Ghost Towns in New Hampshire
9 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of New Hampshire.
All Ghost Towns
Benton
Benton is one of the most sparsely populated towns in New Hampshire. At its peak, it had nearly 500 residents. Today, fewer than 400 remain, scattered...
Clark's Trading Post
Clark's Trading Post is a legendary White Mountains attraction featuring trained bears, a steam railroad, and a reconstructed 'ghost town' section wit...
Crawford Notch
Crawford Notch was home to grand resort hotels in the 1800s and the site of the famous Willey House tragedy (1826 landslide). Most grand hotels burned...
Crawfords Purchase
Crawfords Purchase is an unincorporated township in the White Mountains with zero permanent residents. The area was once home to grand resort hotels. ...
Livermore
Livermore was a White Mountains logging company town. When the timber was gone, the company let the town die. In 1951, New Hampshire formally unincorp...
Monson Center
Monson was a colonial settlement that struggled with poor soil and remote location. Residents petitioned to split the town between Hollis and Amherst ...
Old Hill Village
Old Hill Village was flooded repeatedly by the Pemigewasset River—then the federal government relocated the ENTIRE TOWN for a flood control dam in 194...
Success
Success was named by surveyors who thought the area would be 'a success' for settlers. It never was. The township has always been sparsely populated a...
Zealand
Zealand was built by timber baron J.E. Henry to strip the Zealand Valley. He built a railroad, mills, and houses. When the timber ran out in 1897, he ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in New Hampshire?
We have documented 9 ghost towns in New Hampshire. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in New Hampshire safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in New Hampshire?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.