New Hampshire's state and local parks offer every outdoor adventure
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.
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.
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.
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.
Route 114
Sutton, NH 03260
Phone: 603-927-4724
Swimming on Kezar Lake. Tall pine groves shade the picnic sites adjacent to the beach. Amenities include a bathhouse, picnic tables, and playing fields. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.
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.
Androscoggin Wayside Park
Route 16
Errol, NH
Phone: 603-538-6707
Androscoggin Wayside Park is located along the Androscoggin River and lies within the Thirteen Mile Woods. It is a scenic spot for picnicking and fishing, and a favorite for canoeing. No restrooms are available and all items (including trash) must be carried out with you when you leave. Pets allowed. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Coleman State Park
Route 26 to Diamond Pond Road
Stewartstown, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Coleman State Park lies on the shore of Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown, 12 miles east of Colebrook. There is excellent trout fishing in Little Diamond Pond and nearby streams. A boat launch is located within the park; small boats are permitted, but speed is restricted. Boats are available for rent. Pets allowed. The park is also a good base for fall hunting. Other activities include hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. Open in winter.
The primitive campground at Coleman State Park offers 24 campsites. Many of the sites can accommodate most camping equipment including self-contained recreational vehicles with a maximum length of 35 feet; hook-ups are not available. Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, along with pit toilets, a playground, and a dump station are available. The campground is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Self-service/self-pay camping with limited services is available pre-season, weather permitting. Organized youth group camping is welcome. Reservations are required.
Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Connecticut Lakes State Forest
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Visitors will enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, paddling, and hiking. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. This state forest includes the Deer Mountain Campground operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and REcreation. Deer Mountain Campground is just five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg, referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in mid-May, 2009, weather permitting. Information: www.nhdfl.org or www.nhstateparks.org/
Deer Mountain Campground
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Located in Connecticut Lakes State Forest, adjacent to the Connecticut River between Second and Third Connecticut lakes, Deer Mountain Campground is five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. Available for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and non-motorized boats. Pets allowed.
The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is Open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in May, weather permitting. Deer Mountain Campground welcomes organized youth groups. Reservations are required.
Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Dixville Notch State Park
Route 26
Dixville, NH
Phone: 603-538-6707
Dixville Notch State Park spans 127 acres. Within the park is a scenic gorge and waterfalls on two mountain brooks. Hiking trails lead to Table Rock and nearby mountains. The park is also a great spot for picnicking. Pets allowed.
This park offers moderate to more difficult hikes to waterfalls and scenic vistas. Hiking trails to Table Rock feature interesting views of surrounding cliffs. Dixville Notch State Park is unstaffed but is open to the public year-round at no charge. Please note: Cascade Falls and the trail leading to the falls are closed until further notice due to flood damage. Information:
Jericho Mountain State Park
Off Route 110, Jericho Lake Road
Berlin, NH
Phone: 603-752-6060
Just a few miles northeast of downtown Berlin is one of the newest additions to the state park system. Jericho Mountain State Park provides opportunities for miles of trail riding for ATV, UTV, trail bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts. The park will continue to have more miles added to the trail network over the next several years. Throughout the park, visitors are treated to a number of scenic outlooks. Park guests can also enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, or picnicking at Jericho Lake. Future plans for the park include a campground, group picnic pavilions, and improved beach facilities.
Lake Francis State Park
439 River Road
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6707
Lake Francis is a 2,000-acre lake near the Connecticut Lakes. A boat launch is located in the park and boats are available for rent. The park is popular with canoeists and hunters. The campground has 42 sites, each with a fireplace, picnic table, tent space, and parking. The walk-in sites have tent platforms. The campground has running water, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a dump station. All sites are by reservation, but first-come/first-served camping may be available. Open: Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available starting April 24, and post-season through October. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Milan Hill State Park and Campground
Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860
Milan Hill State Park is ten miles north of Berlin, near popular areas for hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. From the hilltop campground and fire tower, you can get a view of the mountain ranges in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Canada. Animals are welcome but must be leashed and under control. All waste must be cleaned from the trails as required by state park rules. Cost: Day use fee is adults, $4; children age 6 to 11, $2; people under age 5 and over age 65, free. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
The Nansen Ski Club operates a network of more than 7 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing in Milan Hill State Park, for users of all ages and all abilities. Use of trails is free. This is not a flat skiing experience.
Primitive camping area has four yurts and six campsites. Yurts are available for reservation and the campsites are first-come/first-served. The park is open from mid-May through mid-October for camping and picnicking. Camping fees are $23 (no hookups); $300 to $350 for yurts. For reservations, call 877-647-2757).
Mollidgewock State Park
Route 16
Errol, NH
Phone: 603-482-3373
Mollidgewock State Park lies along the shore of the Androscoggin River within Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, approximately 28 miles north of Berlin and three miles south of Errol. The Androscoggin offers great canoeing and kayaking opportunities for both novice and expert paddlers. The area is a favorite of fishing enthusiasts and is popular for watching moose and other wildlife. Pets allowed with some restrictions. Cost: Day use fee is adults, $4; children age 6 to 11, $2; people under age 5 and over age 65, free. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Mollidgewock State Park Campground offers 47 tent sites; 42 of the sites are located at the base camp and 37 of them are by reservation only; 5 sites are for first-come/first-served campers. Check with the campground directly for availability of the 5 remote sites. Water and pit toilets are located in this primitive campground. Wood and ice are offered for sale. The campground is Open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in May, weather permitting.
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.
Northern Forest Heritage Park
961 Main Street
Berlin, NH 03570
Phone: 603-752-7202
Park includes a three-acre site with waterfront; an outdoor amphitheater; a full-size logging camp museum; interactive exhibits; the Brown Co. House Museum; and the Artisans Gift Shop. The park hosts forest, river and art exhibits, lectures, seminars, concerts, ethnic festivals, Summer Heritage Mill Tours, lumberjack competitions, and special blacksmith demonstrations and events. Information: http://www.northernforestheritage.org/main.htm
Pondicherry Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Off Route 116 or Route 115
Jefferson and Whitefield, NH
The Pondicherry Division of the refuge sits in a basin surrounded by the Kilkenny Range, the Presidential Range, the Dartmouth/Pliny Range, and the Dalton Hills. The area including Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds and the surrounding complex of wetlands and swamps is known for its diverse wildlife species, particularly birds. Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, and interpretation are priority public uses of the refuge. Motorized and mechanized vehicles, bicycles, and horses are not permitted on trails within the refuge. All dogs must be under control.
Location: The best access is through a parking facility on Route 116 about 1 mile east of the Whitefield/Jefferson town line or through a parking lot on Hazen/Airport Road approximately 1.5 miles west of Route 115 and about a quarter mile east of Mount Washington Regional Airport. From the parking lot it is a 1.5 mile hike north on the rail-trail to Cherry Pond.
Information: 413-863-0209 ext. 7 or visit www.fws.gov/r5soc/come_visit/pondicherry_division.html
Umbagog Lake State Park
Route 26
Cambridge, NH
Phone: 603-482-7795
Umbagog Lake State Park offers a beach area for swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are offered, as well as transportation for remote site campers. A boat launch and fuel sales are available, as well as a park store. Wildlife viewing includes birds, deer, and moose. Information: www.nhstateparks.org.
Umbagog Lake State Park campground has a camp store, flush and pit toilets, and coin-operated showers. The park has a total of 69 campsites. The lakeside base area has 35 sites. There are hook-ups for water and electricity for RVs, as well as a dump station. There are 34 remote sites in wooded areas and accessible only by boat. Each remote site has a fireplace, picnic table, and a primitive pit toilet. These campsites are carry in/carry out. The park offers transportation to the remote sites for a fee. Open: Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available pre-season starting in April, and post-season is through October.
Route 11 / Scenic Drive
Gilford, NH 03246
Phone: 603-293-7821
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.
Off Route 3A
Bristol, NH 03222
Phone: 603-744-2197
Route 109
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Phone: 603-569-3699
Wentworth State Park spans 50 acres and is located on the shore of scenic Wentworth Lake. Popular activities in the park include swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating. Amenities include picnic tables, a boat launch, flush toilets, and a group use area. Day use fee is $4 for adults and $2 for children age 6 to 11. Hours: The park is open weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through June 14; daily from June 19 to August 24; and Labor Day weekend. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are no lifeguards on duty for the season.
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.
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.
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH 03290
Phone: 603-895-3031
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.
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.
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.
Route 119 West
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Phone: 603-532-8862
Visitors exploring the trails are often serenaded by song birds which live in the grove
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.
Route 1A
Hampton, NH 03842
Phone: 603-926-3784
One of several beaches along the Seacoast, this offers areas for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors enjoy the views of the sand dunes. A RV camp park is open to the public, and lifeguards are on duty.
Route 1A
Rye, NH 03870
Phone: 603-436-1552
Offers visitors a beach, ocean swimming, changing facilities and lifeguards on duty. The parking is metered.
124 Main St.
Kingston, NH 03848
Phone: 603-642-5471
A freshwater beach, set on 44 acres along Great Pond. Visitors will enjoy the picnic areas, a play area, and -- of course -- swimming.
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.
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.
Route 1A
Rye, NH 03870
Phone: 603-436-9404
Offers a 700 foot beach, fishing areas, and a bathhouse. Lifeguards are on duty. A nice family beach. There is a parking fee. Information: New Hampshire Fish & Game Department at 603-271-3511.
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.
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.
Route 302
Conway, NH 03818
Phone: 603-356-2672
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.
Route 116
Dalton, NH 03598
Phone: 603-837-9150
Visitors to this mountain lake will enjoy the beach, swimming, picnic groves, playground, bathhouse, and wooded areas.
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.
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.
Jimtown Road (off Route 2)
Gorham, NH 03581
Phone: 603-466-3850
Located just north of the Presidential Range, the park is ideally located for fishing in the Peabody and Moose rivers. Moose Brook flows through the park, and feeds the swimming area with cool mountain water. Picnicking and swimming against the scenic mountain backdrop.
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.
