Rural Rumney known for an outdoorsy lifestyle
Rumney, 7 miles from Plymouth, New Hampshire, is a rural community in the White Mountains. The area is known for its rock climbing and outdoor recreation. “It’s a small community that’s very outdoors-friendly, with world-renowned rock climbing. That draws a lot of attention,” says Juli Kelley, a local and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty/Center Harbor. The Baker River runs through the town, and people will often swim or kayak along it, says Kelley. Rumney has a rocky landscape, with trails and campsites throughout. Most residents are full-time, and vacationers often stay in camp sites lining Route 25 or rental properties along Stinson Lake. The area also has a strong community spirit; The Rumney Climbers Association preserves climbing areas for local and visiting climbers, and the Baptist church holds free community events and banquets.
Rock climbing and hiking in White Mountain National Forest
Rumney is known for rock climbing and has around 38 cliffs for climbers to explore. Popular climbing spots are in the White Mountain National Forest on Rattlesnake Mountain, Rumney Rocks and Willoughby Mountain. Baker River runs through the area and is a popular swimming, fishing and kayaking area. The river may flood campsites and residences close to its shores during inclement weather. The American Alpine Club Rattlesnake Campground is along Buffalo Road, near the river and Rumney Rocks. The campground has a house and a barn, beds can be rented in the house, and the area has several communal fireplaces and picnic benches. Stinson Mountain is known for its hiking trails and scenic views. Rattlesnake Mountain also has hiking trails, but it is mainly used for climbing.
Polar Caves is a collection of glacial caves within Hawk’s Cliff and is attached to a wildlife park off state Route 25. Nine granite caves are open for visitors to explore. The park also has a collection of Fallow Deer from Turkey and farm animals that guests can feed and pet. Just outside Rumney is Legion Speedway, which has car racing events throughout the year.
Homes are in rustic styles on flat terrain
Homes are built in the flatter areas of Rumney, surrounding Route 25, Main Street and Stinson Lake. Most houses are on large, manicured lots or on farmland. Many residences rely on wells and septic systems. A collection of homes surrounds Stinson Lake within the White Mountain National Forest. The lake has both full-time residences and rentals for vacationers. Many homes have private docks. “Stinson Lake, one of my favorite spots and not everybody knows about it, which is what makes it so great,” says Kelley.
Cottages, Minimal Traditional and National styles are common. Log cabins and A-frame cottages are predominant shapes and materials, emphasizing Rumney's rustic nature. Single and multifamily homes range from $200,000 to $650,000.
Rock climbing festival and community events
The Rocktober Rumney Rendezvous is a rock climbing festival in October at Barn Door Hostel supported by the Rumney Climbers’ Association. The festival features clinics for different styles and types of climbing. Visitors may also participate in morning runs, yoga, workshops, live music and food trucks. “Every August, they have Old Home Day, a town celebration,” says Kelley. “You have little tents set up where people sell goods.” Old Home Day is on the Town Common along Main Street and Quincy Road. The event celebrates Rumney, its residents and their creations. Vendors, crafters and food trucks sell produce and handcrafted goods while live music plays. “Something really cool the Baptist church does is they have a free spaghetti dinner,” says Kelley. The spaghetti dinner is in September, and participants have a dine-in or drive-through option. The church hosts community events and services throughout the year.
Shopping and dining in Rumney and Plymouth
The Rumney Village Store is a town staple along Main Street and has bakery items, a deli and artisanal goods. Within the store is the Bird Dog Café, which serves American fare. The North Station is a classic American diner along Route 25, with red vinyl booths and checkered flooring. The eatery offers American comfort food and is known for its breakfast menu. Farther down the road is the Last Chair Brewery, a rustic ski lodge-themed brewery and restaurant with American comfort food, decadent milkshakes and house-made brews. Residents may head into Plymouth for groceries from Market Basket and Hannaford.
Interstate 93 leads to towns and cities
“It’s a small town, but it's not a far drive to bigger towns with more shopping and things like that,” says Kelley. Quincy Road leads 7 miles to Plymouth. Interstate 93 leads 50 miles to Concord and 63 miles to Conway.
Speare Memorial Hospital is 7 miles away in Plymouth, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is 72 miles away.
Schools in Rumney and Plymouth get Bs
The School Administrative Unit 48 oversees Rumney. Russell Elementary serves kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a B-minus from Niche. Plymouth Regional High gets a B. The high school has a Career and Technical Center offering seven programs, including health science, marketing and culinary arts.
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Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
