/fall market where local farms sell produce, maple products, baked goods and prepared snacks — great for picnic supplies and local treats.
During warm months look for seasonal stands selling donuts, pies, fresh berries and sometimes seafood farther south; informal but delicious.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value friendliness, courtesy and a slower pace; greet shopkeepers and be considerate of noise late at night.
Yield to uphill hikers, follow Leave No Trace principles, keep dogs leashed where required, and pack out what you bring in.
Do not feed or approach wildlife; stay on designated trails and respect posted private land boundaries common in rural New Hampshire.
Safety
Tipping in Gorham
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants (pre-tax), $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night, and $5–10 for taxi/rideshare or luggage assistance if service is good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town, but smaller diners, farmers markets and seasonal stands may be cash-only. Contactless payment and mobile wallets are becoming more common but carry some cash, especially in shoulder seasons.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and cool nights make summer ideal for hiking, fishing and river activities; expect more tourists on popular trails and open seasonal businesses. Bring sun protection and insect repellent, and reserve lodging for busy weekends.
Peak foliage draws large crowds (especially late September to mid-October); roads and parking at trailheads can be congested. Book accommodations well in advance and arrive early for popular viewpoints.
Cold, snowy winters offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling — but winter weather can be severe, with icy roads and rapidly changing mountain conditions. Carry winter gear, check forecasts, and be prepared for limited services.
Late spring is a shoulder season with variable conditions: lingering snow at higher elevations, muddy trails and fewer open amenities. It’s a quieter time for bargains but check trail accessibility.
Gorham at Night
Hiking in Gorham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Challenging, iconic peaks with dramatic weather and views; routes like Tuckerman Ravine and the Crawford Path lead toward the summit — attempt only if properly prepared.
Part of the historic footpath that traverses sections of the Presidential Range, offering high ridgeline views and access to multiple peaks.
The Appalachian Trail passes through the region with varied terrain — choose moderate day sections or longer thru-hike stretches depending on experience.
Easy to moderate forested loops near town with waterfalls, bridges and river access — family-friendly and good for shorter outings.
Airports
How to reach Gorham by plane.
Small regional airport north of Gorham with limited services; useful for private or charter flights and short hops.
Major regional airport in Portland, Maine — about 2–3 hours' drive depending on route; good option for commercial flights from many U.S. cities.
Full-service airport south of Manchester offering many domestic flights; roughly 2.5–3.5 hours by car from Gorham.
Largest international airport in the region with the most flight options; expect a longer drive (~3.5–4.5 hours) plus potential traffic, or combine with a rental car and overnight stay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term locals, often families, small-business owners and retirees who maintain the town’s year-round services and community life.
Significant influx of visitors and seasonal homeowners in summer and fall; the local economy is tuned to tourism ebb and flow.
Hikers, climbers, skiers and anglers who come for access to the White Mountains and nearby recreation areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular outdoor activity due to proximity to the White Mountains and long-distance trails.
Winter recreation is big: cross-country and downhill skiing nearby, plus snowmobiling on groomed trails in the region.
Local community and school-level hockey, baseball and other team sports are popular social activities in town.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gorham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; diners and cafes will usually prepare veggie burgers, salads, and egg-based dishes. Call ahead for specialized needs.
Vegan choices are sparse; focus on salads, sides, and modified dishes at cafes or bring staples. Larger nearby towns have more dedicated vegan-friendly options.
Some bakeries and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible. If you have celiac disease, plan ahead and consider bringing backup snacks.