Things to do in New Hampshire, United States: The Best State Parks

January 13, 2022 Carley Gatson

If you are looking for diversity, you will certainly find it in New Hampshire. From lakes to beaches, waterfalls to woods and mountains to sea coast, the state has huge potential for outdoor vacations, including downhill or cross-country skiing in winter. With no less than seventy-five state parks that offer natural areas, hiking trails, beaches and historic sites, New Hampshire caters for a variety of tastes. Crawford Notch State Park in Harts Location has picturesque waterfalls, wonderful mountain views and opportunities for viewing wildlife. You can go hiking and fishing there as well as pay a visit to the historic Willey House. Monadnock State Park, unlike some other state parks, is open all year round for hiking. Want to go swimming? You will find five state park beaches along the coast of New Hampshire, such as Wallis Sands with its view of the rocky Isles of Shoals. On North Hampton State Beach and Jenness Beach you can have a picnic as well as a swim. When you've finally had your fill of fresh air, head for the Museum of New Hampshire History in Concord with exhibits focusing on heritage and traditions; children should enjoy them just as much as adults.
Restaurants in New Hampshire

1. Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park.aspx
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 639 reviews

Franconia Notch State Park

Named one of the 12 best state parks in America.

Reviewed By MT1 - Aurora, United States

I lived in NH for many years and have passed through Franconia Notch many times, back when the actual Old Man of the Mountain actually existed. This is a beautiful drive, especially in the Fall, and there are lots of places to stop and things to do - the Old Man of the Mountain "hologram" if you will, the Flume Gorge, the Basin, Profile Lake, hiking trails, etc. If you are visiting NH you should definitely make a visit here, and you can also check out the nice little town of Littleton on the north side of "the Notch".

2. White Mountain National Forest

Kancamagus Highway Supervisors Office, NH 03246-2741 +1 603-536-6100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 236 reviews

White Mountain National Forest

Great outdoors activities all year long.

Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States

My husband and I visited White Mountain National Forest this week for some pandemic-safe hiking because we heard it was forecasted to be peak foliage. We were so glad we did because the scenery was breathtaking, featuring all the gorgeous colors of autumn. There were tons of beautiful overlooks to stop at and a diverse selection of trails. We decided to hike the Champney Falls Trail and it was a lovely trail that followed the brook through the leaves to the waterfall. This Forest is definitely a must-see in Autumn!

3. Dixville Notch State Park

Route 26 Dixville Notch, Dixville, NH +1 603-538-6965
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Dixville Notch State Park

Reviewed By 519jeremiahz - Roseville, United States

We really enjoyed hiking up to the top of Table Rock, which overlooks the entire area around Dixville Notch. The views are amazing and actually a little breathtaking as well! Not too difficult, and most people would probably be able to complete this hike.

4. Lake Francis State Park

439 River Rd, Pittsburg, NH 03592-5672 +1 603-538-6965 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/lake-francis-state-park.aspx
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 53 reviews

Lake Francis State Park

Reviewed By camperJan52 - Lisbon, United States

Hiked a few trails, one was very overgrown the other was beautiful. Lake Francis is a beautiful lake with hiking, fishing, etc.

5. Mount Washington State Park

1598 Mount Washington Auto Road Sargent's Purchase, Mount Washington, NH 00176 +1 603-466-3347 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/mount-washington-state-park.aspx
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 97 reviews

Mount Washington State Park

Reviewed By AM731

Choosing when to go is tricky, choose a good, sunny day and yo may have to queue for hours to do it. Choose a less fine day and you won’t get the promised view from the summit. We first tried on a sunny Saturday and met a queue some way out from the entrance. We dutifully queued for over an hour but gave up when an operative told us that it would be at least another hour. We returned the next day, no queue, fantastic! You’re given a cassette to play which talks you through the climb and gives the history of the road’s construction. Continual advice to use low gear and to stop and cool the brakes on the way down. It’s fascinating to see the change in vegetation and tree cover at different heights. The road is built to take passing traffic but is narrow and does have sheer drops. Some drivers find that difficult and try and take more than their share of it! It was very windy when we parked and got out, I needed to hold on. The low cloud soaked you too. Underfoot there was ice in places. The cafe was basic but the food and drink was gratefully received. The gift shop was as expected. The museum was excellent, very informative. The post office was the only one I saw in the States during our visit. Really worth doing, highly recommended.

6. Jericho Mountain State Park

298 Jericho Rd, Berlin, NH 03570-1318 +1 603-752-4758 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/jericho-mountain-state-park.aspx
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Jericho Mountain State Park

Reviewed By redjeep14 - Cheshire, United States

When you are atving or just camping it is a very nice state park. Great trails and beautiful lake and scenery.

7. Mount Monadnock State Park

Jaffrey, NH +1 603-532-8862 http://www.monadnocktrails.com
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 216 reviews

Mount Monadnock State Park

The climb to the top of the 3,165-foot-peak is a popular activity in this picturesque park.

Reviewed By bklyn56 - Westford, United States

BRING LAYERS! This hike is a great workout in both endurance and strength. The trail starts off with a very long slight grade and then ramps up to a steep and rocky assault. Parts of it are a climb, not a hike, but it is well worth the effort. Weather on the summit varies greatly so check the weather. 3 weeks ago we summitted in short sleeves to a cloudless sky. Last weekend we summitted onto what quickly became a cloudburst of horizontal snow and driving wind which subsided just below the summit. There is already ice on the trail but you can navigate around it.

8. Miller State Park

Peterborough, NH +1 603-924-3672 http://www.nhstateparks.com/miller.html
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Miller State Park

Alternative for non-climbers where visitors can drive to the 2,288-foot summit.

Reviewed By Eastlight108 - Peterborough, United States

Good hike or drive up the switchbacks, fantastic views, take a picnic or count the raptors in the fall, it's a lovely small park.

9. Odiorne Point State Park

Route 1A, Rye, NH 03870-2104 +1 603-436-7406 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park.aspx
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Odiorne Point State Park

A 330-acre park on the coastline.

Reviewed By 393-On-The-Road - Venice, United States

Happened upon this place while exploring the area. Crashing waves on the windy day we were there. Great photography location of the Portsmouth Harbor and Kittery Point, Me. across the river. Science Museum with hand on exhibits and bathroom facilities during the summer season Plenty of ample parking with level paved walkways for easy accessibility. Since we were off season there was no fee to park.

10. Mount Sunapee State Park & Ski Area

1398 Route 103, Newbury, NH 03255-5943 +1 603-763-3500 [email protected] http://www.mountsunapee.com
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 210 reviews

Mount Sunapee State Park & Ski Area

A 3,000-acre recreation area which offers a full-fledged Adventure Park with ziplines, ropes courses, mini golf, disc golf, hiking trails, restaurant and more. During the winter months Mount Sunapee is home to a premier ski area with 66 trails and 11 lifts and known for excellent trail conditions.

Reviewed By rebeccadP8802IH - Wakefield, United States

This is a great spot for the whole family. Fun year round. Excellent staff & great pricing. Highly recommend the trails & mini golf. Look forward to trying out the adventure course next time!

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