If you’re planning a trip to New Hampshire, you’ll want to make sure you check out some of the state’s national parks. Whether you’re looking to hike the Appalachian Trail, or visit Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, there are so many great spots to explore!
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,000-mile long hiking thoroughfare that stretches from Georgia to Maine. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves nature!
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is one of America's most cherished hiking trails. The trail stretches from Maine to Georgia, and features stunning views along the way. It passes through 14 states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia), eight national forests, and six units of the national park system.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a rewarding experience, whether you're a novice or a pro. It can take up to five to seven months to hike the entire 2,200-mile stretch.
In addition to being a great way to enjoy nature, hiking the Appalachian Trail is a fantastic way to learn more about the history of the region. This popular path is dotted with historical monuments and structures that date back to the early days of the United States.
While the Appalachian Trail is a major attraction for hikers throughout New Hampshire, there are several other places to visit in the area that provide similar natural beauty. Among them is Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, which was created to preserve the life and works of Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
The 370-acre (149 ha) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park is located in Cornish in western New Hampshire. It includes the home and studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, as well as his gardens.
New Hampshire is one of America’s most beautiful and unique states, home to forested mountains and pristine wilderness. The state has a total of 93 state parks, which are perfect for getting back to nature.
As part of our road trip through New England, we were lucky enough to visit Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish, NH. This is the only national park in New Hampshire and a must-see for visitors.
The historic park preserves the summer residence and studio of renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The house and landscaped gardens were his permanent home from 1900 until his death in 1907.
This beautiful property is a must for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. The site features over 100 original sculptures from Saint-Gaudens, as well as lush gardens and exhibits in the house.
There are also several trails winding through the woods of the park’s 100 acres. In addition, interpretive wayside panels explain the area’s natural history.
A Junior Ranger program is offered daily at 1 pm and 10:30 am on Fridays & Saturdays. The program includes visits to the sculptures in the park along with some puzzles and matching games.
Rollins State Park is situated on the southern slope of Mount Kearsarge, a 2,937-foot peak that provides spectacular views of Boston and surrounding mountains. From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of Sunapee, Ragged and Cardigan Mountains.
There are multiple trails that climb Mt. Kearsarge from either Winslow or Rollins State Parks, varying in length and difficulty. The one-mile Winslow Trail climbs steeply through rock staircases and granite ledges, while the 1.5 mile Barlow Trail offers several vistas.
Another popular option is a short hike up to a fire tower at the top of the mountain, providing even more spectacular views. On a clear day, the view extends to Boston and the White Mountains to the north.
You can also take part in a 75-mile loop trail known as the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway. This trail links four state parks, three state forests and one wildlife management area in New Hampshire.
Hiking the trails at Rollins State Park is a great way to see beautiful scenery while enjoying an active adventure. There are multiple trails to choose from that provide breathtaking views of the Boston area, lush forests, crotched mountains and river valleys.
