New Hampshire State Parks

Situated on the ocean, Odiorne is an ideal park for families because its hiking and biking trails are accompanied by fantastic sea views. What's more, there is an outdoor adventure playground that will delight, plus picnic areas and restrooms. Your family can also visit the Seacoast Science Center when you visit the park, which offers you a fascinating insider perspective on the park's diverse marine life.

With over ten thousand acres of wilderness, there's plenty of room for your family to run around here. Bear Brook is also the state's largest developed state park, with more than 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails for you to explore. Rent a canoe or kayak and try your hand at archery. Don't leave without checking out three museums; the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, and the Old Allenstown Meeting House.

Children's imaginations will whiz when they see the antiquated machine shop and control post at this former military establishment. Unique among New Hampshire's State Parks, it is packed with artifacts from both World Wars, plus an enthralling 'Shipwrecks of the New Castle' exhibit.

Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop and Falling Waters Trail, through the White Mountain range. You will ascend to an elevation of 5,260 feet on Mount Lafayette. From there you can traverse Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette, soaking up sublime views on all sides as you go. Midweek and off season are the least crowded times in which to take on this hike.

The ultimate White Mountain loop lasts for 19 miles, and winds from Mount Tripyramid to the Kate Sleeper Trail. Follow the Livermore Trail, which follows a burbling brook, until your reach the Sandwich Wilderness. Forests filled with wispy Wizard's Beard boasts the freshest air you've ever inhaled. Look out for wild blueberries as you ascend.

Take on the Mount Major Trail. From the summit of Mount Major, you'll enjoy views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The fastest way up to the 1,786 foot summit is via this trail, which is moderately challenging and stretches for three and a half miles there and back.

Facilities for hiking, biking, and rock climbing await at this stunning state park. Popular with swimmers in the summer, it's a good idea to get here early to avoid the crowds. Climb the lookout fire tower and keep your eyes peeled for scampering deer and blue heron fishing at the lake.

Gray fox and ermine dart through Bear Brook, where for half the year the trees are adorned with pretty garnishes of snow. Trudge through the winter wonderland of crystalline trees in the colder months, or snowmobile for faster exploration of this serene alpine ice palace.

Camping beneath the stars in the White Mountains, you can look up and spot constellations recognized by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Look out for the Dipper, which formed a bear to their eyes, the three 'handle' stars as hunters in pursuit. The Corona Borealis or Northern Crown and Hercules are also visible when the campfire grows dim. Tamworth is just far enough away from the glare of the city that the star-flooded sky reflects in the crystalline lake beneath.