Monadnock region is a lovely setting for walking and hiking
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.
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.
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: This park is always open for recreation. During the off-season the park is typically not staffed and comfort stations are not available.
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.