Situated between the White Mountains to the east and the state border with Vermont, Littleton is a charming small town and might very well be your first introduction to New Hampshire.
If you’re wondering how much there is to do here and whether it deserves a spot in your itinerary, look no further. As someone who has road tripped through New England and the Granite State, seeking out hidden gems, picturesque hikes, and exciting destinations, I can assure you that Littleton has plenty to offer. This guide will help you uncover the best things to do in Littleton, ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and unforgettable.
Imagine yourself strolling through downtown on what has been repeatedly named one of America’s best Main Streets. A line of quaint little storefronts beckon you to come inside, and the smell of pancakes and fresh maple syrup wafts through the air from Littleton Diner, mingling with the scent of homemade fudge from Chutters Candy Store.
Crossing the picture perfect covered bridge gives you an even better view of the historic gristmill, now a modern brewpub, where you can relax and enjoy the afternoon along the river bank.
Ready to learn all about Littleton and what there is to do here? Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Littleton, New Hampshire
Walk Down the Charming Main Street
Littleton’s Main Street captures the essence of small-town charm with a modern flair. From The Beal House, a 3-star hotel and restaurant, down to the Cottage Street bridge, this stretch makes up the heart of this community and is where you’ll want to start your visit.
A walking tour of town could take as little as 30 to 45 minutes, but with time to fully explore it’s best to set aside a few hours.
In the early beginnings of Littleton a sawmill and gristmill, which is still a prominent feature, were built right along the Ammonoosuc River. From there, shops and businesses began to appear and attract residents. Today, that history, dating back to the late 1700s is still preserved along Main Street, with a blend of modern storefronts, keeping Littleton relevant as both a place to live and visit.
You can find free and convenient parking to start your walk along Porter Street or in the lot at the end of Riverglen Lane. Metered parking is also available right along Main Street.
The Pollyanna Statue
It would be hard to miss Pollyanna Gateway. Its colorfully painted steps lead you, under equally colorful umbrellas, up to Main Street and the library. On the front lawn you’ll find the bronze statue of “the world’s most optimistic” fictional character.
Pollyanna stands with a bright smile and open arms, welcoming all visitors, while celebrating hometown author Eleanor H. Porter.
Her always-positive attitude has had a real impact and you’ll notice many references to Pollyanna throughout downtown Littleton. Fans of the children’s novel can head over to the Glad Shop to find Pollyanna keepsakes.
Riverwalk Covered Bridge
Two paths parallel the Ammonoosuc River on either side. They’re both connected by the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, a 352 foot long truss bridge that was finished in 2004.
From the center of downtown, you can cross the river, head west, and walk along a quiet and mostly shaded trail down to the Curran Suspension Bridge. This is a great place to find a bit of quiet and solitude and just listen to the river as it flows by. The whole path is accessible for anyone, with ramps at either end of the bridge.
To complete the loop, cross back over the suspension bridge and join Saranac Street, which will return you to your starting point. The entire walk is only 0.8 miles and will take about 20 minutes.
Chutters Candy Store
No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, there’s something to satisfy it at Chutters. It’s home to the world’s longest candy counter, measuring 112 feet, and running the entire length of the store.
Not only are there jars upon jars of gummies, taffies, and jelly beans, Chutters also sells homemade fudge and all sorts of confections, some traditional, some less so. Chocolate covered potato chips anyone?
Lahout’s Ski Shop
Another Littleton claim to fame is Lahout’s Ski Shop, the oldest continuously operating ski shop in the US.
At over one hundred years old, the fourth generation family business has become an institution in New Hampshire, providing quality gear and service to everyone who comes through their doors.
Make a visit to browse new ski equipment and outdoor apparel, or just to have a look around at all the historic memorabilia throughout the shop.
You’ll find a Lahout’s location right on Main Street, at the intersection with School Street, but the original shop is the two story red building on the corner of Union and Pine.
Kilburn Crags
It’s known by locals as “The Crags”.
Thanks to a well-marked and beginner-friendly trail that finishes with views overlooking town, it’s long been a favorite hiking destination in the area. At almost 1450 feet, you’ll get a whole new perspective of Littleton and the Ammonoosuc River.
The hike up itself is relatively gradual, with arrows marking the way and leading you up the forested hillside.
Depending on the time of year you visit, each experience will be different.
During the spring and summer expect a forest lush with ferns and dense foliage, along with plenty of wildlife. The fall colors of the distant Presidential Range, serving as a backdrop against town, make for an especially beautiful fall hike. And the trail is still open in winter, when it’s blanketed with snow, though you’d be wise to pack a pair of snowshoes and be ready for an unplowed parking lot.
Parker Mountain
The culture of mountain biking is alive and well throughout New Hampshire, and Littleton is no exception.
A local non-profit, PRKR MTN, maintains a 22 mile network of trails north of town, supported by the effort of volunteers and donors.
Parker Mountain is open year-round at no cost. In the summer, enjoy downhill mountain biking. In the winter, trails are groomed and ready for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and fat tire bikers. If you’ve never tried a day of biking through snow on fat tires, you’re missing out!
Don’t have your own bike? Rentals are available by half or full day from Littleton Bike & Fitness and they have sizes and models for all ages. They can even refer you to a local shuttle service to help pick up and drop off gear.
Littleton Farmers Market
Nothing seems to bring together the feel of a small town community quite like a local farmers market. Whenever traveling, I love to stop by one if possible and pick up local treats, fresh produce, or just browse the work of vendors and artists.
Every Sunday morning from June through October you can grab a coffee and make your way over the covered bridge to the Littleton Farmers Market.
Live music performances, fresh flowers, meat, eggs, veggies, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, and wool products are just some of the things you can find.
Must Visit Restaurants in Littleton
The Inkwell Coffee House
If you’re anything like me, you’ll need a little morning pick-me-up before walking around town. Minutes away from Main Street, Inkwell Coffee House is serving up all assortment of caffeine charged drinks, hot and iced.
While you’re at it, you might as well grab a savory breakfast sandwich or AM power bowl and enjoy it inside their modern, Italian style bistro.
Littleton Diner
Traditional American diners are a melting pot of good food and good people. And the Littleton Diner has been a place to find both of those for nearly one hundred years.
In 1930 the Stone family had a “parlor car” shipped in from Massachusetts by rail and placed on site. Ten years later, they replaced it with a new, Sterling company diner, the building still open for business on Main Street.
The interior is bursting with nostalgia and New England hospitality, with a bank of counter stools and solid wood booth seats. Traditional home cooked meals are served in generous portions, and the current owners pride themselves on crafting all their dishes fresh and made to order, at a reasonable price.
Schilling Beer Co.
Three buildings make up the campus of Schilling Beer Co.’s European inspired craft brewery. The former grist mill is now a brewpub and kitchen.
At the building next door, adjacent to the covered bridge is the Mill Street Kitchen. They serve European dishes, including döner kebab and schnitzel sandwiches, that pair exceptionally well with beer.
And, on the opposite side of the brewpub is a modern, Scandinavian style tasting room that serves as the brewery’s flagship.
Between the tasting room’s cozy interior seating near the fireplace, high top bar seats in the old mill, or outdoor beer garden tables with river views, there’s always an enjoyable place to sit down with food and drink.
You’ll find a diverse and ever evolving selection of beers on tap, ranging from a floral Czech lager to the dry and spicy Belgian Tripel, as well as some experimental IPAs.
Littleton Freehouse Taproom & Eatery
Another popular spot to grab locally-sourced food alongside craft brews is the Freehouse Taproom & Eatery. Warm and inviting as it is, the restaurant still shows hints of its past, with an almost industrial feel. That’s because the building was originally a garage and Ford dealership in the early 1900s.
The term Freehouse is borrowed from the traditional British meaning, signifying a pub that’s not owned by a brewery and is free to serve a variety of beers. They take pride in featuring local nano and micro brews from all over New England. From hearty stouts to crisp and refreshing lagers, there’s always a wide selection on tap.
As far as the menu goes, it specializes in pub-style dishes to perfectly complement your drink. Popular choices include their fried cheese curds, brisket sandwich, or mac & cheese, topped with pulled pork or steak tips.
Guest Author: Joren Byers a professional photographer with an unquenchable desire for adventure. After completing a DIY van build, he set off with his wife and two cats to see North America. On their travel blog Lor & Jor Explore he writes guides for other adventurous travelers and nomads.
Read Next:
16 Best New England Weekend Getaways
26 Best Historic Sites in New England
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner!
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Rent Clothes
Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Take a Lyft
More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.
Save Money on Gas
Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.
Get a Visa
I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.
If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!
