10 Easy Road Trips From Claremont, NH: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Sullivan County
If you live in or around
Claremont, New Hampshire, you probably love the small-town feel and scenery. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive an hour or so, and find something new to do.
This guide is all about
short road trips from Claremont that take you
out of Sullivan County and into nearby New Hampshire and Vermont counties:
- Cheshire County, NH
- Grafton County, NH
- Hillsborough County, NH
- Merrimack County, NH
- Windham County, VT
- Windsor County, VT
All of these spots are within roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours of Claremont, making them perfect for a
day trip or easy
weekend getaway.
1. Explore Keene’s Classic New England Vibe (Cheshire County, NH)
Keene is one of those small cities that feels like it was made for Saturday afternoons. It’s about an hour’s drive south of Claremont and makes for a relaxing
New England day trip.
Things to do in Keene:
- Stroll around the downtown square with its brick buildings and local shops.
- Walk or bike the Cheshire Rail Trail for miles of easy, scenic paths.
- Climb Mt. Monadnock (nearby in Jaffrey) if you’re up for a more serious hike.
- Warm up at a local coffee shop after wandering around.
If you like cute bookstores, local eats, and walkable streets, Keene is hard to beat. It feels familiar and laid-back, but still gives you that “we’re on a trip” feeling.
2. Hike, Shop, and Ski in Lebanon & Hanover (Grafton County, NH)
Head north from Claremont and you’ll hit
Lebanon and
Hanover, two Upper Valley favorites in Grafton County. This area is a great mix of outdoors, culture, and college-town energy.
Highlights around Lebanon & Hanover:
- Walk around Dartmouth College in Hanover and enjoy the classic campus feel.
- Catch a show or live music at one of the local venues.
- Bike or walk the Northern Rail Trail starting near Lebanon.
- In winter, ski or ride at nearby Dartmouth Skiway.
If you like good food, river views, and casual exploring, this is one of the easiest
road trips from Claremont—it’s close, but feels like a different world.
3. Family Fun in West Lebanon (Grafton County, NH)
West Lebanon is more about
convenience and family fun than old New England charm, but that can be exactly what you need for a simple day out.
Ideas for a West Lebanon day trip:
- Do some shopping or browse at the big-box stores and plazas.
- Grab an easy meal at chain restaurants or local diners.
- Catch a movie and turn it into a relaxed, low-effort date night.
Is it glamorous? No. Is it useful? Absolutely. When you just want to get out of Claremont, run errands, and still feel like you “went somewhere,” West Lebanon works.
4. Wander the Covered Bridges of Woodstock (Windsor County, VT)
Drive about 45–60 minutes northwest and you’ll reach
Woodstock, Vermont, one of the most picturesque small towns in New England. It’s an easy favorite for people looking for a
romantic day trip or relaxed family outing.
What to see in Woodstock:
- Walk across the Middle Covered Bridge and snap a few photos.
- Stroll the village green and pop into local shops and galleries.
- Visit Billings Farm & Museum to see working farm life up close.
- Drive the back roads for classic Vermont barns and rolling hills.
If you’re into fall foliage drives, this is a must-do trip from Claremont. It feels like stepping into a postcard.
5. Get Outdoors in Quechee: Gorge, Glass, and Views (Windsor County, VT)
Just east of Woodstock, you’ll find
Quechee, another Windsor County gem and a quick ride from Claremont.
Top things to do in Quechee:
- Walk the trails and overlooks at the Quechee Gorge, sometimes called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.”
- Visit Simon Pearce to watch glassblowers at work and browse beautiful glassware.
- Have lunch overlooking the river and waterfall.
The Gorge is especially nice on a warm day. You can do a short hike, enjoy the views, and still be back home before dinner if you want.
6. Ski, Ride, or Mountain Bike at Killington or Okemo (Windsor County, VT)
If you’re looking for a more active road trip from Claremont, head west to some of Vermont’s most famous mountains. While the ski areas themselves spread across a couple of counties, they make a great target for a full day out.
Winter and summer fun:
- Okemo Mountain Resort (Ludlow area) is popular for families and intermediate skiers.
- Killington Resort offers longer seasons, bigger terrain, and lots of trails.
- In summer, try mountain biking, scenic lift rides, or hiking.
From Claremont, these are very doable day trips when you’re craving snow or mountain views. Just be ready for winter driving if you head out during a storm.
7. Classic New England in Peterborough (Hillsborough County, NH)
Drive about 1.5 hours south and you’ll reach
Peterborough, a charming town in Hillsborough County with a slightly artsy, literary vibe.
What to do in Peterborough:
- Wander the downtown shops, cafes, and galleries.
- Walk along the river and small parks right near the center of town.
- Explore nearby trails for an easy hike and a picnic.
If you like places that feel calm, walkable, and a little creative, Peterborough is a nice change of pace from everyday life in Claremont.
8. Big-City Feels in Manchester (Hillsborough County, NH)
Sometimes you just want more options: more restaurants, more breweries, more things going on. That’s where
Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, comes in.
Why go to Manchester for a day trip:
- Catch a Minor League Baseball game in season.
- Visit museums or small galleries for a dose of culture.
- Try different neighborhoods for food, drinks, and coffee.
- Use it as a jump-off point if you’re flying out of the airport.
From Claremont, it’s far enough to feel like you’ve gone “to the city,” but still close enough for a simple there-and-back drive.
9. Lakes, Trails, and State House in Concord (Merrimack County, NH)
New Hampshire’s capital,
Concord, offers a mix of history, shopping, and outdoor access, and it sits in nearby Merrimack County.
Fun ideas for a Concord road trip:
- Walk by the New Hampshire State House and explore the downtown area.
- Browse local shops and grab a bite in the city center.
- Head out to nearby lakes or trails for a short hike or a picnic.
Concord is a good “sampler” town—some history, some shopping, some food, all in a compact area.
10. Artsy, Outdoorsy Brattleboro (Windham County, VT)
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (around 1.5 hours, depending on your route),
Brattleboro in Windham County, Vermont, is a fun and slightly quirky destination.
What makes Brattleboro worth the drive:
- Colorful downtown shops, bookstores, and cafes.
- A strong arts and music scene with frequent events.
- Access to the Connecticut River and nearby hiking trails.
Brattleboro has a relaxed, creative feel that’s different from most New Hampshire towns, which makes it a refreshing change for a weekend day trip from Claremont.
Tips for Planning Your Claremont Road Trips
To make these short
New England road trips from Claremont smoother, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check the weather before you go—especially in fall and winter.
- Call ahead for seasonal places, museums, and ski areas to confirm hours.
- Pack layers—New Hampshire and Vermont weather can change fast.
- Keep snacks and water in the car, even for short drives.
One nice thing about living in or near Claremont is that you’re surrounded by options. In under two hours, you can go from riverside walks to city restaurants, from covered bridges to mountain views.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Claremont
Have you driven to any of these places from Claremont, NH? Did I miss one of your favorite
out-of-county road trips in Cheshire, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Windham, or Windsor County?
- Drop a comment with your go-to spots, hidden gems, or favorite scenic drives.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes all you need is a full tank of gas, a loose plan, and a new town to explore just beyond your usual routine.
Comments
Post a Comment