Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In New Hampshire
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Of all of the New England states, New Hampshire seems to have some of the most picturesque parks and the best hiking trails. Home to Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the region, as well as 48 peaks with elevations of over 4,000 feet, hiking is certainly abundant here. And then there are the state parks for even more incredible hiking opportunities and outdoor recreation. So, how many state parks are in New Hampshire? With over 90 state parks, it may be a bit overwhelming to decide which one to visit first. But this ultimate guide to the best state parks in New Hampshire is here to help!
Most Popular State Parks In New Hampshire
As mentioned before, there are over 90 New Hampshire state parks. While each one offers something wonderful in terms of outdoor recreation, some are more popular than others. With large numbers of visitors drawn to them each year, here are the most popular state parks in New Hampshire:
1. Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
With walls towering 70-90 feet, the 800-foot-long Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park is jaw-dropping, to say the least. When walking through the gorge, you'll also see waterfalls. While you're at the park, do yourself a favor and take a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Open seasonally, this aerial tram is the nation's first and takes visitors 4,080 feet up Cannon Mountain. Just imagine the views along the way! Check out more things to do in Franconia Notch State Park.
2. Mt. Washington State Park
Mt. Washington State Park, 1598 Mt Washington Auto Rd, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03589, USA
Mt. Washington State Park is a small 60-acre NH state park surrounded by the White Mountains National Forest and where you'll be able to climb Mt. Washington, the tallest peak in the state. While you can always take a long hike up the 6,288-foot mountain, that's not an option for everyone. Another option is to take a 7.6-mile scenic drive to the top. Taking the Auto Road up Mount Washington is an extraordinary experience, taking drivers above the clouds on certain days. And wait until you see the views from the top! Take a look at more things to do in Mt. Washington State Park.
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3. Cardigan Mountain State Park
Cardigan Mountain State Park, 658 Cardigan Mountain Rd, Orange, NH 03741, USA
The 5,655-acre Cardigan Mountain State Park is an excellent place for hiking. Take the West Ridge Trail to the treeless summit for epic views of the surrounding landscape. In the distance, you'll see Mount Monadnock and other parts of the White Mountain range.
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Best State Parks In New Hampshire To Camp
Do you love camping? Well, several of New Hampshire’s state parks have campgrounds where you can pitch a tent and enjoy nature. Here are a few state campgrounds to consider next time you want to get away:
4. Crawford Notch State Park
2057 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
Located in the heart of Crawford Notch State Park, Dry River Campground's main season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. However, you can still camp in the off-season on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site comes with its own picnic table and fire ring (s'mores, anyone?) and the campground offers laundry facilities and restrooms with toilets and showers. Visitors love this campground and this tremendous state park that seems to have it all! Check out more things to do in Crawford Notch State Park.
5. White Lake State Park
White Lake State Park, 1632 White Mountain Hwy, Tamworth, NH 03886, USA
The White Lake State Park campground sits along the shores of the lake. Pitch your tent and then spend some time at the lake's sandy beach. White Lake is a pristine glacial lake where you can go swimming or boating for something fun to do. You can even take a walk around the trail that circumnavigates the lake. Spending time lakeside in New Hampshire is always a good idea, don't you think? Learn more things to do in White Lake State Park.
6. Moose Brook State Park
30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
The small campground of 59 campsites at Moose Brook State Park is one that campers always seem to enjoy. So quiet, so peaceful, and surrounded by nature, you'll feel rested after a stay here.
Best State Parks In New Hampshire To RV
Whether you have your own RV or rent an RV, there’s something quite freeing about hitting the open road and stopping for the night at one of the state’s RV campgrounds. A few NH state parks even allow RVs, and here are a few you may want to stop at next time you’re on a road trip with your RV:
7. Greenfield State Park
Greenfield State Park, 973 Forest Rd, Greenfield, NH 03047, USA
With 259 campsites throughout the 400-acre state park, there's plenty of availability. RV campsites can accommodate up to 35 feet and reservations must be made in advance for any campsite whether for a tent or an RV. Set along the shores of Otter Lake, you won't be too far from outdoor adventure here! At the lake, visitors can go swimming, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. Take a look at more things to do in Greenfield State Park.
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8. Bear Brook State Park
Bear Brook State Park, 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH 03275, USA
Among the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here at Bear Brook State Park are hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, boating on both Beaver Pond and Catamount Pond, archery, and, of course, camping! There are 110 campsites at this massive state park. In addition to tent and RV sites, there are eight cabins available for rent. Check out more things to do in Bear Brook State Park.
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9. Pawtuckaway State Park
Pawtuckaway State Park, Mountain Road, Nottingham, NH, USA
The 5,000-acre Pawtuckaway State Park is home to Pawtuckaway Lake where you'll find a lovely little campground. Picture yourself camping in your tent or RV on the shores of a lake where you can spend time at the sandy beach, go canoeing or kayaking, and then settle back at your campsite for some dinner and s'mores. Doesn't that sound like the perfect day? Learn more about things to do in Pawtuckaway State Park.
Best State Parks In New Hampshire For Hiking
Grab your hiking gear and hit the trails. There’s no better way to enjoy the state parks in New Hampshire than by hiking (that’s my opinion, at least)! Whether it’s an easy trek through the forest or a strenuous climb with thousands of feet in elevation gain up a mountain, here are some of the state’s best parks for hiking:
10. Echo Lake State Park
Echo Lake State Park, 68 Echo Lake Rd, North Conway, NH 03860, USA
Echo Lake State Park is one of the best state parks in New Hampshire in summer. At its center is a beautiful lake that beckons visitors to go for a swim or even spend time at a picnic area along its shores. One of the best activities here is hiking. There's a lovely scenic trail that goes around the lake and offers views of the White Horse and Cathedral Ledges. This trail is a must when visiting this NH state park! Take a look at more things to do in Echo Lake State Park.
11. Monadnock State Park
Monadnock State Park, 169 Poole Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
With over 40 miles of trails, Monadnock State Park is one of the best parks for hiking in the state. Home to the 3,165-footMount Monadnock, a designated National Natural Landmark, this is quite a popular spot for hikers. To take better advantage of the hiking opportunities here, I highly encourage you to reserve a campsite. That way you can hike as many trails as you want over the course or two or three days, or even longer! Check out all the hiking and other things to do in Monadnock State Park.
12. Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
Hiking with stunning coastal views? Sign me up! Odiorne Point State Park is one of the best state parks in New Hampshire in summer. However, it is open for recreation year-round. Picnicking is a favorite activity here as visitors enjoy views of the Seacoast Region of NH while hikers and families enjoy the trails. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife throughout the park, too! There are so many things to do in Odiorne Point State Park, so set aside enough time to explore it all!
Little-Known State Parks In New Hampshire
While we already touched upon some of the most popular state parks, some lesser-known parks also deserve our attention. These parks also don’t draw the crowds that the popular ones do so you may encounter a bit more peace at them.
13. Pillsbury State Park
100 Clemac Trail, Washington, NH 03280, USA
While located in a remote part of the Granite State, Pillsbury State Park is 4.500 unspoiled acres that includes woods, wetlands, and ponds. Plenty of wildlife can be found throughout this park along with historic sites like cellar holes that once belonged to a farm settlement in the area. Take a look at more things to do in Pillsbury State Park.
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14. Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249, USA
Situated at the southwest end of Lake Winnipesaukee, Ellacoya State Park promises stunning water views and a relaxing day at the lake. This park is ideal for families who can enjoy a vacation camping, swimming, and basking in the summer sun. Take a look at more things to do in Ellacoya State Park.
15. Ahern State Park
Ahern State Park, 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
At only 128 acres, Ahern State Park is a little-known state park that most people in New Hampshire have never even heard of. A complete hidden gem, visitors can enjoy quiet and solitude while hiking, mountain biking, or sitting lakeside. Check out more things to do in Ahern State Park.
What is your favorite state park? Are there any others you would add to this list of the best state parks in New Hampshire? Let us know!
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