new hampshire parks for kids

1. Franconia Notch State Park Learn about Notch’s history at the visitor cen- ter, then hike into Flume Gorge. Go swimming in Echo Lake and visit the Basin. End the trip with a ride on the Aerial Tramway and marsh- mallows by a campfire. Buddy Bison’s Fact Bites! 2. Mount State Park Hike the Alpine Garden Trail to see alpine flowers and stop by the Tip-Top House historic • The first public library in the hotel. Be sure to check out the observatory was founded in and catch the view from the top of New En- gland’s highest mountain! Peterborough in 1833. 6. Go canoeing or kayaking, have fun on the • The state’s motto is “Live Free 3. playground, go swimming or fishing in the gla- cial lake, then spend the night camping! or Die.” Of the thirteen original Discover marine life in the Seacoast Science colonies, New Center and look through the tide pools of the Sunken Forest to spot sea urchins and crabs.

www.parktrust.org ­ Hampshire was the first to de- Hike to Frest Point and fish off the jetty. 7. clare independence. Hike one of the many trails and bring some snacks for a picnic. In the winter, try snowshoe- ing or cross-country skiing! Camp overnight. • is known as the 4. Saint-Gaudens National “Granite State,” referring to its Historic Site vast granite formations, and the Complete the Valley Quest program, then hike 8. “Mother of Rivers” for the rivers the Ravine Trail to Blow-Me-Up Brook, the Tem- Enjoy the playground or canoe and kayak. Go ple, and a historic swimning hole. of New England that hail from fishing, then enjoy a nice picnic. Roast s’mores at night and enjoy camping in the backwoods New Hampshire. 5. by boat or backpacking. • It is also called the “White Moun- Walk down to the beach and go for a swim in the ocean. Bring a picnic, make a sand castle and tain State” and the “Switzerland view the Isle of Shoals just off the shore. of America.”

All photos courtesy of Frank Lee Ruggles Photography.