There are 76 State Parks in the state of New Hampshire and depending on how far you stretch the limits, 22 of those are located in the White Mountains. We love all of our state parks and it is tough to choose favorites, but these 9 you will definitely want to add to your list on your next visit.
Beaver Brook Falls Wayside (Colebrook, NH)
Head up to the northern section of the White Mountains to Colebrook, where you will find Beaver Brook Falls. This 80’ waterfall is within the 7.3-acre state park which also features picnic tables, a picnic shelter, and restroom facilities.
Cathedral Ledge State Park (North Conway, NH)
Drive or hike the mile-long auto road to the 700-foot rocky top of Cathedral Ledge State Park. Stunning views of the Saco River Valley and the White Mountains will greet you, and you may even see some rock climbers ascending this iconic ledge!
Crawford Notch State Park (Hart’s Location, NH)
With over 5,000 acres to explore, there is something for everyone in Crawford Notch State Park. Mount Willard, Arethusa Falls, and Mount Webster are just a few of the hikes in the park, as well as several private and state-owned campgrounds. Learn about the Willey Landslide at the Willey Visitor Center and Gift Shop and enjoy road-side waterfalls and mountain views.
Echo Lake State Park (North Conway, NH)
Looking for a great spot for a family beach day? Echo Lake State Park offers picturesque swimming, a nice sandy beach, and picnic areas. There are also many hiking trails that originate from this park, including paths leading up to nearby Cathedral Ledge.
Photo Courtesy @hi_itsmarissa
Franconia Notch State Park (Franconia, NH)
This mountain pass (locally known as a notch) offers some spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities (including hiking, swimming, paddleboating, fishing, and biking) as well as two of the White Mountains major attractions, the Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. (Reservations encouraged for both of those attractions). Visit the New England Ski Museum or check out the views from the Governor Gallen Memorial Bridge.
Jericho Mountain State Park (Berlin, NH)
Known primarily by enthusiasts for its incredible ATV and snowmobile trail system, Jericho Mountain State Park is also a great place to go fishing, swimming, camping, and canoeing.
Madison Boulder Natural Area (Madison, NH)
If you ever wanted to see North America’s largest glacial erratic, you’ve come to the right place. Madison Boulder is also one of the largest in the world! It is 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height above the ground, 37 feet in width, and weighs nearly 5,000 tons.
Mount Washington State Park (Summit of Mount Washington)
This state park is probably up there as the most adventurous one to get to, as you either must hike 6,288 feet to the summit, take the Mount Washington Auto Road, or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway. At the summit, you are treated to some of the most incredible and unpredictable weather in the world. The Sherman Adams Building houses the Visitor Center where you can get a bite to eat, explore the gift shop, and discover the Mount Washington Observatory Museum.
Weeks State Park (Lancaster, NH)
Located on Mount Prospect, this 446-acre estate was given to the state in 1941 by the children of John Wingate Weeks, the U.S. congressman and senator who helped spearhead the Weeks Act, which was the beginning on the National Forest system in the eastern United States. Today, Weeks State Park offers numerous trails for guests to enjoy, beautiful scenic overlooks, incredible panoramic views from the 1941 Mount Prospect Stone Tower, and tours of the John Wingate Weeks House Museum. (Please note that restorations are underway on the House Museum and it will remain closed for the 2025 summer season. The rest of the property is open during the operating season.) Check their website for information on their evening historical and nature programs in July and August.
Did your favorite NH State Park make the list? If not, which ones would you recommend? While you're out exploring our beautiful park system be sure to check out other fun ways to enjoy a summer visit to the White Mountains.
