Campton: Covered Bridge History and Nature

Campton Between Architectural History and Nature

In Campton, places of cultural and historical interest sit alongside nature and river attractions. When planning a stay, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: the Blair Bridge tells the story of covered bridges, the Blair Woodland Natural Area is intended for low-impact public use, and the Livermore Falls Recreation Area combines a waterside setting with traces of the past. This makes it easy to choose activities based on your travel interests.

The Blair Covered Bridge and Its History

The original Blair Covered Bridge was built in 1829 and destroyed by arson in 1868. The Blair Covered Bridge was built in 1869 and contains original timber. At 292 feet, the Blair Bridge is the second-largest covered bridge located entirely within the boundaries of New Hampshire. It is also the last surviving bridge in New Hampshire built using Long’s patented truss design. Both its size and its distinctive construction history are highlights of this structure.

Nature Recreation in Blair Woodland

The Blair Woodland Natural Area was donated to the Town of Campton in 2002. It is preserved as a natural area for wildlife and low-impact public use. These uses include nature study, walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and fishing. The activities provided for range from nature study and walks to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and fishing.

The name Abenaki Trail also has a connection to the history of the landscape: it commemorates Indigenous people who lived and traveled along this river corridor. Nature recreation is thus complemented by a cultural perspective on the region.

Water and History at the Livermore Falls Recreation Area

The Livermore Falls Recreation Area is located within the Livermore Falls State Forest. Deep, clear water and waterfalls define the area; it is designated as a swimming area and provides access to the Pemigewassett River for an easy river float. This gives it a different focus from the activities provided for at Blair Woodland: here, the river landscape and a trip down the river take center stage.

The area also includes ruins dating from the 1870s. Natural features and traces of earlier use meet in the same place. When planning your visit, you can connect the Livermore Falls Recreation Area not only with water but also with the area’s industrial history.

Civic and Industrial Traces

Campton Town House was completed in 1855 and served as a town hall, library, and municipal court. The Carriage House, built in 1903, houses the 1889 Town Hearse. Both buildings are currently being restored and used to host exhibits and safely store the collections. Their different former functions offer a glimpse into civic life and local collecting history.

Several dams and bridges once stood at the intersection of New Hampshire Routes 49 and 175. They played an important role in Campton’s development, as well as in logging, manufacturing, and recreation. The now-inactive red Dole Mill also points to the industrial past: Moses Cook founded it below the dam in 1820; it was one of the country’s oldest woolen mills.

These places offer different ways to explore Campton: through covered bridges and civic buildings, the activities provided for in the natural area, the river landscape, and the area’s industrial past. You can weigh which focus matters most to your stay by considering specific places and their histories.

Discover more destinations: Plymouth, Bethlehem, Lebanon, Waterville Valley, Alexandria, Lyme, Hanover, Littleton.

For the broader travel overview: Grafton.