Gilsum

This 1862 engineering marvel spans the Ashuelot River with a soaring 36-foot vault, making it the highest dry-laid stone bridge in New Hampshire. Built without mortar from precisely cut granite blocks, the bridge still carries daily traffic while offering spectacular views into the river gorge below. The old stone pier visible from the northeast side marks where a mill dam once powered local industry.

A 100-acre state forest hiding massive glacial potholes at the ridge top and a network of caves and rock formations below. The 1.1-mile trail leads to the actual bear's den - a sheltered cave under hanging rocks that's occasionally still used by wildlife. Rock climbers know this spot for over 40 routes on the cliffs, but most visitors come for the unique geological features and Vermont views from the ledges.

This 33-acre permaculture education center offers wheelchair-accessible trails through edible forest gardens where visitors can sample wild plants. The all-volunteer operation hosts seasonal celebrations including the September Music & Art in the Forest event, where sculpture installations blend with nature programming. The forest feels like discovering a secret community garden hidden in the woods.

This unusual waterfall shoots sideways from layered rock formations at a 20-degree angle, creating a tilted cascade unlike any other in New England. The easy half-mile trail through fern gardens leads to stone steps and a viewing bench where the 15-foot falls pours from White Brook like water from a spigot. The surrounding forest preserve was lovingly managed by the Calhoun family for 50 years before being donated to conservation.