Camping, Parks and Recreation Areas in New Hampshire's Monadnock Region

ANNETT STATE PARK - RINDGE

Open and shaded picnic sites and walking trails within 1,336 acres of woodland, near the Cathedral of the Pines. Located on Cathedral Road two miles off of Rt. 119. For more information 532-8862 or 271-3556.

CASALIS STATE FOREST - PETERBOROUGH

This 228 acre state forest is managed by the NH Division of Forests and Lands and the NH Fish and Game Dept for timber and wildlife resources. Located between NH Route 123 and Condy Road. For more information call 464-3453.

CATHEDRAL OF THE PINES - RINDGE

Beautiful panoramic views of Mount Monadnock can be seen at this outdoor memorial to all who have given their lives in service to this country. The Bell Tower is the first memorial dedicated to women. Specific and non-denominational worship services. Museum and lovely gardens. Located on Cathedral Road, one mile off of Rt. 119. Open May through October. 899-3300.

FOX STATE FOREST - HILLSBOROUGH

20 miles of trails for day hikers within 1,445 acres of woodland. Forestry museum at headquarters and eco-center tours for groups by appointment. Located on Center Road, 464-3453.

GREENFIELD STATE PARK - GREENFIELD

401 acres on Otter Lake. Areas for campers and day visitors. Picnic grounds, tent sites, swimming, cross country skiing and snowmobiling . Day use fee $3.00/adult, $16/camping fee, (dogs allowed on leash in pet scamping area only). Located off Rt. 136, PO Box 203, Greenfield, NH 03047. 547-3497 summer and winter.

HARRIS CENTER FOR CONSERVATION EDUCATION - HANCOCK

Conservation center with hiking trails. Free weekend programs for the public. Wildlife management. Located on King's Highway. For more information, contact Cynthia Cadot 525-3394.

MACDOWELL LAKE - PETERBOROUGH

Located on Wilder Street at MacDowell Lake/Reservoir. Picnicking, walking paths, boating, fishing, hunting and trapping, swimming, Junior Ranger and Summer Interpretive Programs. Maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tours of dam available, 924-3431.

MILLER STATE PARK - PETERBOROUGH

Hike or drive to the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain (2,290'). Picnic area and fireplaces. Day use fee $3.00/adult. Located on Rt. 101, just west of Temple Mountain. Dogs allowed on leash only. 924-3672 April to November.

MONADNOCK STATE PARK - JAFFREY

Home of the most dominant land feature in this area, Mount Monadnock, with a summit of 3,165'. 40 miles of hiking trails, campground, picnic area with fireplaces, cross country skiing, toilet facilities and parking for year-round recreation. Day use fee $3.00/adult, $15/family camping fee. No dogs allowed. Park Office/Visitor Center located off Dublin Road (off of Rt. 124) in Jaffrey Center, 532-8862.

NUSSDORFER NATURE AREA - NEW IPSWICH

Over 60 acres of pristine woodlands, trails and water frontage. This great trail for family hiking is one mile SE on Rt. 124 from junction of Rt. 123. Trail is marked with yellow blazes, beginning moderately steep, then becomes an easy walk of approximately two miles. Good picnic site by Hoar Pond. Canoeing and fishing allowed. Overnite camping and campfires by permission. Open sunrise to sunset. Call 878-2772.

RHODODENDRON STATE PARK - FITZWILLIAM

Nearly 15 of its 494 acres of ancient woodlands are crowded with a unique stand of Rhododendron Maximum, the largest and most vigorous grove north of the Allegheny Mountains and east of the Mississippi, with bushes as high as twenty feet. Walking paths, picnic grounds, views of Mt. Monadnock and the region. Blossoms at peak mid-July. A National Nature Landmark. $3.00 day use fee. Located off Rhododendron Road - 532-8862.

SECCOMBE NATURE PARK - PETERBOROUGH

22 acres of walking trails adjacent to Adams Playground, between Union Street and MacDowell Road. Land donated by the Seccombe family and maintained by the Peterborough Recreation Department, 924-8080.

SHIELING STATE FOREST - PETERBOROUGH

An area of 45 acres of tree covered ridges and valleys with wildflower preserve, trails for walking, (dogs on leash permitted) cross country skiing and snowshoeing. A gift from well-known author Elizabeth Yates McGreal and maintained by the NH Division of Forests & Lands (PO Box 856, Concord, NH 03301, 271-2214). The Forestry Learning Center is open for the purpose of stimulating public interest and knowledge in properly managing small private woodlands. Its facilities are available to organizations for meetings with a conservation purpose. Located on Old Street Road or call Fox State Forest - 464-3453. For a list of events held at Shieling Forest call 431-6774.

WALES PRESERVE - SHARON

Just 4 1/2 miles south of Peterborough, these 48 acres are located on a plateau of rolling, wooded, hilly uplands between 900' and 1,200' above sea level. The backbone of the preserve is the Gridley River, running east to west, turning north, dropping off 120' over the perserve's 3,650' length. From Rt. 101/202 intersection, take 202 S for 1.3 miles and turn left on Sharon Road. Travel 2.8 miles to Spring Hill Road. Preserve is 1/2 mile on the right.

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