The Chieftain Inn in Hanover, New Hampshire is situated on the bank of the vast and powerful Connecticut River, making it easy for you to enjoy the peaceful serenity of nature during your stay. We offer a number of on-site outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking and swimming. And during the colder season, we are in close proximity to the Dartmouth Skiway and our grounds lend themselves to the avid cross-country skier, snowshoe-er, or ice-skater.
All rooms have stunning views of the Connecticut River, access to our complimentary canoes, barbeque areas, the pool and gazebo. All rooms have individual heating and air conditioning controls, private baths (some with tubs), color cable television and direct dial telephones with e-mail hookup. High Speed WiFi is available in the main house and our Internet Café. We are a Pet Friendly lodging facility. Enjoy your get-a-way, come and stay!

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

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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.

LAKES top of listings

Ellacoya State Park
Route 11 / Scenic Drive
Gilford, NH 03246
Phone: 603-293-7821

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Located in Gilford on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Offers a 600-foot long sandy beach, with views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Facilities include a bathhouse, showers and a changing area for swimmers. A store offers refreshments and souvenirs. Boat launch for small boats near the beach. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, and then full-time from late June 24 through Labor Day. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

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

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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

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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.

MERRIMACK VALLEY top of listings

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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

MONADNOCK top of listings

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

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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.

SEACOAST top of listings

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.

WHITE MOUNTAINS top of listings

Androscoggin Wayside State Park
Route 16
Errol, NH

This park is particularly popular with canoeists, who enjoy the rapids on the Androscoggin River. There are also fishing areas and places for picnicking.

Bedell Bridge Historic Site
Routes 10 and 25
Haverhill, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

On this plain was the second longest, 2 span covered bridge in the United States. Built in 1866, the bridge was destroyed by wind in 1979. Visitors to the area will enjoy the history, plus fishing and canoeing.

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.

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

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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.

Lake Francis State Park
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

This 2,000-acre state park offers canoeing, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails. There is a campground open to the public. Open early May to mid-December.

Nansen Wayside Park
Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

On the banks of the Androscoggin River, this park offers picnic area, fishing areas, boating and canoeing. The winter centerpiece is the 170 foot Nansen Ski Jump.