Bartlett, New Hampshire is a small White Mountains town with a deep connection to outdoor adventure and quiet mountain charm. Founded in the late 18th century, Bartlett began as a logging and railroad hub, and remnants of that past still echo through its historic buildings and covered bridges. The Bartlett Roundhouse, a relic from the town’s railway days, now serves as a museum and reminder of how trains once connected this remote region to the rest of New England.
Visitors today are drawn to Bartlett for its easy access to some of the most scenic areas in New Hampshire. Crawford Notch State Park, just west of town, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain views, particularly at Arethusa Falls, one of the tallest in the state. Nearby, the Frankenstein Trestle and Willey House Site are popular stops along Route 302, combining history with dramatic views of the surrounding cliffs and forested slopes.
For those looking to experience the seasons up close, Bartlett delivers year-round. In winter, Attitash Mountain Resort provides skiing, snowboarding, and alpine slides. During the warmer months, the resort transforms into a hub for mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides. Autumn is particularly popular, as Bartlett becomes a canvas of red, gold, and orange during New Hampshire’s famous foliage season. One of the best spots to take it all in is from Bear Notch Road, a winding scenic byway with panoramic overlooks.