Where is New Hampshire Located in the United States?
New Hampshire is located in the northeastern United States, within the region known as New England. It is known for its scenic beauty, particularly its mountains, forests, and coastline, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. New Hampshire is rich in history, playing a significant role in the early days of American independence and the industrial revolution. It shares borders with three U.S. states and the Canadian province of Quebec, offering a variety of landscapes from mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
State Facts:
- State Name: New Hampshire
- Postal Abbreviation: NH
- Population: Approximately 1.4 million
- Area: 9,349 square miles
- Capital: Concord
- Largest City: Manchester
- Statehood Year: 1788 (9th state to join the Union)
- Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone
Bordering States
Maine
To the east, Maine shares a 13-mile land border with New Hampshire. The two states are closely connected through their shared history, natural landscapes, and economic ties, particularly in forestry and tourism. New Hampshire and Maine are linked by the Piscataqua River, which forms part of their boundary. The Seacoast region near Portsmouth, NH, is an area of economic and cultural exchange, with Maine’s coast and New Hampshire’s short coastline drawing many tourists year-round. The two states also share a commitment to preserving their vast natural areas and promoting outdoor recreation.
Vermont
On New Hampshire’s western border lies Vermont, separated primarily by the Connecticut River. The two states share a 216-mile border that follows the river along much of its length. Despite their proximity, the states are known for distinct cultural identities: New Hampshire with its motto “Live Free or Die” and more libertarian political climate, and Vermont with a more progressive reputation. Economically, the two states share industries in tourism, particularly skiing and outdoor activities, as well as forestry. Towns like Hanover (home to Dartmouth College) create an academic and cultural bridge between the two states.
Massachusetts
To the south, Massachusetts borders New Hampshire for 58 miles. This southern region is one of the most densely populated parts of New Hampshire, with several commuters traveling to and from Boston for work, particularly from cities like Nashua and Salem. New Hampshire’s southern border is also a vital area for retail, as many Massachusetts residents travel north to take advantage of New Hampshire’s lack of sales tax. Despite the economic exchanges, the cultural divide between New England’s urban centers in Massachusetts and the more rural nature of New Hampshire is noticeable, although towns along the border share mutual economic benefits.
Quebec (Canada)
To the north, New Hampshire shares a 58-mile international border with Quebec, a province of Canada. This rural, mountainous region of the state is sparsely populated, making it a gateway for tourism between the two countries. The area is known for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling, and the town of Pittsburg serves as a hub for cross-border tourism. French-Canadian influences can be seen in the culture and history of the northern towns along this border.
GPS Coordinates
New Hampshire’s geographic coordinates place it firmly in the northeastern United States, with its central location defined by 43.1939° N latitude and 71.5724° W longitude. These coordinates reflect New Hampshire’s position in the New England region, giving it a mix of coastal, mountainous, and inland landscapes that contribute to its geographic diversity.
The northernmost parts of New Hampshire, near the border with Quebec, stretch as far as 45° N latitude, where the land is primarily composed of forests, rivers, and the White Mountains. This region experiences long, cold winters and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. The northern areas are also relatively remote, contributing to New Hampshire’s rugged natural beauty and offering wide-open spaces with fewer populated areas.
In contrast, the southern part of New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border, sits closer to 42.5° N latitude. This region includes more densely populated cities like Manchester and Nashua, which are economically tied to the Greater Boston area. The southern region benefits from a more temperate climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and experiences milder winters than the northern parts of the state.
From east to west, New Hampshire spans from 70.7° W longitude along the Atlantic coast to 72.5° W longitude near its western border with Vermont. The state’s narrow stretch of coastline at Portsmouth and the surrounding seacoast region is a significant economic area, with a mix of maritime industries and tourism. Further inland, the state’s western border is largely defined by the Connecticut River, which separates it from Vermont and plays an essential role in the state’s agriculture and transportation.
Levels of Elevation
New Hampshire’s levels of elevation vary significantly, from sea level along its Atlantic coast to the highest peak in the northeastern United States.
The highest point in New Hampshire is Mount Washington, standing at 6,288 feet above sea level. Located in the White Mountains, Mount Washington is part of the Presidential Range and is renowned for its harsh weather conditions, including some of the highest recorded wind speeds on Earth. Despite its rugged environment, Mount Washington is a popular destination for hikers, particularly those attempting to summit the peak via the Appalachian Trail.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest point in New Hampshire is at sea level, along its short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. New Hampshire has only 18 miles of coastline, making it one of the shortest among coastal states. Despite this, the coast plays an important economic role, with the port city of Portsmouth serving as a hub for shipping, tourism, and seafood industries.
The central and southern parts of the state are characterized by rolling hills, with elevations averaging between 500 and 1,500 feet. This region includes the Monadnock Highlands, which rise in the southwestern part of the state, with Mount Monadnock reaching 3,165 feet. Overall, New Hampshire’s varied elevation contributes to its rich outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and climbing.
Most Extreme Points
New Hampshire’s most extreme points reflect its varied geography, from the mountainous north to the coastal southeast.
- Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of New Hampshire is located near Rye, along the Atlantic coastline. This area includes Rye Beach and the nearby Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands off the coast shared with Maine. The region is a hub for tourism, with its beaches, seafood restaurants, and historical sites.
- Westernmost Point: New Hampshire’s westernmost point is found near the town of Hinsdale, along the Connecticut River. This region forms part of the state’s agricultural base and is also close to the Monadnock region, known for its rolling hills and scenic beauty. The Connecticut River serves as a natural boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont.
- Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of New Hampshire is located near the town of Pelham, close to the Massachusetts border. This part of the state is densely populated and forms part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. The region is a mix of suburban developments, retail, and agricultural land, with many residents commuting to Boston for work.
- Northernmost Point: The northernmost point of New Hampshire is found in Pittsburg, a small town that borders both Quebec and Maine. This remote area is part of the state’s Great North Woods region, known for its vast forests, lakes, and wildlife. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.
These extreme points demonstrate New Hampshire’s geographic diversity, from its coastal attractions in the east to its rugged, forested landscapes in the north and west.
Major Mountains
New Hampshire is renowned for its mountains, particularly the White Mountains, which are part of the larger Appalachian range.
The White Mountains dominate northern New Hampshire, with the Presidential Range being the most famous subrange. The range includes Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern U.S. at 6,288 feet. Known for its extreme weather and challenging trails, Mount Washington is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The Mount Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway provide alternative ways to reach the summit.
Another notable peak in the White Mountains is Mount Lafayette, which rises to 5,249 feet. It is located in the Franconia Notch State Park and is part of the popular Franconia Ridge hiking trail, offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. The area is a magnet for hikers, nature lovers, and tourists looking to experience the beauty of New Hampshire’s highlands.
In the southwestern part of the state, Mount Monadnock is another prominent peak, standing at 3,165 feet. Known as one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world, Monadnock’s relative accessibility and stunning views make it a popular destination for day hikers. It is the centerpiece of Monadnock State Park and offers a network of trails that wind through its rocky, forested slopes.
The Carter-Moriah Range is another significant subrange in the White Mountains, home to peaks like Mount Moriah and Carter Dome, both over 4,000 feet. These mountains are less visited than the Presidential Range but offer equally stunning vistas and challenging hikes. The White Mountains as a whole are a major attraction for outdoor recreation in New Hampshire, offering everything from hiking to skiing at resorts like Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain.
Major Rivers and Lakes
New Hampshire’s rivers and lakes are integral to its landscape and economy, supporting agriculture, recreation, and transportation.
The Connecticut River is the most significant river in New Hampshire, forming the western boundary with Vermont. It flows for 410 miles from the Canadian border to the Long Island Sound, with about 255 miles running along New Hampshire’s western edge. The river is vital for agriculture, providing irrigation for farmland, and is also a popular spot for boating and fishing. The Connecticut River Valley is known for its fertile soil and historic towns like Hanover and Lebanon.
Another important river is the Merrimack River, which flows through central and southern New Hampshire, including the cities of Concord and Manchester, before continuing into Massachusetts. The Merrimack was historically crucial for the state’s industrial development, with textile mills lining its banks during the 19th century. Today, the river is a popular recreational area for kayaking and fishing.
New Hampshire is also home to several large lakes, the most famous of which is Lake Winnipesaukee, covering 72 square miles. Located in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire, it is the state’s largest lake and a major tourist destination, offering boating, fishing, and waterfront activities. The Mount Washington cruise ship is a popular attraction, offering scenic tours of the lake.
Other significant lakes include Squam Lake and Newfound Lake, both known for their clear waters and natural beauty. Squam Lake gained fame as the filming location for the movie On Golden Pond. These lakes, along with numerous smaller ones throughout the state, provide essential habitats for wildlife and are beloved destinations for outdoor recreation.
New Hampshire’s rivers and lakes not only shape its physical geography but also play key roles in its culture and economy, drawing visitors year-round and supporting various industries.
