The lovely town of Grantham is surrounded by mountains with the North Branch of the Sugar River running through it. The town was incorporated in 1761 and is located in northeastern Sullivan County, There are ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Grantham, including Grantham Town Forest and Eastman Lake. With over 320 acres of water for boating and fishing surrounded by trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, Eastman Lake is a perfect Sugar River Region getaway. In fact, Eastman is one of the best places in the state for cross-country skiing with 36 km of groomed trails.

Historical Farm in Grantham at Dusk. Image Credit: Sullivan County Government.

Sugar River Region Featured Community: Grantham, NH

Grantham, New Hampshire, is a small town located in Sullivan County in the southwestern part of the state. It was named for Thomas Robinson, First Baron Grantham, who was Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 1754 to 1755. This rural town neighbors Lebanon and Claremont, and is found on the Sugar River surrounded by beautiful mountainscapes and scenery. With rivers, ponds, and forests, Grantham offers natural beauty and recreational activities for both tourists and local communities. 

Grantham Community Facts: 

• Incorporated in 1761
• When the first census was taken in 1790, there were 333 total residents 
• Population: 3,404 (as of 2020 decennial census)
  • Grown by 14% since 2010
• Area: 28.0 square miles
• Inland water: 0.9 square miles

Outdoor Recreation in Grantham, NH

Grantham is found within a network of waterways, including the North Branch River and its tributaries like Sawyer Brook, Stocker Brook, and Eastman Brook. These streams feed into a collection of ponds, creating perfect spots for water activities. Eastman and Stocker Pond are two of these recreational spots where you can swim, fish, kayak, and more. In the winters, the community and visitors delight in ice-skating on the frozen ponds. 

The Center at Eastman. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Not including water activities, Grantham also offers miles of different hiking and biking trails. Eastman Community Association greatly contributes to the outdoor recreational scene in Grantham, as this community center features an 18 hole golf course, a driving range at Eastman Golf Links, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, six (private) beaches, disc golf, and 36 miles of trails to walk, hike, ski, or snowshoe. When winter storms blanket the town in snow, the Eastman Cross Country Ski Center transforms Grantham into a winter wonderland. Their well-groomed trails are suitable for all skill levels, making it the perfect place to learn how to ski, or simply enjoy a sport you already love. 

4 men cross country skiing in the woods. Image Credit: NO NAME on Pexels.

Living in Grantham: Demographics and Housing

The town is home to The Grantham Historical Society Inc., which is a nonprofit that has been dedicated to preserving the history of Grantham since 1973. The society operates a museum, which is open to the public and even offers guided tours to visitors. Here you can explore a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and documents that share the town’s history. The society is run solely by volunteers passionate about preserving the town’s history so that we may continue to share it with future generations. It is a vital resource for anyone interested in the history of Grantham and New Hampshire. 

The following is a quick snapshot of statistics about Grantham, from the United States Census Bureau.

Grantham town profile, United States Census Bureau 

Do you have a favorite spot in Grantham? Let us know about all of your favorite “hidden gems” on our Facebook or Instagram! 

Content written by Aleena Norris on July 17, 2024.