7 New Hampshire Travel Guide Books That Experts Trust

Insights from travel experts Christina Tree, Barbara Rogers, and Eric Riback on the best New Hampshire Travel Guide books

Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

What if you could uncover New Hampshire's best-kept secrets with just one book in hand? New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes—from the rugged White Mountains to quaint covered bridges and hidden local spots—offer more than meets the eye. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a hiking expedition, or a birdwatching adventure, having the right guide can transform your experience.

Travel writer Christina Tree, whose Explorer’s Guide series has been a staple for decades, relies on firsthand research to pinpoint practical tips that blend both popular and offbeat destinations. Barbara Rogers, co-author of New Hampshire Off the Beaten Path®, brings decades of travel writing and deep local knowledge to spotlight hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist routes. Meanwhile, Eric Riback’s expertise in cartography enriches his guide to New Hampshire’s covered bridges, offering travelers precise navigation tools coupled with historical insights.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks for exploring the Granite State, readers seeking content tailored to their own travel style, interests, or pace might consider creating a personalized New Hampshire Travel Guide book that builds on these insights, making your journey truly your own.

Best for comprehensive travel planning
Christina Tree launched the Explorer’s Guide series more than 30 years ago and continues to travel thousands of miles annually to keep her guides current. A respected contributor to Yankee Magazine and honored by regional organizations, Tree’s deep expertise shines through in this detailed guide. Her commitment to firsthand research ensures you receive reliable, up-to-date advice tailored specifically to New Hampshire travelers.
Explorer's Guide New Hampshire (Explorer's Complete) book cover

by Christina Tree, Christine Hamm, Katherine Imbrie··You?

2010·528 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, New England Travel Guide, Travel, Local Travel, New England Travel

What started as Christina Tree's dedication to exploring New England evolved into a detailed portrait of New Hampshire's diverse landscapes and communities. This guide offers you precise advice on everything from hiking the White Mountains to discovering coastal towns, with insights tailored to different budgets and interests. You’ll find practical tips and vivid descriptions supported by color highlights and photographs that bring the state to life. Whether you're planning your first visit or a return trip, this book equips you with the knowledge to explore beyond the usual spots. Its depth benefits those who want practical, trustworthy information grounded in firsthand research.

View on Amazon
Best for discovering hidden gems
Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Stillman Rogers bring decades of experience crafting travel and nature books, having authored over thirty titles covering diverse regions and themes. Their deep familiarity with New Hampshire, complemented by Amanda Silva's storytelling and local insights, creates a guide that ventures beyond typical tourist routes. Their combined expertise ensures you receive an insider's look at the Granite State’s lesser-known attractions and cultural highlights, making this book a valuable companion for those eager to explore New Hampshire from a fresh perspective.
New Hampshire Off the Beaten Path®: Discover Your Fun (Off the Beaten Path Series) book cover

by Barbara Rogers, Stillman Rogers, Amanda Silva··You?

2019·240 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, Travel, Local Culture, Hidden Gems, Nature Trails

When Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Stillman Rogers turned their attention to New Hampshire, they aimed to reveal sides of the state that typical guides overlook. This edition invites you to explore hidden gems like the Robert Frost Homestead’s nature trail and the New England Ski Museum, introducing you to cultural and culinary experiences beyond the usual tourist spots. With Amanda Silva's fresh perspective enhancing the narrative, you gain practical insights into authentic places and activities that locals cherish but visitors often miss. If you want to break away from crowded landmarks and discover New Hampshire’s quieter stories and tastes, this book offers a well-crafted map to those adventures.

View on Amazon
Best for custom travel plans
This AI-created book on New Hampshire travel is crafted based on your personal background, travel experience, and specific interests across the state's diverse regions. You share your goals and topics you want to explore, and the book is written to focus exactly on what you want to learn and experience. This tailored approach ensures you get a travel guide that fits your style, whether you're a hiker, history buff, or family traveler, making your journey through New Hampshire uniquely rewarding.
2025·50-300 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, New Hampshire Travel, Local Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Hiking Trails

This tailored book explores New Hampshire travel essentials with a focus that matches your unique interests and background. It covers the state’s diverse landscapes—from the White Mountains to charming small towns—highlighting must-see destinations and lesser-known gems alike. Through a personalized approach, it examines outdoor adventures, local culture, seasonal activities, and travel logistics tailored to your goals and experience level. Whether you're seeking hiking routes, historical sites, or family-friendly outings, this book provides a curated learning experience that deepens your understanding and appreciation of New Hampshire's offerings. By focusing on your interests, it reveals the rich travel possibilities waiting to be discovered in the Granite State.

Tailored Guide
Travel Personalization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for up-to-date travel tips
What makes this book a notable addition to New Hampshire travel literature is its focus on uncovering the state's hidden gems, rather than just the usual tourist spots. It guides you through iconic locations like the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee with clear advice on where to stay and eat, tailored to different budgets and preferences. This guide emphasizes practical travel planning, whether you prefer driving scenic highways or biking at your own pace, helping you craft a personalized experience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, this book equips you with the knowledge to explore New Hampshire thoughtfully and fully.
2023·98 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, Travel, Local Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Hiking Trails

Charles J Huber offers a detailed look at New Hampshire's lesser-known treasures through this guide, blending practical travel tips with vivid descriptions of natural and cultural highlights. You dive into specifics like hiking the Kancamagus Highway and visiting Franconia Notch State Park, along with recommendations on lodging and local cuisine that suit various budgets. The book also suggests ways to explore the state, from driving scenic routes to biking adventures, making it a solid choice for both newcomers and repeat visitors. It’s not a flashy travelogue but a straightforward companion for planning your ideal New Hampshire trip.

View on Amazon
Best for unique local experiences
Off the Beaten Path New Hampshire stands apart by focusing on the state’s lesser-known attractions, offering you a fresh perspective beyond typical travel books. This guide highlights fascinating spots like the Black Heritage Trail and the Foolish Frog museum, inviting you to explore New Hampshire’s unique cultural and historical landscape. Whether you’re seeking hidden destinations or a more authentic travel experience, this book provides a curated path to uncover the charms that often escape mainstream guides. It’s tailored for travelers who want to discover the unexpected and enrich their journey through New Hampshire’s rich local heritage.
Off the Beaten Path New Hampshire: A Guide to Unique Places (Insiders' Guide Off The Beaten Path) book cover

by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, Stillman Rogers·You?

230 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, New England Travel Guide, New Hampshire Travel, Local Attractions, Historic Trails

When Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Stillman Rogers first set out to write this guide, they aimed to reveal the less obvious charms of New Hampshire. You’ll explore places like Portsmouth’s Black Heritage Trail and the quirky Foolish Frog roadside museum, gaining insight into the state’s hidden cultural and historical gems. Chapters take you beyond typical tourist stops to uncover unique experiences that appeal to curious travelers who want more than the usual itinerary. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their connection with New Hampshire through its offbeat attractions rather than mainstream highlights.

View on Amazon
Best for birdwatching enthusiasts
Birdwatching in New Hampshire offers a thorough exploration of avian life throughout the Granite State, making it a valuable resource for anyone drawn to this pastime. The guide’s approach, combining detailed maps with seasonal timing and species profiles, equips you to find and appreciate birds across six distinct regions. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or a more experienced birder, this book lays out the essentials of birdwatching practice, ethical considerations, and conservation awareness, all tailored to New Hampshire’s unique environment.
Birdwatching in New Hampshire book cover

by Eric A. Masterson·You?

2013·232 pages·Birdwatching, New Hampshire Travel Guide, Wildlife Observation, Conservation, Field Equipment

After years observing New Hampshire's diverse bird populations, Eric A. Masterson crafted this guide to bridge the gap between casual bird enthusiasts and seasoned watchers. The book dives into the specifics of where and when to spot over 300 bird species across six distinct regions, supported by detailed maps and seasonal graphs. You’ll gain practical knowledge about birdwatching equipment, ethical practices, and conservation, along with insights into rare sightings, making it a handy companion whether you’re exploring a local park or coastal ledges. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of New Hampshire’s avian life, from backyard hobbyists to dedicated regional birders.

View on Amazon
Best for personal travel itineraries
This personalized AI book about New Hampshire adventure planning is created after you share your travel style, experience, and the specific areas you want to explore. Using AI, it crafts an itinerary that matches your pace and interests, cutting through the overwhelm of trip planning. Instead of generic advice, it focuses on what you want to see and do, making your 30-day adventure manageable and enjoyable from the start.
2025·50-300 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, Travel Planning, New Hampshire, Adventure Itineraries, Local Attractions

This tailored guide explores the art of rapid planning and execution for New Hampshire travel adventures, focusing on your unique interests and goals. It examines essential travel logistics, from selecting destinations within the Granite State to crafting daily itineraries that balance exploration and relaxation. With a personalized approach, the book matches your travel background and preferences, revealing nuanced insights about the White Mountains, local culture, and hidden gems. It covers practical navigation, time management, and activity choices, helping you build a seamless, enjoyable trip on your schedule. This tailored plan invites you to immerse yourself in New Hampshire's diverse landscapes while making the most of every day.

Tailored Guide
Itinerary Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for hiking and outdoor adventures
What makes this hiking guide distinctive is its wide-ranging coverage of New Hampshire’s varied terrain, from southern brooks to northern fire towers. The book offers practical descriptions alongside cultural and natural highlights, making it a solid resource for those who want to explore the state’s outdoors thoughtfully. Whether you’re a casual walker or aiming for a challenging trek, it addresses your needs with detailed information and inviting narratives, helping you connect with the Granite State’s landscape beyond mere navigation.
2014·264 pages·Hiking, New Hampshire Travel Guide, New Hampshire Travel, Backpacking, Day Hikes

Unlike most New Hampshire travel guides that offer just basic trail listings, this book paints a vivid picture of the state's diverse hiking landscape, from leisurely woods walks to strenuous climbs of 4,000-foot peaks. Authored by Daniel Doan and Ruth Doan MacDougall, whose deep familiarity with the Granite State informs every page, it offers you detailed route descriptions, highlights spots like King Ravine's ice caves, and suggests seasonal activities such as blueberry picking. The 6th edition's 264 pages balance practical trail information with evocative glimpses of New Hampshire's natural beauty, making it ideal for both day hikers and backpackers seeking varied experiences across the state. If you want a guide that goes beyond directions to capture the spirit of New Hampshire’s outdoors, this is a fitting companion.

View on Amazon
Best for exploring historic bridges
Eric Riback brings his extensive background in map publishing, including work with National Geographic Maps and Mapquest, to this specialized guide. His deep cartographic expertise informs every page, offering precise locations and insightful details about New Hampshire's covered bridges. This focused approach makes the book an authoritative resource for travelers and history buffs alike, reflecting Riback's commitment to quality navigation and local discovery.
2021·120 pages·New Hampshire Travel Guide, Travel, Mapping, New Hampshire, Local Attractions

Eric Riback leverages decades of experience in map publishing and cartography to create a detailed travel companion focused solely on New Hampshire's authentic covered bridges. You gain precise GPS coordinates, thorough location descriptions, and access details, all laid out with helpful local maps and illustrations that clarify bridge structures. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a traveler seeking hidden gems, this guide provides the practical knowledge needed to explore every surviving covered bridge in the state, along with select romantic shelters. It's a focused resource that enriches your journey through New Hampshire's architectural heritage without overwhelming you with extraneous travel details.

View on Amazon

Get Your Custom New Hampshire Travel Guide

Stop following generic advice. Get targeted New Hampshire travel plans that fit your interests and pace.

Tailored travel insights
Save planning time
Discover hidden gems

Trusted by thousands of New Hampshire travel enthusiasts and experts

New Hampshire Travel Mastery
30-Day NH Adventure Plan
NH Hidden Gems Code
Expert NH Travel Secrets

Conclusion

Together, these seven guides paint a rich picture of New Hampshire’s varied appeal—from the well-trodden hiking trails to hidden cultural gems and specialized interests like birdwatching or historic bridges. If you’re navigating your first visit and want a thorough overview, Explorer's Guide New Hampshire offers detailed planning and broad coverage. For those craving unique experiences, New Hampshire Off the Beaten Path® and Off the Beaten Path New Hampshire reveal locales that most travelers miss.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Explorer's Guide 50 More Hikes in New Hampshire indispensable for discovering diverse trails suited to every skill level, while bird lovers can deepen their appreciation with Birdwatching in New Hampshire. Fans of history and architecture can embark on road trips following the New Hampshire Covered Bridges guide, enriched by precise maps and context.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized New Hampshire Travel Guide book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and discover New Hampshire exactly the way you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Explorer's Guide New Hampshire for a broad and practical overview that covers popular and lesser-known spots. It sets a solid foundation before you dive into niche interests like hiking or birdwatching.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to New Hampshire travel?

Not at all. These guides balance accessibility with depth. For example, New Hampshire Travel Guide 2023 offers straightforward tips perfect for first-timers, while others cater to more specialized interests if you want to explore further.

Which books focus more on practical application versus theory?

Most are practical travel guides packed with actionable advice. Explorer's Guide 50 More Hikes in New Hampshire provides clear trail routes and conditions, while New Hampshire Covered Bridges offers precise GPS locations and maps for easy navigation.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests. For example, birdwatchers will find Birdwatching in New Hampshire most useful, while those seeking hidden gems should consider New Hampshire Off the Beaten Path®. Each book serves a different travel focus.

Are these books updated regularly to reflect current travel information?

Yes, titles like New Hampshire Travel Guide 2023 are freshly published, and longstanding guides like Explorer's Guide New Hampshire receive regular updates to ensure you have the latest insights and recommendations.

Can I customize travel advice to my specific interests and pace?

Absolutely. While these books offer expert insights, you can also create a personalized New Hampshire Travel Guide book tailored to your travel style, goals, and preferred activities, blending expert knowledge with your unique journey.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!