Merrimack Valley is a lovely setting for walking and hiking

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.

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.

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.