Overview
Hillsborough (frequently spelled Hillsboro) is in the Merrimack Valley Region of New Hampshire.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hillsborough
Farrar Marsh
Farrar Marsh is a wildlife reserve located on Bog Road. As the name suggests, it is a large marsh area surrounded by the wooded hills outside of town. The marsh is most commonly enjoyed by kayak or canoe, but the pull-of…
Franklin Pierce Homestead
Fox State Forest
Fox State Forest is a large area of forest that is designated for public use and preservation. The trails that snake through the park are most commonly enjoyed by foot. Mountain bikers can also use the trails, but severa…
Emerald Lake
Formerly known as Gould Pond, this lake is the best in Hillsboro. The clear water is home to many species of fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegills and pickerel. There are several public beaches as we…
Loon Pond
Loon Pond is a reservoir located in Hillsborough Upper Village on East Washington Road. Compared to Emerald Lake, it is a much larger body of water, however there is no swimming allowed in the pond because it is used for…
Angus Lea Golf Course
Angus Lea is a 9-hole course nestled in a bend of the Contocook River off of Main Road. Greens fees are $18.95 for 9 holes and $33 for 18 holes. The scenery is beautiful and the course is well-maintained.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 17°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Oct. (climate data from nearby Manchester)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Manchester — 26 mi away. Directions
- LEB Lebanon Municipal Airport, Lebanon — 41 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 69 mi away (major hub). Directions
Hillsborough is located off Route 202. If traveling on I-93, exit just south of Concord onto I-89 and take exit 5 onto Route 202 west. From Keene, travel east on Route 9 and exit into Hillsborough. Route 202 continues south from Hillsborough through Antrim, Peterborough and Jaffrey.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Farrar Marsh, Emerald Lake
- Lunch Tooky Mills Pub
- Afternoon Loon Pond
- Dinner The Village Art Cafe
Day 2
- Morning Franklin Pierce Homestead, Fox State Forest
- Lunch Hanna's Diner
- Afternoon Angus Lea Golf Course
- Dinner Hillsboro House Of Pizza
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Hillsborough is located off Route 202. If traveling on I-93, exit just south of Concord onto I-89 and take exit 5 onto Route 202 west. From Keene, travel east on Route 9 and exit into Hillsborough. Route 202 continues south from Hillsborough through Antrim, Peterborough and Jaffrey.
Get around
The best way to get around Hillsborough is by car. The abundance of gravel and dirt roads make a four-wheel drive vehicle beneficial, especially during the winter and spring-thaw months. The winding backcountry roads offer a great motorcycle riding experience and off-road trails can be enjoyed by dirt bikes, ATV's or snowmobiles.
See
See Farrar Marsh
Farrar Marsh is a wildlife reserve located on Bog Road. As the name suggests, it is a large marsh area surrounded by the wooded hills outside of town. The marsh is most commonly enjoyed by kayak or canoe, but the pull-off area can offer some views of spectacular sunsets. The bottom of the marsh contains a dam over which the water peacefully spills. Fishing is allowed in the marsh, as long as you have a current freshwater license issued by an authorized location. A variety of wildlife can be spotted here, including Great Blue Heron, Moose and beaver.
Do
Do Emerald Lake
Formerly known as Gould Pond, this lake is the best in Hillsboro. The clear water is home to many species of fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegills and pickerel. There are several public beaches as well as private beaches to enjoy along the perimeter of the lake. A designated boat ramp is available to launch conoes, kayaks or small boats.
Do Fox State Forest
Fox State Forest is a large area of forest that is designated for public use and preservation. The trails that snake through the park are most commonly enjoyed by foot. Mountain bikers can also use the trails, but several areas are too rough to traverse by bike. The forest is located at the beginning of Bog Road where there is a small parking area.
Do Loon Pond
Loon Pond is a reservoir located in Hillsborough Upper Village on East Washington Road. Compared to Emerald Lake, it is a much larger body of water, however there is no swimming allowed in the pond because it is used for drinking water. The fishing in the reservoir is exceptional and a variety of freshwater 'game' species thrive here including small and largemouth bass. As previously discussed, a freshwater license is required to fish anywhere in the state and can be purchased for several durations depending on how long you are visiting.
Do Angus Lea Golf Course
Angus Lea is a 9-hole course nestled in a bend of the Contocook River off of Main Road. Greens fees are $18.95 for 9 holes and $33 for 18 holes. The scenery is beautiful and the course is well-maintained.
Buy
The downtown area in Hillsborough has grocery stores, liquor stores, a dollar store, an auto parts store, auto repair shops and just about any other store you could desire.
Eat
Eat Tooky Mills Pub
Tooky Mills Pub offers some of the best dining in Hillsboro, as well as the most popular bar in town. It features a full menu from appetizers to dessert and a great foreign/domestic beer and wine list. For the warmer months, an outdoor patio is open for dining. The atmosphere is what you would expect from a trusted, locally owned and operated restaurant and bar with music and a friendly staff. The price range is very reasonable, with only a few items priced over $20 and the portions are generous.
Eat The Village Art Cafe
Pastries, coffee, and art.
Eat Hanna's Diner
Formerly known as Hillsborough Restaurant, they serve breakfast and lunch in a comfortable diner atmosphere. The breakfast specials are well-known for their size and quality. The pricing is fair and the staff is friendly. Part of the diner is an old train car and the diner is fittingly located near the train tracks in the downtown area. Reservations are seldom necessary.
Drink
Drink Tooky Mills Pub
Tooky Mills Pub offers the best beer and wine list in the area and the bar is open later on the weekends until midnight. The bar is fully stocked with spirits and the bartenders are happy to mix up your favorite drink.
Nearby
Francestown
City / town · 3 listings · 10 mi away
Marlow
City / town · 2 listings · 15 mi away
Peterborough
City / town · 15 listings · 17 mi away
Concord
City / town · 29 listings · 19 mi away
New London
City / town · 8 listings · 21 mi away
Hooksett
City / town · 2 listings · 22 mi away
Amherst
City / town · 15 listings · 22 mi away
Bedford
City / town · 5 listings · 22 mi away
My experience
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