By Mitchell Craig, SCA Interpretive Ranger
With the arrival of cooler temperatures and Fall colors, now is a great time to explore New Hampshire’s 93 sites within the State Park system. Don’t have time to visit them all? Worry not, we have come up with 10 ‘hidden gems’ that are sure to delight families, couples, and everyone in between to enjoy the great outdoors! These ‘gems’ often do not see as many visitors compared to other more popular sites and offer unparalleled opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and more!
Before you hit the road to explore these ‘hidden gems,’ be sure to read any rules and regulations for each site. Some of these sites may be open on weekends only or close to motor vehicle access after Labor Day.
1. Madison Boulder Natural Area
Address: 473 Boulder Rd, Madison, NH 03849
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: None.
2. Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Address: 1823 Route 9, Chesterfield, NH 03443
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area allows visitors to experience the powerful force of erosion up close. The main hiking trail is approximately .7 miles long and winds through a glacial stream with small cascades, waterfalls, and scenic views. The geology of the Chesterfield Gorge dates back to the last Ice Age where large pieces of sediment laden glacier water began to shape this landscape. Today, visitors can walk through the Gorge to see evidence of these powerful forces of erosion.
3. Wadleigh State Park
Address: 78 Wadleigh State Park Road, Sutton, NH 03221
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes
Wadleigh State Park is situated on the beautiful shores of Kezar Lake. The park provides outstanding opportunities for swimming, picnicking, non-motorized watercraft, and sunbathing. Visitors can kayak, paddle, or swim to a nearby island on the lake, where there are abundant wild blueberries. The park has a bathhouse, playground area, ballfield, and a wide sandy beach to enjoy a full day in the sun. Wadleigh State Park is great for young families with children or those who enjoy the calm, placid atmosphere of a day on the lake.
4. Rhododendron State Park
Address: 424 Rockwood Pond Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes
Rhododendron State Park is situated on a lovely 16-acre grove of Rhododendron flowers which bloom from early spring to late fall. A 0.6 mile universally accessible trail allows visitors to experience the blooms up close and experience the best of New Hampshire’s natural beauty. In the Fall, experience the last bloom of the Rhododendron with the contrast of foliage on the trees. For an extended stay, enjoy a picnic at the numerous tables spread beneath the towering grove of Rhododendrons.
5. Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site
Address: 83 Milan Road, Milan, NH 03588
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: None
The Nansen Ski Jump was constructed in 1936-1938 as the premier ski jump facility in the eastern United States. Several Olympic trials and United States Ski Jumping National Championships were held here during the 2nd half of the 20th century. The Ski Jump has a 171-foot steel frame tower and supports a 310-foot-long runway. Recent efforts have revitalized plans to bring back this iconic piece of New Hampshire’s ski jumping history. The ski jump is conveniently located along the route to Milan Hill State Park, a secluded area for camping and hiking. Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site
6. Beaver Brook Falls Wayside
Address: 432 Route 145, Colebrook, NH 03576
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: None
Beaver Brook Falls Wayside is a beautiful spot to observe the namesake 80-foot Beaver Falls. The site has a scenic picnic area for waterfall viewing and a small shelter for larger group events. In the Fall, enjoy the foliage in contrast to the powerful currents of Beaver Falls. Beaver Brook Falls Wayside is a convenient roadside stop on the way to Coleman State Park and Lake Francis State Park.
7. Dixville Notch State Park
Address: 1212 West Route 26, Dixville, NH 03576
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: None
Dixville Notch State Park is a small, yet rugged gorge carved between a narrow notch. Here, you’ll find hikes, cascades, and a panoramic drive through the notch. In the Fall, enjoy the foliage in contrast to the jagged peaks and the beautiful lake Gloriette. The 1 ½ mile Table Rock hiking trail rewards hikers with a 360 degree view of the notch below.
8. Milan Hill State Park
Address: 72 Fire Tower Road, Milan, NH 03588
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes.
Milan Hill State Park is a secluded, peaceful campground perfect for families or couples wanting to enjoy New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. The hilltop campground offers 10 campsites including 4 yurts and an Adirondack-style shelter. In addition, a fire tower offers panoramic mountain views of Vermont, Maine, and Canada.
9. Pillsbury State Park
Address: 100 Pillsbury State Park Road, Washington, NH 03280
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes.
Pillsbury State Park provides ample opportunity for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. With an abundance of lakes, marshes, and ponds, Pillsbury State Park is the perfect spot to see wildlife, including moose and loons. The campground has 35 sites, with two sites only accessible by boat! If you want a serene, peaceful setting for camping, look no further than Pillsbury State Park.
10. Weeks State Park
Address: 200 Weeks State Park Road, Lancaster, NH 03584
Hours: This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.
Entrance Fee: Yes.
Weeks State Park and the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site provides visitors with access to the Mount Prospect estate, a beautiful property built in 1941. The Mount Prospect estate holds formal educational tours and programs during the Summer for groups & families. Visitors can access a collection of hiking trails around the property or tour the property with a guide.
