New Hampshire - Walking, Hiking and Biking

Cardigan State Park
Off Route 118
Orange, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park sits on the western slope of Mount Cardigan, offering sweeping scenery. A scenic road leads to the picnic area. Trails offer visitors hiking in warmer weather, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Fells Historic Site
John Hay National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Sunapee
Route 103A / P.O. Box 276
Newbury, NH  03255  
Phone: 603-763-4789

Outstanding gardens, a 100-foot perennial border, and a view of Lake Sunapee from the Rose Terrace. A brook trickles to a Japanese water lily pool in the hillside rock garden, which includes a large collection of alpine and native plants. Hidden behind masses of rhododendron, a walled secret garden awaits discovery.
Hours: Late May through October, daily with tours of the estate on weekends.

Gardner Memorial Wayside Area
Route 4A
Wilmot, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park offers visitors a picnic area and walking trails along a babbling brook and the ruined foundation of a 19th century mill.

Meriden Bird Sanctuary
Main Street
Meriden, NH

This nature center is set on 30 acres, and features trails through woodlands and fields. Admission is free, and the sanctuary is open year-round.

Mount Sunapee State Park
Off Route 103
Newbury, NH  03255  
Phone: 603-763-5561

The 4,085-acre lake at the park is ideal for family and group outings and for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The beach has a store, a playground, and a bathhouse. Rentals of canoes and kayaks. A boat launch is available. Open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September; then weekends only until late September 24. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Pillsbury State Park
Route 31
Washington, NH
Phone: 603-863-2860

This wooded park offers canoeing on May Pond, fishing areas in both the pond and nearby streams, hiking trails into nearby mountains, and a picnic area. Wintertime activities available include snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing. There is a public campsite available. Pets are allowed.

Rollins State Park
Off Route 103
Warner, NH
Phone: 603-456-3808

Take the scenic drive up the southern side of Mount Kearsarge. There are picnic sites and another half mile hiking trail to get to the very top and enjoy the view.

Saint - Gaudens National Historic Site
139 Saint Gaudens Road
Cornish, NH  03745  
Phone: 603-675-2175

Open: Daily late May- late October, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This site was once the home of one of the country’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The estate has a house, studio, and gardens. Fee charged.

Winslow State Park
Route 11
Wilmot, NH
Phone: 603-526-6168

Park along the northwest slope of Mount Kearsarge features hiking and walking trails, scenic views, a scenic drive to the picnic area. The summit is reached via a one mile hiking trail. Pets are allowed.

Audubon - Paradise Point Nature Center
North Shore Road
Hebron, NH
Phone: 603-744-3516

This nature center on Newfound Lake offers 5 trails, a store and a library. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. Events are scheduled there during the summer months.

Blue Job Mountain
Crown Point Road
Rochester, NH

This trail takes about 2 hours to traverse, and offers scenic views from the tower at the mountain's peak. A portion of the trail also ambles through blueberry fields.

Red Hill
Bean Road
Center Harbor, NH

A 3.5 mile trail which follows a dirt road up to a fire tower.

Squam Range
Route 113
Holderness, NH

This area contains a number of trails. More information and trail guides can be found in the town of Holderness.

Stonedam Island Natural Area
Across from Weirs
Meredith, NH
Phone: 603-279-7278

Self-guided nature trails are the centerpiece of this nature center, which focuses on conservation programs. Educational events are scheduled at the site throughout the season. Open July - Labor Day.

Wellington State Park
Off Route 3A
Bristol, NH  03222  
Phone: 603-744-2197

Located on Newfound Lake, this state park has the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state park system. Hiking trails and picnic areas along the shore afford views of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state. Two group picnic pavilions are located just off the beach in the picnic areas. Snack bar offers snacks, beach and picnic items, and souvenirs. A developed boat launch adjoins the park, providing boaters free access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes along the beach allow boater access to the park for the regular admission price. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early October. Admission fee.

White Lake State Park
Route 16
Tamworth, NH  03886  
Phone: 603-323-7350

A popular park for campers, this park features three public campsites with room for 200 tents. Visitors will enjoy the beach on White Lake, swimming, boating and canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Of particular interest is a forest of NH pines spread over 72 acres, a National Natural Landmark.

Bear Brook State Park
Off Route 28
Allenstown, NH  03275  
Phone: 603-485-9874

This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

Clough State Park
Off Route 13
Weare, NH  03281  
Phone: 603-529-7112

Visitors to this park will enjoy a 900 foot beach, swimming, boating and canoeing. There are fishing areas, picnic spots, walking trails, and cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter.

Little Nature Museum
656 Gould Hill Road
Contoocook, NH  03229  
Phone: 603-746-6121

Open: June 23-October 28, weekends and holidays

A small nature center featuring exhibits, trails, a library, and special programs. Open year-round. There is a fee for admission.

Pawtuckaway State Park
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH  03290  
Phone: 603-895-3031

This park features a beach, changing facilities, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and a picnic area. In the winter, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open. A public campground is also available. Trails include the hike to the Tower, which is on the summit of South Mountain.

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Route 9
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

This gorge lies deep into the area's bedrock. There are walking paths along the gorge as well as picnic areas. A visitor's center discusses the reasons behind this natural phenomenon.

Fox State Forest
309 Center Road
Hillsborough, NH
Phone: 603-464-3453

This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Greenfield State Park
Route 136
Greenfield, NH  03047  
Phone: 603-547-3497

A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Harris Center for Conservation Education
King's Highway
Hancock, NH
Phone: 603-532-2400

Nature center offering nature programs kayaking, hikes,and walks. Open year-round.

Miller State Park
Route 101
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-924-3672

This park is the namesake of General James Miller, who was a hero in the War of 1812. Here visitors will enjoy incredible views, hiking, walking trails, and picnic areas. Climbers can head for the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain, and a scenic roadway also leads to the top.

Monadnock State Park
Route 124
Jaffrey, NH  03452  
Phone: 603-532-8862

Home to Mount Monadnock, which rises over 3100 feet, this park is among the most popular in New England with hikers and mountain climbers. There are over 40 miles of trails and a spectacular view of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts at the mountain's summit. Visitors will also enjoy the winter-time cross-country ski trails, and a public camping area is available all year long. The park also has a store.

Pisgah State Park
Off Route 63
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire's outdoors. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are available, as well as hunting areas, and fishing areas. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.

Pisgah State Park
Off Route 63
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire's outdoors. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are available, as well as hunting areas, and fishing areas. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.

Rhododendron State Park
Route 119 West
Fitzwilliam, NH  03447  
Phone: 603-532-8862

Rhododendron State Park is named after the 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum. A 0.6-mile long universally accessible trail encircles the grove allowing visitors to observe the fragrant blossoms in mid-July. A wildflower trail winds through the forest adjacent to the grove.
Hours: Early May to mid-June, weekends only, daylight hours; mid-June to Labor Day, daily, daylight hours.

Shieling State Forest
Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-431-6774

This small forest (45 acres) has been dedicated to the advancement of nature and conservation education. There are self-guided nature trails, a learning center, and a demonstration of woodlot management. Events are scheduled there throughout the year.

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge
Route 101
Peterborough, NH

This preserve offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation, particularly of migrating hawks. Hiking trails lead past forested land, a bog, a swamp and a rock cliff. These trails are available in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well. Camping and open fires are not permitted.

Dover Walking Tours
299 Central Avenue
Dover, NH
Phone: 603-742-2218

The Dover Chamber of Commerce offers three self-guided walking tours of historic sites: The Pine Hill Cemetary, the Old Mill and the Riverfront, and a tour of Dover's historic homes.

Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Accessible from many places
Durham/Dover, NH
Phone: 603-868-1095

Set on 48 miles of coastline, this preserve protects saltmarshes, woodlands, tidal creeks and open fields. It is managed by the NH Fish and Game department. Visitors can enter at Adams Point, and also access the area via the water. Great spot for bird and animal observation.

Odiorne Point State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-436-7406

The site of the first European settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. During World War II, it was home to Fort Dearborn, a U.S. Army Base. Today, the park offers a look back at the history and a view of the area's nature through panels set throughout the park. In addition, visitors will enjoy canoeing, walking trails, a bike path and picnic areas. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are available. The park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center, which holds events throughout the year.

Portsmouth Harbor Trail
Portsmouth, NH  03801
Phone: 603-436-3988

The trail passes more than 70 points of scenic and historic significance in Portsmouth, include ten buildings on the National Register of Historic Buildings, ten National Historic Landmarks, and three homes maintained by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.
Hours: Tours offered July 4 through Columbus Day, 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday; and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Rye Harbor State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-964-9008

Visitors to this park will enjoy a scenic walking trail, fishing areas, and picnicking. A marina is also available to the public, with several amenities. There is a fee for parking during the warmer weather season.

Sandy Point Discovery Center
89 Depot Road
Stratham, NH
Phone: 603-778-0015

This nature center features a self-guided walking trail through a saltmarsh. Exhibits focus on the Great Bay, history and wildlife. Events are scheduled there during the season. Open June - October.

Urban Forestry Center
45 Elwyn Road
Portsmouth, NH  03801  
Phone: 603-431-6774

The center consists of 182 acres of field, forest, and salt marsh, several buildings, and the annual interest income from a trust fund. It is used as a tree farm to demonstrate proper forest management, a bird and wildlife sanctuary, a garden and landscape demonstration site, and as a learning center in forestry planning, forest management, ecology, tree and plant identification, and wildlife stewardship.

Bretzfelder Memorial Park
Prospect Street
Bethlehem, NH
Phone: 603-444-6228

This small park is open year-round, offering visitors picnic areas, hiking trails, a pond, and programs about conservation and wildlife in the area.

Coleman State Park
Route 26
Stewartstown, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

This park on Little Diamond Pond offers great trout fishing, picnic areas, and hiking trails. In the winter, trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There is a campsite open to the public.

Connecticut Lakes State Forest
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

Visitors will enjoy fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. A public campsite is also available.

Crawford Notch State Park
Route 302
Harts Location, NH
Phone: 603-374-2272

This park is a fount of natural beauty: A mountain pass, the Presidential Mountain Range, and waterfalls. The falls are the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. There is a visitor's center, hiking trails, a scenic drive, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also the site the Willey House, an 18th century way-station for travelers through the mountains. A campground is available to the public. Pets are permitted in campground area and other designated places only.

Deer Mountain Campground
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

Located within the Connecticut Lakes State Forest the campground is a good base for hiking, climbing, fishing, and groups. Camping is primitive with 24 tent sites.

Dixville Notch State Park
Route 26
Dixville, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

Site of tumbling waterfalls, a gorge and two mountain brooks. The park offers hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas. Pets are allowed. Information: New Hampshire Fish & Game Department at 603-271-3511.

Echo Lake State Park
Route 302
Conway, NH  03818  
Phone: 603-356-2672

This park sits on pristine Echo Lake, and offers visitors areas for swimming and fishing. In addition, hiking trails and a scenic drive lead to Cathedral Ledge, 700 feet in the air. The ledge offers scenic views and ample opportunities for rock climbing.

Eisenhower Memorial Wayside Park
Route 302
Carroll, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

This park offers picnic area and walking trails and a great view of Mount Washington.

Franconia Notch State Park
Route 93
Franconia, NH  03580  
Phone: 603-823-8800

Perhaps the most interesting of New Hampshire's state parks, Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. Historic site of The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1,200 feet in the air, which collapsed in 2003. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.

Littleton Historic Sites Walking Tour
Main Street
Littleton, NH
Phone: 603-444-6561

Sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, this walking tour features a dozen historic buildings and pieces of architecture. A free brochure provides a map, directions and details. Available year-round.

Milan Hill State Park
Off Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-823-5563

Small park features views of the Presidential Mountains, a picnic area, trails to a fire tower, which are also available for cross-country skiing in the winter. A small tent camp area is open to the public. Pets are allowed.

Moose Brook State Park
Off U.S. Route 2
Gorham, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Mount Washington Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH  03575  
Phone: 603-278-1000
Toll-Free: 800-314-1752
Email: resortinfo@mountwashingtonresort.com

No matter how far you are from your childhood, it’s still waiting for you here.

Rediscover the wonder of the White Mountains with those you love most at the majestic Mount Washington Resort. Rated one of the “Top 10 Resorts Your Kids Will Love” by SKI Magazine, Mount Washington Resort offers the most ski and snowboard terrain in New Hampshire plus one of the most extensive cross country ski networks in New England. Mountain biking, fishing and guided nature hikes make summers unforgettable. And charming meals and accommodations at The Mount Washington Hotel, the Bretton Arms Inn, the Lodge or spacious condos are available year round. Take your kids back to a time when you worried less and played more at Mount Washington Resort.

Mount Washington State Park
Route 302
Sargent's Purchase, NH
Phone: 603-466-3347

Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeast U.S. and this park the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy the incredibly scenic view. The summit building, along with the historic Tip Top House stand at the top of this 6,288 foot peak. This can be reached by hiking or climbing to the top, taking the scenic, winding road, or the Cog Railway. There are fees charged for both the railway and the drive.

Nash Stream
Off Route 110
Odell, NH
Phone: 603-788-4157

More than just one stream, this is actually 40,000 acres of undeveloped land. It's available for public use for hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Camping is not permitted.

Rocks Estate
4 Christmas Lane
Bethlehem, NH
Phone: 603-444-6228

A natural preserve, this area features hiking trails, picnic areas and educational programs. Other events are offered throughout the year. Open year-round.

The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel
1000 Cold Spring Road (Route 26)
Dixville Notch, NH  03576  
Toll-Free: 866-714-9795
Fax: 603-255-4221
Email: info@thebalsams.com
   

Larger than Manhattan Island, The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel's 15,000-acre estate varies more than 2,000 feet in elevation. The rugged terrain ranges from sheer 800-foot cliffs to rolling countryside, with gorgeous mountain, forest and lake views everywhere you turn. Our professional trail master and staff maintain a sprawling network of trails, which are perfect for walking, hiking, climbing and mountain biking. The hiking trail system includes 34.8 miles of safe, well-marked and annotated trails to navigate. The bike trail system includes 39 miles of well-marked and non-motorized annotated trails. Mountain biking guided tours are conducted regularly; bike sales and rentals are available in the bike shop.

Twin Mountain Fish and Wildlife Center
Route 3
Whitefield, NH
Phone: 603-846-5108

Visitors will find information on New Hampshire wildlife and fish. Exhibits feature videos, a hatchery, nature trails and a fish tank. Open May-October. Admission is free.