By Kyle Durant, SCA Interpretive Ranger Nestled in the heart of southwestern New Hampshire, under a canopy of hemlock and red maple, stands the largest grove of rhododendrons in northern New England. Each year in late June and July Rhododendron State Park bursts with beautiful flowers and enticing scents. Located in sleepy Fitzwilliam New Hampshire, […]
Category: The NH State Park Experience
Why Eagles?
Andrew Kniska, SCA Interpretive Ranger As I drove up to the Great North Woods, I was tired after driving three hours in a rural place I had never been before. I had come down from the White Mountains, a vast expanse of stone and tree that truly makes one feel small and drove into a […]
Where there’s Smokey, There’s Fire Prevention
Carolyn Sill, SCA Interpreter He needs no introduction, though I’m giving him one anyway. Though he’s 80 years old, and weighs over 300 pounds (as per his official site), he bear-ly looks any different than he did in the 1950’s. He can be found everywhere, from giant cutouts along the road, to public service announcements […]
The Wild Weather of Franconia Notch
By Liz Hoffman, SCA Interpretive Ranger You’re headed to Franconia Notch State Park for a day hike: the skies are clear, the sun is warm against your back, and nothing is stopping you from reaching the summit of Mt. Lafayette. Well, except for the thunderstorm approaching twenty minutes after you ascend the trail. That wasn’t in […]
Abenaki Food: Pemmigan
You may know that the Abenaki are the local indigenous tribe on much of New Hampshire- but did you know that they were some of the first creators of the energy bar? That’s right, the original power bar was invented by indigenous people of North America. The name of this food comes from the language […]
Find your new Franconia Faves at the Hiker Cabin!
By Yasmine Baiod Anyone who has ever taken I-93, through Franconia Notch has probably seen the Hiker Cabin in the field of Lafayette Place Campground. You have probably peered through the windows, trying to check in or looking for the bathroom, only to find it empty. Well, great news! While there is still no bathroom […]
Rhododendron Bloom Update, July 2, 2024
Hi Folks- Yesterday (Tuesday, July 2 2024) I toured the Rhododendron Loop at Rhododendron State Park and saw that the flower blossoms are a bit ahead of schedule. I would say that perhaps the next week or so might be the best time for viewing the blooms, but please keep in mind that this is […]
Discover the Power of Parks
By Kate Banyas, Education Coordinator for the SCA NH Conservation Corps New Hampshire State Parks has so much to offer our visitors- from the cultural heritage sites, breathtaking views, lake-side beaches, and an endless list of outdoor recreational activities! But did you know that New Hampshire State Parks also offers educational programs? Discover the Power […]
Summer Season at Rhododendron State Park
By Ted Lenk Do you remember way back in June 2024 when all the cultivated Rhododendrons in this region were in full bloom? It was yet another amazingly prolific season, this year seemingly more beautiful than ever. The native Rhododendron maximus (also known as “Great rhododendron”) at Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam, NH are still […]
New Hampshire’s 2024-2028 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Management Plan (SCORP).
By: State of NH Parks Community Recreation Bureau To help create the SCORP, we worked with UNH’s Recreation Management and Policy program (https://www.facebook.com/unhrmp/) to survey thousands of NH outdoor recreationalists and every day this week, we’re going to share with you a different priority area they helped identify. 1. A recent example of “The Recreation […]