Considering a big move to New Hampshire? This state is jam-packed with scenic adventures, beautiful New England landscapes, exciting cities, and wildlife. Consider the bounty of nature with mountains (including the White Mountains), valleys, lakes, wetlands, coastal sandy beaches, and lush forests. Known as The Granite State for its numerous granite quarries, New Hampshire is a rich state loaded with white pines, sugar maple, and birds like great horned owls, nighthawks, and woodpeckers.
Uncover the best state parks in New Hampshire:
Mount Washington State Park
Google Rating: 4.9
Immerse yourself in over 60 acres of land surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. Delight in camping, hiking, swimming, and horseback riding, plus a bevy of winter sports including snowshoeing, mushing, snowmobiling, and more. Explore the green space’s trails and get wow-worthy views from the state park’s Mount Washington Observatory. Finish off the trip with a visit to the historic Tip Top House.
Nansen Wayside Park
Google Rating: 4.5
Are you a skiing enthusiast? Well, you’re in luck with Nansen Wayside Park, as it’s one of the premiere spots for ski jumping. Built in 1936, this ski jump was originally the largest of the time, but the state park is now famed for other nature-led activities as well. During a visit to Nansen Wayside Park, take part in hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking.
Franconia Notch State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Take a trip to the White Mountain National Forest, and you’ll find Franconia Notch State Park. This nature preserve is a picture-perfect location for hiking and admiring scenic views. There’s no lack of activities to dig into, as it’s laden with nature-enriching fun. Think camping stays, swimming, boating, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. But perhaps one of the most essential visits to Franconia Notch State Park is the famed Old Man of the Mountain site, also known as Great Stone Face, which is a series of five granite cliffs resembling a face. Make a pit stop to visit the wondrous waterfall, walk through Flume Gorge, and explore Cannon Mountain and Eagle Cliffs (where eagles sometimes roost).
Monadnock State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Located by Mount Monadnock is Monadnock State Park, an impressive parcel of land clocking in at 1,017 acres. The state park is surrounded by protected highlands and offers year-round recreational experiences like camping, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Every trail provides photo-ready landscapes featuring natural plants and rock formations.
Crawford Notch State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Ready for a loaded adventure? Head on over to Crawford Notch State Park, an over 5,700 acres expanse, and head right into wonder as you wander. This spot is a hiker’s dream with its numerous trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing (like ravens, winter wrens, and three-toed woodpeckers), fishing, and mountain views. Popular hiking trails include Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop. Beyond hiking and walking trails, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Echo Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Fancy a swim? Pencil Echo Lake State Park into your to-do list. The 15.7-acre state park is well-known for swimming and picnicking, but it’s also a sweet sanctuary for scenic views courtesy of the one-mile trail that loops around Echo Lake—including two rock ledges called Cathedral Rock Ledge and White Horse Ledge. Make a relaxing day of it with non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking.
Wellington State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
There are more swimming spots to explore, and Wellington State Park is another must-see for any nature lover. The state park has one of the largest freshwater swimming beaches in New Hampshire, and it’s perfect for warm-weather swims or cold-weather walks along the shore. Take on some glorious hiking trails that wind through the state park, then dive in for a swim or go for a canoe excursion and kayaking. Fishing is also allowed at Wellington State Park.
Jericho Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Ready for a ride? Jericho Mountain State Park is your best bet, as visitors flock to this spot every year for its miles of trail riding. Attendees can partake in rides throughout the seasons, including trail bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, and more. The state park also offers a 4×4 Jeep and truck off-roading trail for enthusiasts. Recreational areas include a beach, a reservoir, and picnic sites.
Miller State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Plan a visit to the oldest state-run park in New Hampshire: Miller State Park. Located on the summit of Pack Monadnock, the state park hosts three main hiking trails, the most notable being a 21-mile footpath called the Wapack Trail. From photo-worthy views along the trails, beautiful mountains, full trees, and birdwatching at nearly every turn. This pet-friendly park is a surefire way to have a day’s hike admiring foliage, florals, and local birds at overlooks. Visitors can also picnic and snowshoe.
Winslow State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Rounding out the list is Winslow State Park, an impressive state park located near the northwestern area of Mount Kearsarge in Wilmot, New Hampshire. This pet-friendly spot has small hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and most notably, an awesome picnic area on a 1,820-foot plateau with views of White Mountains, Mount Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, and Pleasant Lake.
The Granite State
Thinking of moving to New Hampshire? Check out our other articles on ‘Best Places to Live in New Hampshire’ and when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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