State Parks of New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park in the White
Mountains area offers a wide assortment of activities.
Its sparkling lakes are enjoyed by swimmers, as well as
boater and fishermen. Its rapidly flowing streams and rivers
provide kayaking and canoeing excitement. More adventure
can be found by hiking or biking the mountain trails through
paths lined by pines, firs and maples. You can spend a day
or reserve a campsite and spend the night. Nearby is the
Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site and Franconia Heritage
Museum.
Echo Lake State Park is a favorite place to get back to nature. You can relax as you swim, fish, or boat in the mountain lake, hike the path to the 700 foot Cathedral Ledge 9also a particular favorite of rock climbers) or simply soak in the majestic views in the shade of White Horse Ledge.
Umbagog Lake State Park in Errol offers the chance to get away from it all. You can choose from tent sites, cabins and even campsites accessible by boat then spend your day(s) watching the wildlife, fishing the 10 mile long lake, swimming or fishing. Nearby is the 20,900 Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge which is home to eagles, ospreys, moose and other amazing animals.
Kingston State Park in the Seacoast region is a family oriented park. While there you can go swimming, fishing, and boating in its waterways. For fun of a drier sort, there is volleyball, softball, horseshoes and a picnic area.
Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham is a great place for hiking and biking along the scenic trails, fishing in Pawtuchaway Lake, climbing in Boulder Field or eating a picnic lunch. Additional fun –skiing, sledding and other snow sports can be had during the winter months. Campsites are available.
White Lake State Park in Ossipee is touted as one of the
area’s best places to swim. However, camping, fishing and
boating are available as well. Of special interest is the
wildlife viewing trails around the lake.
Crawford Notch State Park - is one New Hampshire’s most impressive
areas. It is lined with Mount Nancy and Willey to its west
and the Crawford, Webster and Jackson Mountains to its east.
The park headquarters is where the Willey homestead once
was. While there, be sure to visit the interpretive center
to learn more about the park’s history and ecology. Other
activities include fishing, trout feeding, picnicking and
hiking trails on the Appalachian system.
Photo Credits: Franconia by J Cardinal; Crawford Notch by Ron Reiring
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