Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NH State Parks

Happy Valentine’s Day! Tired of getting chocolates and flowers? Sick of picking out which sappy card to give your sweetheart? This year, give the best Valentine’s Day gift ever- a fun, memorable day in a State Park!

There’s plenty of things to do mid-winter in New Hampshire, especially this year. Because of unseasonably warm temperatures, much of the southern half of the state remains snowless, allowing for easy walks along ponds or beaches.

State parks are quiet and beautiful this time of year. Why not take a thermos full of hot chocolate or coffee and go watch the waves?

If you are craving snow, simply head north. I was at Franconia Notch State Park this weekend, and there was plenty of snow for snowshoeing and skiing.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing too tame for you? Head up to Cannon Mountain at Franconia Notch State Park to hit the slopes. Cannon has had more than 6 feet of snowfall this year- just check out these photos!


Don’t know how to ski? Sign up for a lesson, or give a lesson as a gift. You’ll be hitting the (bunny) slopes in no time.

Looking for an adrenaline rush, but not a fan of skiing? Many snowmobile trails are open this year. Check out this website for more information.

While in the Franconia Notch area, grab some snowshoes and go check out The Flume, a natural wonder. If you visit on a weekend, you’ll be sure to see some ice climbing.

A cool project you could start this Valentine’s Day is a seasonal photo collage. Go to the same place in a State Park several times over the year, then put all the photos together a year from now. It will make a great Valentine’s Day gift down the line!

Before you head out for a snowy adventure, be sure to check out local weather reports and snowfall data… The higher you go in the state, the more likely there is to be snow.

Are you spending your Valentine’s Day outside this year?

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Theresa Conn, New Hampshire State Parks Winter Intern

Hi all! My name is Theresa Conn, and I’m a sophomore Environmental Conservation Studies major at the University of New Hampshire. Growing up in suburban Massachusetts, my family always ventured north to Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains to hike and relax. When it came time to look at colleges, UNH was an easy choice; between its great location, variety of majors, and college-town feel, I was instantly hooked. In the Environmental Conservation program here, I’ve been learning about New Hampshire’s diminishing natural resources. The more time I spend in nature, the more I realize how important it is to conserve the natural spaces we have left. Keeping parts of New Hampshire wild is critical for the health of the planet and ourselves. What I’m interested in exploring while writing this blog are the people and stories behind the parks. Be it talking to hikers on the trails, going out with animal trackers to learn about wildlife, or meeting with the stewards who protect our lands, I want to know who’s out there and why. People are the force that drives land protection, and I hope that I can share their stories using film, photography, and journalism. Grand intentions aside, I can’t wait to find new ways to enjoy the long winter months. Staying pent up inside is boring, and I’m excited to find ways to get outside like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. I’m ready to explore all that New Hampshire State Parks have to offer, and look forward to sharing my adventures with you!

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