Located just 11 minutes away from the cozy and artsy town of Tamworth, the village of Madison, New Hampshire, is something of an underrated gem. It sits between two of the most visited regions of the state: the scenic and rugged White Mountains to the north, and the beautiful Lakes Region to the south. These regions contain oft visited destinations, like the mountaintop mansion known as the Castle in the Clouds and the White Mountain Hotel and Resort in North Conway. As such, Madison can feel a little tucked away … which is exactly why you should give it a visit.
Originally part of the neighboring town of Eaton, Madison, became its own entity in 1852. The town has many historic inns from its days as a stagecoach center. Today the town, which lies just about an hour and a half north of Manchester and the same time west of Portland, Maine, is a quiet and respectful community that nevertheless boasts some truly incredible trails and plenty of small town charm.
Driving along NH Route 16, you can get a feel for the place as you pass by the remnants of old farms, and occasionally catch a glimpse of the towering White Mountains to the north. There are a number of Airbnb rentals in the area, so you can spend plenty of time in any season exploring this quieter corner of New Hampshire’s busiest tourist regions.
Scenic trails and a really big rock
Those looking for an outdoor adventure could not do better than to come to New Hampshire. The Granite State is home to many iconic hikes like Mount Monadnock, one of the most beloved and climbed mountains in the world. Further north, in Madison, there is another enormous slab of granite that, while smaller than a mountain, nevertheless inspires the same awe and appreciation.
Known as Madison Boulder, this gigantic rock is a marvel left behind by the enormous, ice-age glaciers that carved New England. Standing at 23 feet high, 37 feet wide, and 83 feet across, and estimated to weigh over 5,000 tons, the Madison Boulder is beloved by locals and visiting hikers alike. The attached 17-acre natural area contains a few easy trails around the boulder, and is open to the public year-round at no cost.
The town of Madison lists several town maintained trails that vary in length and difficulty. The Goodwin Forest Loop is a 2.6-mile trail around Goodwin Town Forest, which is in the south of town by Silver Lake. The Madison Cascades is a one mile hike that leads to a stunning waterfall that is just begging for a photograph. All of these trails can be found very easily via brochures you can pick up at the Conservation Commission offices, or print online.
Madison’s small town charm
