How Tall Is New Hampshire? Total Distance North to South

New Hampshire is rich in history; in fact, it was the first state to declare independence from England in 1775. It is the most northern of the original thirteen states. Indeed, there are many charming towns here and vast expanses of wilderness. It is also known for its winter sports and outdoor activities. This four-season state draws travelers annually to experience the spectacular autumn colors. Additionally, it is home to Ivy League University Dartmouth College in Hanover. Read on to find the answer to “How tall is New Hampshire? Total distance north to south.”

Land Measurement

New Hampshire measures 190 miles in length from Canada in the north to Massachusetts in the south. Maine and a bit of the Atlantic Ocean make up the eastern border and Vermont the western border. The state has an area of 8,951 miles² and the highest elevation is Mount Washington at 6,288 feet above sea level, the third highest peak east of the Mississippi! The state is only 50 miles wide and the widest point is 93 miles.

Ecoregions

• Northeastern Highlands: These higher and more rugged elevations have a colder climate. Indeed, they cover most of the northern, mountainous areas of New England, the Adirondacks, and the higher New York Catskills. As a result, this area is sparsely populated. Forest vegetation in the north is boreal and in the south broadleaf deciduous. Forest trees include northeastern spruce-fir, and northern hardwoods such as spruce, maple, beech, and birch. Primary usage includes forestry, tourism, and recreation.
• Northeastern Coastal Zone: The southeast and far southwestern areas have a milder climate at lower elevations. Like the northern region, these areas also have poor soil quality and glacial lakes. However, the population is higher and the land has irregular plains and high hills. Vegetation includes northeastern oak pine and Appalachian oak forests. European settlers tried to farm this area, however, it is mainly woodlands, forest, and urban development with minor areas of cropland and pasture.

The three regions here include White Mountain National Forest, lakes, and seacoast. The White Mountain National Forest takes up more than a tenth of the state and is mostly uninhabited. The lakes region near Lake Winnipesaukee is a local favorite with resorts and summer camping. The seacoast region includes the Hampton, Exeter, Dover, and Portsmouth areas which enjoy maritime activities.

Ecosystems: Cliffs, ponds, tidal marshes, forests, riverbanks, and alpine meadows make up the natural communities of the state.

Wildlife

The biome in the temperate deciduous forests here is home to salamanders, turtles, frogs, slugs, spiders, and many types of insects. Pileated woodpeckers, snowy owls, northern cardinals, and broad-winged hawks call New Hampshire home. In addition, other animals in the area include:

• Moose
• Fisher
• Eastern coyote
• Bobcat
• Black bear
• Beaver
• Little-brown bat
• American marten
• Fox
• Rabbit
• Shrews
• Opossums

Common New England fish include oysters, salmon, Atlantic cod, and clams. Additionally, the coastal waters are home to harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.

The official state animal is the white-tail deer.

The official state bird is the purple finch.

Interesting Facts

• Because of its many granite quarries, New Hampshire is called the “Granite State.”
• Crista McAuliffe, a Concord school teacher and the first private citizen involved in space exploration was killed on the Space Shuttle Challenger mission in 1986.
• The state motto “Live Free or Die” written by General John Stark in 1809 dates to the Revolutionary War.
• The purple lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is the state flower.
• Paul Revere rode here first.
• The 1995 movie Jumanji was filmed in Keene.
• The oldest town is Dover, indeed the oldest continuous settlement and seventh oldest in the country. It became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692 as an independent colony called Northam.
• Adam Sandler was born and raised in Manchester.

Final Thoughts

This small but historically significant state is filled with raw beauty. It offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and urban sophistication. Come here for the excellent schools, the charm, the beauty, but come here to experience the magic of New England.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Eli Wilson/iStock via Getty Images