12 Abandoned Places In New Hampshire [MAP]
Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Hunting for abandoned places in New Hampshire? You’re in the right place. Below are 11 of my favorite abandoned places across the state.
Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Abandoned Places In New Hampshire
1. Old Sand & Gravel Crusher
43.0727, -71.42637
History:
Located in Hooksett tucked behind dense woodlands is an old sand and gravel crusher from the 1980s. According to explorers on Reddit, this site is massive and similar to the map ‘Rust” in Call of Duty.
The old rusty crane was left behind when the sand company sold their land to the company that now resides towards the front of the property. While this isn’t among the most popular abandoned places in New Hampshire, photographing and climbing the massive crane is quite a rush for most urban explorers.
What’s Left
There is numerous abandoned construction equipment around the property. along of course with the massive gravel crusher and crane. The crane is especially rusty, so use caution when exploring near and on the structure.
2. Madame Sherri House
42.86449, -72.51977
History:
Tucked away in the forest are the ruins of the Madame Sherri House, one of the most popular abandoned places in New Hampshire. While the origins of this stone structure are surrounded by mystery, most agree that this was the home of a successful New York costume designer by the name of Madame Antoinette Sherri.
Sheeri began constructing her caste-like home in the 1920s towards the peak of her career. Her plan has to make her New Hampshire castle a summer home when the New York winters were too much to bear. While she lived in the castle she’d throw extravagant parties and host events for her family and friends.
Unfortunately, her lavish lifestyle caught up with her, and she was forced out of her New Hamshire hideaway. The manor was left abandoned for many years until it burned down in 1962.
What’s left?
Today the stone outline of the home is all that remains, and is part of the Cook Town Forest. Since its managed by the park, it’s one of the few abandoned places in New Hampshire that are legal to explore. Great for beginner and seasoned explorers.
3. Monson Center
42.78501, -71.61695
History:
The Monson Center is one of the most historic abandoned places in New Hamprise, with ruins dating back to the 1700s. Monson Center encompasses the ruins of a 1700s colonial settlement that spans over 17,000 acres. Despite the age of the site, numerous ruins and foundations still remain.
What’s left?
Today the Monson ruins are freely accessible and part of the local park. The ruins offer a great peek into the past for both explorers and photographers alike.
4. Livermore Falls Mill
43.78439, -71.66792
History:
Livermore Falls was settled in 1771 where locals took advantage of the falls to generate power that made their sawmill possible. Over time, the community grew to include a hospital, hotel, fish hatchery, and tannery. The community thrived until 1973 when a storm wiped out the dam and powerhouse. In 1988, an attempt was made to rebuild the hydroelectric plant, but that permit was ultimately denied.
What’s left?
Livermore Falls is one of the oldest abandoned places in New Hampshire dating back to the 1700s. Today, the remnants of the community and old bridge can be found. While there isn’t a ton left behind, Livermore Falls is a great place for urban explorers and nature lovers alike.
5. Frankenstein Trestle
44.15553, -71.36623
History:
The railroad was constructed in 1867 by the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad Company before being leased to the Maine Central Railroad in 1888. The Frankenstein Trasetle was seen as one of the largest engineering accomplishments during the 1800s. As demand for lumber and coal diminished, so did the demand for the trestle. By 1983, the rail line was abandoned.
What’s left?
Of all the abandoned places in New Hampshire, the Frankenstein Trestle is one of the best examples of early railroad technology. Today, the tracks are visible and accessible for both urban explorers and train enthusiasts.
6. Barlett Train Cars
44.07634, -71.27316
History:
Not far from the Frankenstein Trestle are a set of abandoned train cars that were originally purchased in the 90s by the Conway Scenic Railway, and were not used as work vehicles on the line. The old coach trains were moved from the Erie and Lackawanna railroad where they served as electric passenger trains.
What’s left?
Today the old train cars have seen better days, but despite the vandals and decay, this is one of my favorite abandoned places in New Hampshire. The trains are a short hike from Scenic Railway Center so practically anymore can visit them.
7. Laconia State School
43.5598, -71.49341
History:
Laconia State School holds a dark history dating back to 1903, when thousands of mentally disabled children and adults were admitted and neglected. By 1973, over 1000 patients with a range of disabilities were left locked up like animals. A lack of funding and overcrowding was largely responsible for this failure. During the early 1900s, many experiments with lobotomies were carried out as the Eugenics movement gained popularity.
After a major class-action lawsuit, the facility was finally closed down in 1991. After the institution was closed, it became the first state to lack care for people with developmental disabilities.
What’s left?
Today, the massive complex is a shell of its former self. The entire property is abandoned with its future undetermined. Due to its dark past, many believe that of all the abandoned places in New Hampshire, Laconia State is the most haunted.
8. Odiorne Point Batteries
43.04478, -70.71492
History:
The Odiorne Point Batteries were in use between 1942 and 1944 where 155mm guns protected the New Hampshire coastline from invasion during World War II. Unlike many abandoned places in New Hampshire, the batteries didn’t see much use and were deactivated in only two short years.
What’s left?
Today you can freely explore the batteries and see where the massive guns once stood. The guns look out over the water giving urban explorers a great view and chance to shoot the site with a waterfront sunet,
9. Old Hill Village
43.52909, -71.6948
History:
Old Hill Village is a mysterious settlement that’s location has been the subject of debate. Present-day Hill is actually the second location where HIll village once was. The settlement actually was located further east on the river throughout the early 1930s.
IN 1937 the residents were forced to move and abandon their town to make way for the Franklin Falls Dam Project. Rather than give up on Hill Village, they drafted a plan to rebuild their community. By 1941 a new town was built with a town hall, school, water system, and 30 homes.
What’s left?
While no homes remain, keen urban explorers can find old stone foundations as well as see the remains of the stone bridge that once crossed the river.
10. Freetown Mill Site Ruins
43.02672, -71.1671
History:
Freetown was a small 1700s community that is now a ghost town. While many remnants of this town are now long gone, the ruins of their old mill still remain. The mill was built in 1864 and was the very first of its kind. The mill boasted two steam engines and employed around 10 local workers.
What’s left?
While this isn’t the most exciting of abandoned places in New Hampshire, it’s a cool piece of history to check out if you’re nearby. Note that I could not find any photos of the mill ruins online. The photo above is of an old family home. The ruins are a short distance from this home.
11. Claremont Mill
43.37481, -72.33775
History:
Monadnock Mills is a historic mill located along the Sugar River where workers made cotton and wool textiles during the early to mid-1800s. The mill did so well it expanded its operations in 1843 on the north bank of the river. The mills operated until 1963, when it became more economical to manufacture textiles overseas.
What’s left?
Of all the abandoned places in New Hampshire, Monadnock MIlls is one of the oldest. Nearly all of the mill structures still stand, Fun fact, the oldest surviving building dates back to 1843 making it one of the oldest structures in the entire state.
Go out and explore!
That concludes our list of abandoned places in New Hampshire, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.
If you’re having trouble finding abandoned places, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore abandoned places near you.
