Granite State named 'most naturally beautiful state in the US'

As we head into one of the most breathtaking seasons in New Hampshire, I was reflecting on how much beauty the Granite State offers with its four seasons for such a small state.

I was amazed to see that New Hampshire recently took the No. 1 spot as the most naturally beautiful state in the country out of 50 states in a study highlighted by Travel + Leisure. This extensive Holafly study ranked New Hampshire with a top score of 90.83 out of 100, beating the competition by a wide margin. In this report, the researchers looked at all 50 states and ranked them based on six different natural metrics.

I love to research demographic statistics and accolades our state and the Lakes Region have to offer, and it’s obvious the Granite State packs a powerful punch for such a small state.

Here is how New Hampshire ranked in each of the six different natural categories in the study:

1. Highest mountain point

Mt. Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak, at 6,288 feet, is a huge asset with 48 peaks over 4,000 feet.

2. Inland water like rivers, lakes & reservoirs

New Hampshire reflected 2,694 miles in this category. Lots of rivers and beautiful lakes for such a small state.

3. Percentage of forested land area

New Hampshire excels in this metric, with 83% of the state forested. We are the second most forested state in the country as a percentage of our total land area.

4. National parks

New Hampshire has two national parks within the state, not nearly as many as some of the larger states; however, the expansive natural beauty is impressive for our small state.

5. Active and dormant volcanoes

New Hampshire has only two dormant volcanoes, like most states that show low numbers or nonexistent; however, when you look at Alaska with 101 in this category, Hawaii with 25, California with 29, and Oregon with 41, we pale in comparison. I am not so sure we want our state ranked high in this category based on what we see in Hawaii.

6. Waterfalls

New Hampshire ranks highly in this metric with 353 waterfalls. I have a wonderful book in our office by Bob Kozlow, a local dentist and friend, that presents a photographic journey of the White Mountains. His photographs of the state's waterfalls are stunning in this book. As we enter our fall season, it’s the perfect time to explore our scenic waterfalls.

It’s interesting to note that the study heavily favored eastern and smaller states where forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are packed tightly together, rather than these states relying on just one or two massive landmarks like you see in our western states. I was surprised that the study did not pull a category of ocean metrics. Not many states have direct ocean access, New Hampshire, fortunately, is blessed with 18 miles of coastline. Not a lot by other states' standards, however, it’s a stunningly beautiful coastline along Portsmouth, Rye, North Hampton, and Newcastle. The bottom line is New Hampshire has a coastline that has natural beauty within a close proximity to everything.

I’ve always thought Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and other western states stood out for their natural beauty, which they do in many national surveys. I think of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion, Arches, and the Denali Peak in Alaska as traditional bell ringers.

I believe this recent study tried to find a balance among the metrics based on natural beauty, considering the demographics and size of the state, with all six categories weighted. For those of us who have spent time here, we understand the close connection to natural beauty, all within a short driving distance. From our beautiful Lakes Region to the White Mountains, we offer enough lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, forests, and coastline to last a lifetime of enjoyment. We live in an extraordinarily beautiful state. As the fall colors explode in New Hampshire, take a road you’ve never traveled, discover a town you’ve always driven past, and explore a remote section of our state. Travel to the Granite State that isn’t already on your list.

People travel from all over the world, as well as across the country, to experience New Hampshire’s fall foliage. It is that time of year to get out there and encounter our natural beauty in the Granite State.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group, located in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.