Littleton: Paths, River Views and Local History

There are many ways to explore Littleton: paths by the water, a longer trail, local history and crafts offer different things to discover. You can plan your trip around whether you prefer short walks, an extensive network of trails or local culture. It is also worth considering what matters most to you when choosing a vacation rental: starting points vary, and options range from the Riverwalk to trails in the surrounding area.

Paths, water and different types of trails

The state-managed Ammonoosuc Rail Trail is 19 miles long and runs between Woodsville and Littleton. Its Littleton end is on Industrial Park Road. A trail parking area is located there, south of Riverside Drive. If you plan to start from here, check the seasonal parking notices before setting out.

The Dells offers a shorter loop: an easy circular trail goes around Dells Pond. There are several picnic tables and grills along the way. Pine Hill Trails offer a different scale: the primary loop is one mile long, and there are also several access points and branches. The trail network is accessible from downtown Littleton. The Littleton Riverwalk, meanwhile, has a gravel path with views of the Ammonoosuc River. On the Mill Street side, there is a paved path and stopping points with river views. Gravel and pavement provide two different walking surfaces here.

In the area around Littleton, PRKR MTN Trails offers more than 25 miles of community-built trails across 1,000 acres. The trails are open year-round. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, skiing and trail running; groomed loops are also available in winter.

Local history, crafts and music

The Littleton Area Historical Society is located in the basement of the Historic Opera House/Town Building. The Society’s museum features exhibits on the Saranac Glove Company, the Norton Pike abrasives factory, military memorabilia and toys from earlier times. The Littleton Area Historical Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; additional hours are available by appointment. Check the hours before your visit. Donations are accepted at the museum.

At the League of NH Craftsmen’s Littleton Gallery, you can see handmade items by craftspeople selected by the League. Another local cultural landmark is the Pollyanna sculpture: this lively bronze sculpture honors Eleanor H. Porter, the author who came from Littleton. Visitors can take a selfie downtown near the sculpture. You can also try out the outdoor musical instruments at Harmony Park. Exhibits, a literary tribute and a musical experience offer very different ways to explore the town.

Seasonal experiences and choosing the right location

From June through October, vendors at the Littleton Farmers Market sell fresh vegetables and fruit, locally produced organic meat, cheese, bread and baked goods on Sunday mornings. Since the market is seasonal, confirm the specific dates before your trip. At the Gathering of the Jack O’Lanterns, hundreds of carved pumpkins are placed on rocks in the Ammonoosuc River and along its banks and illuminated on an evening shortly before Halloween; check the dates locally for this event as well.

If you want to move between the river path, museum, gallery and seasonal market in town, consider the vacation rental’s exact location when searching. If you plan to focus on a particular trail or a winter outing, you can take that into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations:

Alexandria, Canaan, Waterville Valley, Sugar Hill, Bethlehem, Franconia, Hanover, Thornton

For the main travel overview: Grafton.