Manchester

This tiny pedestrian alley between The Bookery and 836 Elm Street features over 20 whimsical cat murals painted on brick walls. The cats are depicted in various professions and situations, all paying homage to Manchester's Queen City heritage. Originally named Dean Court, it earned its nickname from a legendary cat fight witnessed there in the 1800s. Revitalized in 2022 with new artists contributing fresh takes on the feline theme.

At 640 acres, this is Manchester's largest conservation area and home to a globally rare Atlantic white cedar swamp with trees over 450 years old. The preserve features the universally accessible All Persons Trail with boardwalks through ancient cedars, giant rhododendrons, and cinnamon ferns. The haunting beauty of this wetland ecosystem feels worlds away from the city, yet it's accessible by public transit via Route 11 bus.

This 150-foot granite cliff rises dramatically from Manchester's largest park, offering stunning city views and beginner-friendly rock climbing routes. The cliff face contrasts beautifully with the urban park setting below, complete with basketball courts and playground. Local climbers know this as one of southern New Hampshire's most accessible crags, though the urban setting means you'll hear city sounds mixing with the scrape of climbing shoes on granite.

This 2,500-acre lake serves as Manchester's drinking water supply, which means no swimming but creates an unusually pristine and peaceful environment for hiking and kayaking. The fire roads and single-track trails wind through protected watershed land, offering glimpses of Battery Point peninsula and opportunities to spot loons, ospreys, and other wildlife. The restriction on swimming keeps crowds away, making it feel like a secret wilderness preserve within the city.