New Hampshire & Vermont: A Guide to the State Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas

New Hampshire & Vermont: A Guide to the State Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas

Barbara Sinotte

A Word About Hiking...

Checklist for a Day of Hiking

New Hampshire

State Parks

Androscoggin River

Annett State Forest

Bear Brook State Park

Charles L. Peirce Wildlife & Forest Reservation

Coleman State Park

Connecticut Lakes State Forest

Crawford Notch State Park

Echo Lake State Park

Fox Forest

Franconia Notch State Park

Gap Mountain

Gile Memorial State Forest

Hemenway State Forest

Lake Francis State Park

Miller State Park

Moose Brook State Park

Mt. Kearsarge

Mt. Monadnock

Mt. Sunapee State Park

Mt. Washington

Odiorne Point State Park

Ossipee Lake/Heath Pond Bog

Pawtuckaway State Park

Peabody Forest

Pillsbury State Park

Pine River State Forest

Pisgah State Park

Squam Lakes Region

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge

White Lake State Park

White Mountain National Forest

Vermont

State Parks

Ascutney State Park

Atherton Meadow Wildlife Management Area

Bomoseen State Park

Branbury State Park

Burton Island State Park

Button Bay State Park

Calvin Coolidge State Forest

Camel’s Hump Forest Reserve

Cornwall Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Elmore State Park

Emerald Lake State Park

Gifford Woods State Park

Green Mountain National Forest

Groton State Forest

Little Otter Creek Wildlife Management Area

Little River State Park

Maidstone State Park

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Pine Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Plymsbury Wildlife Management Area

Putnam State Forest

Quechee Gorge State Park

Townshend State Park

Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area

Wenlock Wildlife Management Area

Willoughby State Forest

Woodford State Park

A Word About Hiking...

Hiking is by far the most popular activity in state and national parks. Most of the trails are clearly marked. Off-trail travel (commonly referred to as bushwhacking) is practiced by the more adventurous hikers – especially in the less-populated areas.

Trails in many state parks have been rated by taking into consideration the length of the hike and the degree of difficulty. If you are not sure which trails are appropriate for you and your family, talk to a park ranger. If you do not exercise regularly, start on beginner trails and increase your distances gradually. Trail maps are usually available either at the trail head or at the ranger station.

While trail signs vary widely, there are a few common markings that everyone should be familiar with. Periodic paint blazes on trees or rocks are clearly the most popular indication of a trail. Plastic markers are often nailed to trees or metal signs or attached to their own wooden posts. Where there are no trees, trails are often marked with piles of rocks.

Watch for trail markers and make a habit of looking for them – for your own safety and the safety of those hiking with you. It does not take away from the enjoyment of hiking and will soon become just another natural thing to do.

If you want to go bushwhacking, be careful. Make your first attempts in open areas with limited undergrowth – such as a desert area where the terrain is a little easier to tackle. Bushwhacking through areas of dense vegetation is for the more experienced hiker and should only be attempted with map, water, and compass in hand.

Whether you are bushwhacking or following marked trails, set a comfortable pace for yourself. You are not in a race and can better take in the surroundings if you don’t rush your excursion. Attempting to go too fast can ruin all the fun and burn you out before you are half-way through your hike. Stumbling or tripping is a clear sign that you may indeed need to slow down.

Remember to take frequent rest stops. Don’t wait for fatigue to tell you it’s time to slow down. A 10- to 15-minute stop every hour or so is a good idea when you begin. After a while, you will know what is best for you.

Don’t speed over the rough areas of a trail. Watch out for tree roots and old logs that may be damp and slippery. If you are not sure of your footing, it is wise to crouch just a bit, lowering your center of gravity to reduce the  likelihood of falling. Steep trails have caused many hikers to loose their balance and take a tumble. Descending tends to be more hazardous than ascending and requires a little more attention. Hold onto small trees or rocks. When in doubt, sitting and easing your way down on your rear might be the way to go.

It is important to choose a trail that is comfortable for everyone. Younger children should be introduced to hiking with short walks. It is more fun and educational if they can be involved in planning the hike.

Checklist for a Day of Hiking

Hiking boots

Day pack

Water bottle

Waterproof poncho

Extra sweater

Snack foods

Toilet paper

Plastic litter bag

2 pairs of hiking socks

Liner socks

Long pants

Long-sleeved shirt

Shell parka or windbreaker

In summer you should include:

T-shirt

Shorts

Extra