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This New Hampshire town was called a ‘cozy’ village with ‘stunning’ views. Here’s how to visit

This New Hampshire town was called a ‘cozy’ village with ‘stunning’ views. Here’s how to visit

This New Hampshire town was called a 'cozy' village with 'stunning' views. Omri D. Cohen/Unsplash

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

January 5, 2026

Don’t you sometimes get so tired of the noisy, frustrating ordeal of working life? Wouldn’t you want to relax some place quiet and tranquil, removed from your daily anxieties.

Well, Islands, a travel publication that started in 1981, says this calm New Hampshire spot betwixt the White Mountains in the north and the Lakes Region in the south is the perfect retreat.

“However, that is where its charm lies,” Islands said. “It’s just a small, mountain village where you can have good old fun any time of year.”

And for that, they recommend heading to Madison, New Hampshire.

Madison — ‘cozy’ getaway with amazing trails for hiking

Islands named Madison as the best little hamlet for recreational nature activities like hiking, paddling or fishing, among other things.

What Islands said about it: “Then, of course, there is Silver Lake, a substantial lake that has three town beaches. There, you can take on activities like paddling and fishing, while also admiring the stunning views of nearby Mount Chocorua. Whether you’re passing through for a day or spending a week, meandering around Silver Lake is a Madison must. So, for those looking for a quiet NH getaway in a cozy, unassuming town with excellent recreation opportunities, Madison is the place to be.”

They also recommended the Madison Boulder as an impressive sight for visitors to come marvel at.

“The Goodwin Forest Loop is a 2.6-mile trail around Goodwin Town Forest, which is in the south of town by Silver Lake,” Islands said. “The Madison Cascades is a one mile hike that leads to a stunning waterfall that is just begging for a photograph.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Rin Velasco.

 

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CATEGORIES: THINGS TO DO
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