Grafton County · Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee

Bath

Home to New Hampshire's Longest Covered Bridge

Part of the Hanover area

About Bath

Bath sits along the Ammonoosuc River in western Grafton County, a small town that has maintained its rural character while serving as a quiet residential community. The town features a mix of historic homes and newer construction, with much of the development concentrated along Route 302 and the river valley. Bath's economy relies heavily on residents who commute to larger employment centers, though the town maintains essential services and small businesses that serve the local population.

Why Bath?

Affordable housing compared to more developed Upper Valley towns
Direct access to Route 302 for commuting to Littleton and beyond
Ammonoosuc River frontage for fishing and recreation
Small-town atmosphere with low crime and quiet neighborhoods
Proximity to White Mountain recreational opportunities

Quick Facts

Population

1,070

County

Grafton

Region

Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee

School District

SAU 23

Weather in Bath

33°F

Clear

Today

59 / 33

Sun

64 / 38

Mon

68 / 39

Map

Living in Bath

What you need to know about making Bath your home.

Major Employers

Town of BathBath Village SchoolLisbon Regional School

Schools & Education

Bath students attend Bath Village School for elementary and middle grades, then continue to Lisbon Regional School for high school as part of SAU 23. The district serves several small rural communities in the area.

Cost of Living

Housing costs in Bath are generally lower than in more developed Upper Valley communities, making it attractive to families and commuters. Property taxes are moderate for the region, reflecting the town's rural character and limited municipal services.

Real Estate

$285,000 median home price

$18.75 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Bath

Commute Times

50 min

Hanover

45 min

Lebanon

15 min

Littleton

25 min

St. Johnsbury, VT

School District

Regional district

Haverhill Cooperative School District(SAU 23)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Haverhill.

Bath serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Haverhill Benton Piermont Warren

Bath Village School

K-8Elementary

Lisbon Regional School

9-12High School

Hidden Gems in Bath

Beyond the well-known attractions, Bath has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Big Eddy Swimming Hole at Swiftwater Covered Bridge

summer

Local favorite swimming spot just below the historic Swiftwater Covered Bridge. Clear, deep pools formed by cascading waterfalls create natural swimming areas, while the river carves smooth granite slides. Locals know to park just over the bridge and follow short paths down to multiple pools - including both 'Little Eddy' and 'Big Eddy.' The sound of rushing water and the covered bridge overhead make this feel like a secret paradise.

Swiftwater Covered Bridge Viewports

year-round

While many tourists rush past, locals know about the special viewing windows built into this 1849 Paddleford truss bridge. These viewports allow you to step inside the covered bridge and watch the Wild Ammonoosuc River flowing both upstream and downstream. It's one of only 20 remaining Paddleford truss bridges in the world, and the interior views of the rushing water below are mesmerizing.

The Brick Store

year-round

America's oldest continuously operating general store since 1790, but what makes it special are the original 1834 counters that slant inward at the bottom to accommodate ladies' hoop skirts. The smell of fresh fudge and smoked meats fills the air, and locals gather around the vintage candy counter. The building sits right beside the longest covered bridge in New Hampshire, creating a perfect historic village scene.

Bath Village Covered Bridge

year-round

Not just any covered bridge - this 1832 structure is the longest covered bridge in New Hampshire at 400 feet and has the unique distinction of being the only traffic connection between both sides of Bath Village for 10 miles in either direction. Its four-span design is rare, and locals appreciate that it's still a working bridge carrying daily traffic across the Ammonoosuc River beside the town common.

Wild Ammonoosuc River Gold Panning Spots

summer

Locals have quietly panned for gold in the Wild Ammonoosuc River for generations. The river carries flakes and small nuggets from upstream sources, and certain pools and eddies are known to concentrate the heaviest materials. Access points along Route 112 offer quiet spots where you can try your luck while enjoying the mountain scenery. Even if you don't find gold, the crystal-clear mountain water and peaceful settings make it worthwhile.