Located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, Henniker is a small town with a population of 6,185 people. The population is projected to increase to around 7,500 by the 2020 census. The town is home to New England College, as well as the Pats Peak Ski Area.
Cog Railway
Mount Washington Cog Railway or Cog is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. The train travels up the side of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, and uses biodiesel or steam locomotives to climb the mountain. This unique attraction is a unique way to see the majestic Mount Washington.
The Cog Railway is a truly unique experience, and an engineering wonder. It’s the second-steepest rack railway in the world (after the Pitalus Railway in Switzerland). You’ll get to ride either steam or biodiesel trains, with steam locomotives running two times a day. Steam locomotives provide an authentic experience, and are perfect for those who want to experience a trip from 150 years ago.
The Cog Railway is a popular tourist attraction in the White Mountains, and tickets to the ride can sell out quickly. Peak foliage season is the busiest time of year, and excursions last about three hours, including a 45-minute ride on the steam train, a short stay at the summit, and a scenic journey back down.
The Cog Railway in Henniker was built in 1866, but it didn’t open until 1867. Construction was delayed by the American Civil War, but once it opened, workers began clearing the land and building the first 600 feet of track. By 1868, the train began taking paying customers and was designated a United States National Historic Engineering Landmark.
A unique rail adventure, Mount Washington Cog Railway is located in the White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire. Its base station is near the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. While the ride is slightly more expensive than the Conway Scenic Railroad, it is still far less expensive than the latter.
Flume Gorge
A day trip to Flume Gorge is an excellent way to explore the area. The park is easily accessible and has ample parking right outside of the visitor center. This is a popular attraction in the White Mountain National Forest, so expect to see a lot of people here. As such, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the trail is less crowded.
Visitors can also check out the historic Flume Gorge, which has a 30-foot waterfall and a cool swimming hole. While the water is not particularly deep, it can be refreshing to take a dip. The gorge was discovered by Aunt Jess Guernsey in 1808. The gorge is about 200 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic Period. It was formed when molten rocks eroded over time, creating a beautiful natural attraction.
The scenic Flume Gorge is an 800-foot-long natural granite gorge that was created millions of years ago. The gorge features towering 90-foot-high moss-covered granite walls, waterfalls, glacial pools, boulders, and historic covered bridges. There’s also an informative video and exhibits that will help you understand the gorge’s formation and history.
To get the most spectacular views of Flume Gorge, hike the trail during the early months or fall foliage. After passing through the waterfall area, the view from observation points becomes even more breathtaking. Whether you’re looking to see gorgeous foliage or insane waterfalls, the Flume Gorge is one of the best places to visit in Henniker.
If you’re interested in small towns and history, you may also want to take a drive along the Currier and Ives Scenic Byway, which spans across five New Hampshire communities. Along the way, you’ll pass through towns rich in history and culture. In addition to Henniker, you’ll be able to visit Warner, Hopkinton, and Warner. While in Henniker, don’t miss out on the Fall Foliage Festival, which features local shops, a barbeque chicken, and a 5K running event.
Forster’s Christmas Tree Farm
A 110-acre Christmas tree farm is located in Henniker, New Hampshire. It faces east and is surrounded by rolling green hills. However, Stephen Forster has recently faced legal issues. He has had to close the farm because of a land use dispute with abutters. In response, Stephen Forster has filed a lawsuit to appeal the decision.
The Franklin Pierce Homestead is another historic site located in Henniker. The non-profit Hillsborough Historical Society manages the property and provides tours to the public. They also feature special programs throughout the summer. If you’re in the area around Christmas, don’t miss Forster’s Christmas Tree Farm. This farm features beautiful, festive Christmas trees that will make great holiday gifts.
Although it has a small staff, the farm’s location is a definite draw. The farm is an ideal destination for families looking for a family day out. The staff is friendly, and the farm is one of the most beautiful in the state.
One of the best things to do in Henniker during the holiday season is to hunt for a Christmas tree. Many farms will offer horse-drawn wagon rides and hot chocolate. Some of the farms will even sell holiday wreaths and garlands.
New England College
The New England College campus is one of the best places to visit in the city of Henniker. It is a private liberal arts college that is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. You can attend classes here or get a degree at the college.
The town is home to a ski resort called Pat’s Peak. The town feels more established than it is college town. The downtown district is well defined, and you can enjoy the Farmers’ Market at Henniker Community Park. However, you will not find trendy local college hangouts.
If you’re interested in learning more about New England College, consider taking a virtual campus tour. This will give you a good feel for the campus and its surrounding area. The New England College campus is just 17 miles west of Concord, 31 miles northwest of Manchester, and 81 miles northwest of Boston. Besides offering a quality education, NEC has numerous programs that help students prepare for their future.
The college’s financial aid is among the best in the area. Students are likely to receive at least 52% of their demonstrated financial need. This means that the average financial aid package is $37,887 per year. This means that students in the class of 2022 graduated with an average debt of $33,832. This is much less than the national average of over $36,000.
The college is also committed to diversity. While the college has faced challenges in recruiting a diverse student body, the school has made progress in this area. It now boasts a diverse student body and has a dedicated Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The office offers services and programs for students of all backgrounds, including tutoring and mentoring.
