Knight's Pond Conservation Area
Knight's Pond Conservation Area in Alton is great place to hike, hunt, fish, picnic or watch wildlife -- a welcome retreat from the workaday world. Managed by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, New Hampshire Fish and Game and local landowners as a "multi-use" area, Knight's Pond Conservation Area features beautiful and important wetland areas and an undeveloped shoreline.
A footpath follows the entire shoreline of the 31-acre pond, giving you a good view of visiting waterfowl or one of the resident beavers. Surrounding the pond are more than 300 acres of diverse woodlands that provide food and cover for wildlife like ruffed grouse and deer. Keep an eye out for rare plants and birds. You might also see moose, great blue heron, snowshoe hare and painted turtles.
Dedicated fishermen willing to carry in a small boat can cast for warmwater
species including largemouth bass, bullheads, chain pickerel and sunfish.
Knight's Pond Conservation Area can be accessed off Route 28, south of Wolfeboro.
Click
here to download a map of the area.
Franconia Notch State Park
The Notch, as it's known, is a paradise for hikers and skiiers, with miles and
miles of backcountry to explore at the heart of the White Mountains National
Forest. Flanked by the imposing Franconia Ridge to the east and the Pemigewassett
Wilderness to the west, Franconia Notch State Park contains several popular
trailheads and some of the best views you'll find in New Hampshire.
Former home of the Old Man of the Mountain, the granite cliffs of Cannon overlook
Profile Lake and Echo Lake, two favorite fly-fishing spots. Click
here to learn more about Franconia Notch, the "gateway to the North Country,"
and Cannon Mountain.
Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife Journal host Willem Lange visits Esther Currier Wildlife Management
Area at Low Plain in New London, NH, where over forty years ago beavers dammed
Chandler Brook, creating a home for themselves -- and eventually for river otters,
wood ducks and more than a hundred-fifty other kinds of wildlife that thrive
here.
Visitors to the area will find much to explore along the self-guided nature trail, including a quaking bog, a beaver lodge and a pair of observation/hunting blinds where you can scope out the wildlife. There are a couple of places to launch a canoe or kayak, as well as favorable spots for fishing and duck hunting.
Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area was named in 1994 for Esther Currier, a founding member of the New London Conservation Commission, who first saw this area's potential as a nature reserve.
Access to the area is off Route 11 in New London. It may be seen as "Low Plain
Natural Area" on older maps. Click
here to download a map of the area.
Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area
Located on the west shore of the Bellamy River between Dover and Portsmouth, Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) features a wide variety of land types and habitats -- the river and its banks, of course, plus tidal creeks, saltwater and freshwater wetlands, second-growth woodlands, grasslands and former agricultural fields.
Bellamy has been a WMA since the early 1990s, after being acquired through the New Hampshire Land Conservation Investment Program and donations. Surrounded by several urban communities, Bellamy is valued by its human neighbors for hunting, fishing and other outdoor opportunities -- and as a natural refuge for all kinds of wildlife. The Bellamy River WMA lies within the Atlantic Flyway, so black ducks, Canada geese and even coot frequent the area. It's a major feeding and resting area for these and other migrating waterfowl, plus estuarine and shorebird species such as herons, gulls and osprey.
Trails on the 400-acre urban oasis are widely used by birders -- particularly those seeking grassland species -- and other wildlife-watchers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Hunting and trapping are permitted.
A project is underway to re-establish native grasslands at Bellamy River WMA. A commercial timber sale/habitat improvement project was recently completed to create patches and strip cuts to regenerate oak, provide woody browse and increase structural habitat diversity. Click here to download a map of the area.
Gile State Forest
Gile State Forest offers nearly 7,000 acres of woodlands in Springfield. Abandoned
roads in the forest cater to snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers who enjoy the
beauty of this place all winter long.
Settlers in the 1800s found most of the terrain too rugged for farming, and eventually cleared out, yielding this beautiful area to wildlife such as bear, mink and moose, as well as hunters and hikers.
One of the reasons this area is popular is the variety of destinations it offers, such as Kimpton Brook and Butterfield Pond, a popular fishing spot for pickerel and bass. Along the roads are old mica mines and cellar holes -- like the homestead of Colonel Sanborn, one of the area's prominent settlers. Farther up the road is Morgan Pond, one of the most pristine mountain lakes in Central New Hampshire.
Gardner Memorial Wayside Park is part of Gile State Forest, which spans 6,675
acres. The Wayside includes a memorial to Walter C. Gardner II, whose father
established Gile State Forest. In addition to the scenic picnic area with picnic
tables, it is also a popular place for hiking. Click
here for more information.
Enfield Wildlife Management Area
On Wild Places, host Willem Lange explores the 4,400 acres of the Enfield
Wildlife Management Area, the largest in the state. A primitive area with few
amenities, Enfield is home to deer, grouse, ducks, geese and wild turkeys. Willem
gives us a peek at a nesting Canada goose and other wildlife at easily accessible
George Pond. We also visit Cole Pond, a remote fly-fishing only trout pond in
the area. So sit back and enjoy this armchair tour of the Enfield Wildlife Management
Area, one of New Hampshire's more remote Wild Places.
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
New Hampshire and Maine share a 17,000-acre wildlife refuge, the beautiful,
untamed expanse of open lake, marshland, hidden coves and remote islands known
as Umbagog. Encompassing the full area of Lake Umbagog, the refuge offers endless
opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and wildlife watching. The handicap-accessible
Magalloway Trail, off Route 16, is an easy walk through a forested river's edge
to an observation platform overlooking the backwaters of the Magalloway River.
Visit lakeumbagog.fws.gov/VisitorInfo.htm
for more information.
Mt. Monadnock
From the 3,100-foot peak of Mt. Mondanock in Jaffrey, on a clear day, you can
see parts of all six New England states. You may also see red-tailed hawks,
moose, bobcats, and an array of other local wildlife. Though the climb is
reportedly the second most popular in the world (next to Mt. Fuji in Japan),
it's not the only draw: with 5,000 acres and a 40-mile trail network, Mt.
Mondanock State Park is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts of
all kinds. The facilities at this national Natural Landmark were built by
the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Click here to plan your visit
to Mt. Monadnock State Park (New Hampshire Division of Parks).
Kingman Farm
The historic 1718 Kingman Farm is one of the oldest in New Hampshire. Today,
it's owned by the University of New Hampshire and used as an outdoor classroom
for students studying forestry. The things they learn at Kingman Farm about
forest ecology and management benefit all of us. The public is also welcome
to explore the farm.
Join Wildlife Journal for a winter stroll along the miles of trails that snake
through snow-covered forests and meadows, and skirt icy ponds and streams.
Our cameras capture the natural beauty of this 365-acre winter wonderland and
the animals -- coyote, fox, deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and more -- that
live here.
Bear Brook State Park
At 10,000 acres, Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown is New Hampshire's largest
developed state park. In summer, you can hike, fish, swim, practice archery
at a target range, and bike at Bear Brook. By December, the park becomes
a winter wonderland in the woods -- with 40 miles of maintained trails shared
by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, mushers, and snowmobilers. Be sure to
check out the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, a half-mile from the
entrance.
For more information on Bear Brook State Park, click here.
Ashuelot River
From its source in the town of Washington, the Ashuelot
flows 64 miles through Cheshire County to where it empties into the Connecticut.
The Ashuelot River watershed is of vital importance to the Monadnock region
and its plant and wildlife diversity. Fishing and kayaking are two popular activities
here. When you're in southwest New Hampshire, it's worth a visit to the trails,
woods and gardens of beautiful 46-acre Ashuelot River Park, in the heart of
downtown Keene (click
here for info).
Souhegan River
From its source in Massachusetts, the Souhegan River flows north for 35 miles
before emptying into the Merrimack River shortly after tumbling over Wildcat
Falls in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The Souhegan's name comes from the tribe
of Penacook Indians that once occupied the area. Today, the Souhegan offers
rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing; whitewater canoeing and kayaking in
spring; and a long shorebank for scenic hiking throughout the year.
The Souhegan River Wildlife Management Area covers 200 acres in Greenfield.
Click
here for a map and description of Souhegan River WMA.
Farrar Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Ducks, deer and people find much
to love in Hillsboro's Farrar Marsh Wildlife Management Area. The 125 acres
of wetlands surrounding the Sand Brook and its dam create a veritable "waterfowl
buffet." A bridge and logging road downstream of the dam lead to an old
farmstead, where five acres of old fields have been restored and are maintained
for wildlife. The neighboring upland forest consists largely of white pine,
hemlock and red oak.
Click
here for more information and a map of Farrar Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
Urban Forestry Center
An oasis of green may be unexpected in a well-developed city -- but trees and
plants are an integral part of an urban area's aesthetic and environmental well-being.
In Portsmouth, N.H., the Urban Forestry Center's 180 acres contain a tree farm,
wildlife sanctuary, and learning center, where community members can experience
forests firsthand and learn about the value and multiple benefits of trees.
The Urban Forestry Center offers many areas for visitors to explore, including
tree plantations, an arboretum, and a self-guided trail system through scenic
woodlands. Field trips, historical programs, and hands-on activities are conducted
throughout the year. Click
here for information and directions.
Miller State Park
The oldest state park in New Hampshire, Miller State
Park in Peterborough is located at the summit of Pack Monadnock, with a peak
of 2,290 feet. Three foot trails lead to the summit, including the Wapack Trail,
which will take you south through wild country all the way to Mt. Watatic in
Ashburnham, Massachusetts. The view from Pack Mondanock extends some 70 miles
-- on clear days, you can see the Boston skyline in one direction and Mount
Washington in the other. During hawk migration in September, Miller State Park
is a popular spot for hawk-watchers, with maybe a little leaf-peeping on the
side. Click
here for more about Miller State Park.
Alpine Gardens of Mt. Washington
Climb Mt. Washington or any of the high peaks of the White Mountains and you'll
pass through several distinct ecological zones. One very stunning zone near
the summit of Mt. Washington includes alpine gardens where hikers can see summer
wildflowers that flourish above timberline.
At the base of Mt. Washington is a forest of northern hardwoods, followed a bit higher by a forest of spruce and fir. As more elevation is gained, trees become small and stunted. These gnarled, dwarfed trees of the sub-alpine zone are called krummholtz. The area above treeline is called the alpine zone. The short growing season, soil acidity and the destructive effect of high winds on ice-covered foliage at the higher elevations create an environment in which trees cannot survive. Many of the plants of the sub-alpine and alpine zones have special adaptations to cope with the extreme conditions. Hikers are advised to stay on marked trails when visiting the alpine gardens to avoid damaging the fragile flora.
Click
here to learn more about visiting Mt. Washington State Park.
Lower Shaker Village Wildlife Management Area
It's easy to see why
the Enfield Shakers called this place their "chosen vale." Host
Willem Lange explores the Lower Shaker Village Wildlife Management Area (WMA),
a picturesque blend of Shaker history and wildlife habitat. The WMA encompasses
more than 1,000 acres of woodlands and grasslands -- originally farmed and logged
by the Shakers, now conserved for wildlife habitat value and hunting opportunities.
The site is located off Route 4A, across from Mascoma Lake and the Museum
at Lower Shaker Village. For more on Lower Shaker Village WMA, click
here. Or click
here to learn about Enfield Shaker Museum.
Rhododendron State Park
The largest rhododendron grove in northern New England, Rhododendron State Park
was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1982. Rhododendron is a Greek
word that means "rose tree," but the hardy bloomer is actually a plant,
related to wintergreen and blueberry, and probably descended from the magnolia.
The 16 acres of rhododendrons -- that's more than 16 football fields of plants -- is located in Fitzwilliam. It's a magnificent place from spring until the fall frost. In mid-July, the grove explodes into a sea of pink blossoms. Beyond the grove is more than 2,700 acres of parkland that's home to a magnificent variety of wildflowers and songbirds. A .6-mile-long accessible trail encircles the grove. The park is convenient to Little Monadnock Mountain, and offers outstanding views of Mt. Monadnock and the surrounding area.
For more information, go to:
Androscoggin River
The mighty Androscoggin River, one of the most powerful and scenic rivers in
New Hampshire, tumbles 164 miles from Lake Umbagog to the shores of the Atlantic
Ocean. It drops about seven feet per mile along the way and discharges more
than four billion gallons of water a day. That makes it a very exciting river
for anglers and canoeists -- but also attractive to the power companies.
For years, industrial development along its banks made it one of New England's
most polluted rivers.
But the Androscoggin is on the rebound! Today, waters run clear and crisp;
the sunken logs from New Hampshire's logging era provide habitat for trout
and fish; and anglers have returned for some exciting fishing. Join Wildlife
Journal and discover how the river has been revived.
Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park's fantastic mountain views and trail network could
keep an outdoor enthusiast, wildlife watcher or leaf-peeper busy for years.
Open from mid-May to Columbus Day, the 6,000-acre park contains several spectacular
waterfalls -- including the 220-foot Arethusa Falls, highest in the state
-- and an array of opportunities to fish and view wildlife.
Click here for more information on Crawford Notch State Park, campground and
visitor center.
Cocheco River
From its headwaters in New Durham to where it joins the Salmon Falls River
in Dover, the Cocheco River provides scenic beauty for people -- and habitat
for fish and wildlife. Host Willem Lange explores the contours and rich human
history of the 30-mile Cocheco, a prized place for paddlers and waterfowl
alike.
Nashua River
Join Wildlife Journal for a scenic trip along the Nashua River, where city
dwellers stroll leafy paths, anglers cast for fish, and waterfowl and raptors
travel the river's corridor.
This watery oasis, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the state's
second largest city, is one of New Hampshire's best-kept secrets. The final
stop is Mine Falls Park, 365 protected acres in the center of Nashua, with
miles of trails and riverbank fishing.
Hemenway State Forest
Host Willem Lange joins Heidi Murphy, New Hampshire's first woman Conservation
Officer, at the Hemenway State Forest in Tamworth, NH. This 2,100-acre property
offers a network of trails, fishing and wildlife watching along the Swift
River, and mature woodlands. Hike through a stand of towering white pine
and cedar trees, some 100 feet tall and up to 175 years old, in the shadows
of Mt. Chocorua.
Knights Meadow Marsh and Leonard Wildlife Management Area
A striking view of Mt. Kearsarge greets visitors to Knights Meadow Marsh and
Leonard Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Webster, New Hampshire. Discover
the marsh's qualities as managed feeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl,
and explore mixed forests, rare black-gum swamp, old fields, and other important
wildlife habitat on the nearly 900-acre WMA.
Click here for a description and map of Leonard WMA.
Connecticut River
Flowing 400 miles from its source in Pittsburg, NH, at the Canadian border
to its outlet on Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River touches four New
England states and goes from pristine to industrial and back again many times
over. Take a scenic tour of this fascinating river, and explore the fertile
land along its banks, which has served generations of Native and modern Americans
alike.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge
A remarkable variety of wildlife -- particularly
birds -- may be found at Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson and Whitefield.
This wetland complex of bogs, streams and ponds is the site of a great blue
heron rookery and an important feeding habitat for several other species of
waterbirds. It is also important stopover habitat for wood ducks, ringnecked
ducks and black ducks, and year-round home to deer, bear, moose and an array
of nongame species. The area forms the headwaters of John's River, an important
tributary to the Connecticut River.
Since its designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1974 by the National
Park Service, Pondicherry has often been called a "crown jewel" of
New Hampshire's landscape. The refuge is owned and managed by the Audubon Society
of New Hampshire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the N.H. Department of
Fish and Game. Click
here to download a partial map of the area including Big and Little Cherry Ponds.
Pemigewasset River and Livermore Falls
The name Pemigewasset is said to come from an Abenaki word Pamijowasik,
meaning "swift current" or "rapids." The Pemi has many faces along its seventy-mile
stretch; it begins at Profile Lake in Franconia Notch State Park, then shifts
between whitewater and flat water as it winds south through mostly wild country.
Trout and Atlantic salmon reign in some spots; but in deeper, flatter water,
especially on the lower portion of the Pemi, anglers will find bass, pickerel
and other warmwater species.
Livermore Falls near Plymouth was once the location of one of the region's largest woolen mills powered by the water of the falls. Stay on the trails when you visit -- the Falls and gorge area can be very slippery!
There are countless access points, views, recreational opportunities and historic
features along the length of the Pemigewasset. We recommend studying a good
map, such as Delorme's New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer, for ideas on where
to go. Click
here to download a map of a stretch of the Pemi, including Livermore Falls.
There's a Wildlife Viewing site near here, at the former site of the state's
first fish hatchery, cooperatively managed by N.H. Fish and Game and the Department
of Resources and Economic Development.
Pawtuckaway State Park
At Pawtuckaway State Park in Deerfield and Nottingham you'll find 5,500 diverse
acres of opportunities for exploring, hunting and more. Wildlife watchers will
be busy with their binoculars at Burnham's Marsh, which is managed for waterfowl,
and at Pawtuckaway Lake, which is also popular for fishing, swimming and boating.
For hikers, backpackers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, 20 miles of multi-use trails wind through stands of oak and hemlock, former pastureland and the surreal "Devil's Den" boulder field. Bring a picnic lunch, and don't forget to climb the fire tower on South Mountain for distant views on clear days. Following an afternoon of rock-climbing the steep cliff faces and huge boulders of North Mountain, bed down at one of more than 200 campsites.
For directions and camping reservations, visit: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/Pawtuckaway/Pawtuckaway.html.
Click
here to download a map of the area.
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
The Cockermouth River looks tame enough... but over the millennia, its flowing
waters have fashioned a granite fantasyland known as Sculptured Rocks Natural
Area. Sculptured Rocks began many years ago as a one-acre acquisition by the
state of New Hampshire; today, the area encompasses hundreds of acres of conservation
land. Sugar maple, yellow birch, hemlock and pine have grown up out of former
pastureland to create a unique forest habitat.
It's a nice place to have a picnic, take some pictures, explore, fish for brook trout. Most of all, it's a geologist's -- or a surrealist's -- dream: the rock has been smoothly scoured into polished ledges, potholes, and serpentine shapes -- the strangest collection of natural artwork this side of Utah.
Sculptured Rocks offers no conveniences -- just a place to park and a walking trail -- but the scenery and recreation make it one of the natural gems of New Hampshire.
Sculptured Rocks is two miles west of Groton village between N.H. Routes 3A
and 118. Access is from Sculptured Rocks Road, off Groton Road. The N.H. Division
of Parks and Recreation maintains a page about Sculptured Rocks at www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/NaturalHome.html.
Click
here to download a map of the area.
Contoocook River
The Contoocook River winds for 71 miles through south-central New Hampshire,
with mixed sections of easygoing flatwater and sections of boiling fastwater.
The legendary "Freight Train Rapids" comprise a 2-mile stretch of water that's
so heavy in spring that it's one of the largest and most reliable whitewater
river runs in New England, nationally known among kayakers.
The aquatic habitat along the Contoocook is diverse, supporting both warm and coldwater fish and plenty of macroinvertebrates or aquatic bugs to keep the fish well-fed.
In the Hopkinton - Everett Lakes area ("Hop-Ev"), a 10,000-acre flood control area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, lakes were created by dams that provide flood control protection for the larger river basin. Along the shoreline you're likely to see a blue heron hunting in the shallows, and if you're a lucky maybe a fox or coyote along the woods' edge.
There are many access points along the Contoocook where you can fish, boat
and watch wildlife; and there are some fine hiking, hunting and snowmobiling
opportunities at Hop-Ev. A good map, such as Delorme's New Hampshire Atlas
and Gazetteer, is your best "where-to-go" resource. Click
here to download a map of a short stretch of the Contoocook River through Henniker
and Hopkinton.
Pisgah State Park
At 13,000 acres, Pisgah State Park in Winchester and Chesterfield is the largest
property in New Hampshire's state park system. It's a huge expanse of woods
and wetlands, offering large, unbroken habitat for animals like deer and moose
and woodland songbirds like the wood thrush.
Past human habitation is much in evidence; the careful observer will see numerous cellar holes and defunct orchards in the mountainous terrain. The park's 21 square miles of woodlands can be reached by foot, by car (through Chesterfield, Winchester or Hinsdale) or snowmobile -- it depends on the season. For the backcountry traveler there are four highland ridges, seven ponds and lots of wetlands with six different year-round trailheads to get you there.
Pisgah is a great place for a long, quiet walk, with ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and hunting. Come in autumn for some choice leaf-peeping.
See the N.H. State Parks site for location and information: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/parkops/parks/pisgah.html.
Click
here to download a map of the area.
In New Hampshire's North Country, in the towns of Stark, Stratford and Odell, you'll find a rugged 40,000-acre landscape known as Nash Stream State Forest. It's an untamed place to hike, hunt, watch wildlife and explore for days on end. You can do a little fishing in the forest's many small streams and ponds, a few of which have been stocked with brook trout for more than a century -- or pick your share of the state's finest wild blueberries atop the North and South Percy Peaks.
In Nash Stream's backcountry, you might see any number of New Hampshire critters, including moose, bobcat and bear. Some hope to see a Canada Lynx here one day. Northern harrier hawks can be seen over the forest, and bats like pipistrelles and little browns feed on insect hatches in spring and summer. On Long Mountain you may encounter spruce grouse and pine martens.
Though Nash Bog Pond is still shown on many maps, what you'll find there today is a natural alder swamp -- the Big Bog Dam breached in the 1960s and was never rebuilt.
Nash Stream State Forest was acquired in 1988 by the state through the Land Conservation Investment Program in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, the Trust for New Hampshire Lands and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. It was purchased in part to provide public access for recreation and to protect the beauty and ecological values of the area; also, about half of the area is managed for timber harvesting. It's primarily a hardwood forest, with sugar and red maple, yellow and paper birch, and American beech.
Eight feet of snow falls here annually, so in winter the locals get around on snowshoes or snowmachines. During spring's mud season, be prepared to leave your vehicle at the closed gate and do some serious walking.
Nash Stream State Forest can be accessed from Route 110 in Stark, off North Avenue Side Road and Emerson Road. Click here to download a map of the area.
Ponemah Bog
Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary in Amherst, N.H. is a 75-acre sanctuary under
the protection of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. A mat of sphagnum moss
floats on top of plants that grew hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
Layers of peat below the bogwater make the water acidic, depriving it of oxygen
so bacteria can't survive... which means that whatever goes into a bog is likely
to be preserved for a long time.
Most bogs -- including Ponemah -- are giant natural sponges, filtering water, providing flood control and quietly supporting plants and wildlife you won't see anywhere else.
The wildlife you'll find in a bog most likely belongs to the insect world -- creatures like damselflies or even the ringed bog hunter (a very rare dragonfly). Ponemah Bog contains plants and trees like black spruce and tamarack -- plus a few fascinating carnivorous varieties. Since bogs are often low in nutrients, some species like the pitcher plant supplement their nutrition by feeding on insects -- snaring victims with tiny angled hairs inside a cup-like structure and digesting them in a brew of rainwater and enzymes.
The Audubon Society maintains a page about Ponemah -- "the land of the hereafter"
-- which includes a trail description and directions. See www.nhaudubon.org/sanctuaries/ponemah.htm.
Click
here to download a map of the area.
Spoonwood Pond and Nubanusit Lake
Spoonwood Pond and Nubanusit Lake in Nelson and Hancock are the headwaters for
a series of rivers, streams and ponds of all sizes, including the Nubanusit
River down to Peterborough. In the mid-1800s, the outlet to Lake Nubanusit was
dammed to provide power for the Cheshire Mills in Harrisville, which at one
time produced woolen cloth for the uniforms of the Union Army. By the 1880s,
water power from the lake was replaced by other sources, and the lake became
a place of quiet recreation.
Nubanusit Lake is surprisingly deep -- all the way to 96 feet -- so it supports everything from perch and pickerel to smallmouth bass, lake trout, rainbows, and even brook trout... and perhaps most important, smelt, the anchor at the bottom of the food chain.
Much of this area is protected from development by conservation easements, creating a buffer for wildlife and protection for the watershed. No gasoline motors are allowed on Spoonwood or Nubanusit. The area provides critical habitat for bears, deer and bobcat, and an excellent place for humans to fish or hike and enjoy the wildlife and scenery.
Profiles of Spoonwood Pond and Nubanusit Lake, created by students from Keene High School and provided by the Keene Sentinel, may be found at: www.keenesentinel.com/specialreports/tracingplaces.
Access to the lakes is through Hancock, N.H., off Route 123. Click here to download a map of the area.
Contact the Harris Center for Conservation Education <www.harriscenter.org/index.html>
for more information about permits for wilderness camping at Spoonwood.
Franklin Falls Wildlife Management Area
The area known as Franklin Falls Wildlife Management Area has a dramatic modern
history. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Franklin Falls Dam
in 1943 as a flood control measure. The village of Hill, which had been badly
flooded in the 1930s, was moved west to higher ground.
Today, Franklin Falls boasts a rich mix of forests, streams and open meadows, providing habitat for wildlife including deer, fox and wild turkeys. Hunting is permitted. New Hampshire Fish and Game, under agreement with the Corps of Engineers and the Division of Forests and Lands, stocks upland game birds, assists with the maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitat, administers a fur-bearer trapping program, supplies and maintains waterfowl nesting boxes and enforces fish and game laws.
Many bird species may be seen here -- ospreys, Cooper's hawks and even bald eagles. Anglers, too, will find plenty of action fishing for bass on the lower Pemigewassett River.
The New Hampshire Heritage Hiking Trail runs through Franklin Falls, providing
accessible but unspoiled opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
dogsledding, bird watching and snowmobiling. For directions and a recreation
map, visit the Corps of Engineers site at www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ffd/ffdrec.htm.
Pillsbury State Park
Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, Pillsbury State
Park is one of the more primitive and lesser-known gems of the New Hampshire
State Park system. In the early 1900s, many people were worried about the effects
of logging on the forests. In 1905, Albert E. Pillsbury, one of nine founding
members of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests <www.spnhf.org>,
purchased 2,400 acres to demonstrate proper forestry techniques. Later he deeded
the property to the state "to be held in perpetuity as a public forest
reserve."
The park's diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mt. Sunapee to the north. Canoeing, camping (40 campsites, most of them on the water), warm-water fishing (largemouth bass, perch, and hornpout), picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking are favorite park activities. History buffs enjoy exploring the park's long-abandoned and overgrown mill sites and cellar holes, remnants of early farm settlement and lumbering of the late 1700s and early 1800s when the area was called Cherry Valley.
Wild Places also features the headwaters of the Ashuelot River, which flows 64 miles from its origin at Butterfield Pond in Pillsbury State Park in Washington, N.H. through nine other southwest New Hampshire towns to join the Connecticut River in Hinsdale, N.H.
N.H. State Parks Web site/Pillsbury State Park: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/Pillsbury/Pillsbury.html
Map of N.H. State Parks: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/parksmap.html
Atlas of the Ashuelot River (NOTE: PDF download): www.swrpc.org/library/natural_resources/Atlas.pdf
Kancamagus Highway
Take a wintry trip along N.H. Route 112, the famed 34-mile-long Kancamagus Highway
in north-central New Hampshire. Running east to west, from Conway to Lincoln,
the Kancamagus Highway twists and turns, and rises to nearly 3,000 feet. The
"Kanc" slices right through the heart of the White Mountain National
Forest, providing access to hundreds of miles of trails. It's an area of multiple
uses, from forests of beech, maple, white pine and spruce, to wildlife management
to outdoor recreation. In winter, the Pemigewasset River is frozen and rather
solitary, waiting for a spring thaw to arrive.
Many of the names along the Kanc reflect the early Native Americans who lived in the area: Kancamagus, which means the fearless one, was the third and last Sagamore, meaning the subordinate chief, of the Penacook Confederacy.
For information on hiking or other activities on the Kanc, go to www.fs.fed.us/r9/white/recreation/hiking/rog/kanc_hiking.html.
Or, contact the Saco or the Pemigewassett offices of the White Mountain National
Forest.
Fox Forest
The Caroline A. Fox Research and Demonstration Forest in Hillsborough, commonly
known as Fox Forest, has been the State of New Hampshire's forest research station
since 1933. The nearly 1,500-acre forest contains 22 miles of trails, along
with a floating bog, a section of virgin forest, and a black gum swamp with
trees upwards of 400 years old. It's a popular spot for hiking, hunting and
cross-country skiing.
The Henry I. Baldwin Forestry Education Center, open in summer only, houses
a forestry museum and is a great place to learn about Fox Forest's wild resources.
Visit www.nhdfl.org/for_mgt_bureau/Fox/fm_foxforest.htm.
Lamprey River
Southeastern New Hampshire's beautiful Lamprey River meanders 47 miles from
its headwaters in the Saddleback Mountains to empty into Great Bay near the
Durham-Newmarket town line. Along the way are waterfalls, rushing rapids and
peaceful pools. The Lamprey flows through pristine conservation lands and past
historic mill buildings of an earlier era. Designated a "Wild and Scenic
River" by the National Park Service, the Lamprey watershed is home to a
wide range of wildlife, from spotted turtles to eagles and osprey. Anglers frequent
the Lamprey year-round in pursuit of bass, pickerel and trout. Wildlife Journal
host Willem Lange stops at Wadleigh Falls, Freese's Pond and the Macallen Dam
in Newmarket as he explores the path of the Lamprey River, one of the true jewels
of seacoast New Hampshire.
Great North Woods
Great expanses of forest and unspoiled wilderness -- New Hampshire's Great North
Woods in Coos County has it all. Host Willem Lange reports from a hilltop in
Pittsburg overlooking First Connecticut Lake and explores the history of an
early fishing and hunting camp on Second Connecticut Lake. The show wraps up
with a look at the tranquil beauty of the Great North Woods, its peaceful lakes
and the woodland home of white-tailed deer, bald eagles and moose.
Stonedam Island
Lake Winnipesaukee has it all -- fishing, hiking and paddling. Stonedam Island's
112-acre wildlife preserve in Meredith is one of the largest protected islands
on Winnipesaukee. Some of the island is privately owned, but visitors have access
to most of the west and north ends. The island features a self-guided nature
trail through mature forest and wetlands, a historic log cabin and a quiet beach
for picnicking. Boats can access the island from a dock on a northeaster cove;
canoes and kayaks can put in near the docks as well. At the top of Stonedam
Island is Copple Crown, a protected mountain summit accessible from the south
end of the lake. Other conservation areas on Winnipesaukee include 5-Mile Island and the
Markus Wildlife sanctuary.
Contact the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (www.lrct.org)
for maps and trail guides.
Hopkinton-Everett Recreation Area
The 10,000-acre flood control project in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, is one of
the largest flood control systems in New England. It's also a scenic and
recreational gem, popular for fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Explore the hidden areas of this wild beauty, including pristine lakes (offering
some of the best bass fishing in the Granite State!), wildflower meadows,
marshes, historic dams, and covered bridges.
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
A unit of the National Park Service, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, N.H. features the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), one of America's greatest sculptors. Surrounding the historic buildings and grounds are several hundred acres of upland forests, with sections of fields and woodlands, plus brooks and two ponds. Wonderful westward views and some 200 wildlife species await hikers and wildlife watchers at Saint Gaudens.
Odiorne State Park
The longest undeveloped coastline in New Hampshire is at Odiorne Point State
Park, where picnickers and anglers can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and
rocky shore, or explore the amazing variety of tide pool life. You might even
see remnants of Fort Dearborn, built here during World War II to help defend
Portsmouth Harbor.
Odiorne features an extensive network of trails that winds through the dense
vegetation. The Seacoast Science Center is a great place to learn more about
the natural and human history of New Hampshire's seacoast. For more information
about Odiorne Point State Park, visit www.nhstateparks.org/ParksPages/Odiorne/Odiorne.html.
Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point in Rye is a prime place for exploring New Hampshire's intertidal zone, that sometime place between high and low tides where an amazing array of marine plants and animals have adapted to the constantly changing conditions. Join host Willem Lange for an up-close look at tide pools, and the periwinkles, urchins, crabs, sea stars, and other critters that make their homes among the rocks at Odiorne Point.
Click here for more information about Odiorne Point State Park.
Hebron Marsh at Newfound Lake
Explore Hebron Marsh at Newfound Lake to see what marsh life is all about -– home to herons, wood ducks, moose and beaver.
Manchester Cedar Swamp
In New Hampshire's largest city, the 600-acre Manchester Cedar Swamp is home to rare habitats and species, from Atlantic white cedar to giant rhododendron bushes and sweet goldenrod. Detour away from the city landscape and discover this magical place.
Heath Bog Pond
This National Natural Landmark on Ossipee Lake is a fragile environment full of unusual habitats that support plants and wildlife you may not see anywhere else. Here you can walk on a trail around the bog and see wild orchids, insectivorous plants, and other wildflowers in a remarkable natural setting.
Baker River
From its origins in the glacial seeps on the south side of Mt. Moosilauke, the lovely Baker River meanders through Woodstock, Warren, Rumney and Plymouth, offering countless opportunities for fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, and scenic views. Once an important trade route, Baker River is now the site of many hidden places and habitats -- from Rattlesnake Cliffs to nearby Quincy Bog.
Sandwich Notch Road
Host Willem Lange takes a stroll on Sandwich Notch Road, a rustic route through
the White Mountain National Forest that opened in 1801. Cellar holes and
stonewalls are a reminder of the road's history as a rugged east-west "shortcut." The
road is now a quiet spot for hiking and hunting, and reaches several remote
trout ponds popular with backcountry anglers.
Mt. Chocorua
Visit the Remick Farm Museum in Tamworth in the shadows of Mt. Chocorua, where
you can learn how the old-timers harvested ice or made soap, or help prepare
a 19th-century hearthside dinner. Then, listen to the legend of Mount Chocorua
before traveling to the mountain’s 3,500-foot summit. It’s one
of the most visited peaks in the Granite State, for good reason; views from
the rocky open summit ledge stretch for miles.
Winnipesaukee River Trail
This scenic corridor is part of the rails-to-trails project that runs through New England and Canada. Old railroad tracks have been transformed into beautiful trails that provide access for everyone from hikers and bikers to floaters and boaters.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
New Hampshire's Great Bay is one of the most diverse places in the state -- an estuary surrounded by nine seacoast communities including Portsmouth, Newington and Durham.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge's dedication to habitat restoration has paid off; the area now supports the largest concentration of wintering black ducks in New Hampshire. Waterfowl come here in great numbers during their spring migration, attracted by the refuge's uplands and freshwater ponds. It is also home to osprey, deer, wild turkeys and wintering bald eagles.
The refuge itself is but one part of the area's many outdoor opportunities. There are many hiking trails and hunting prospects in the area. Sandy Point -- home of a cooperatively-managed Discovery Center at the southwest corner of Great Bay -- includes a boardwalk around the property with a self-guided nature trail and a viewing platform.
Click here to download a map of the refuge area.
Pine River State Forest
Forestry and fire continue to shape the landscape at Pine River, one of the
last remaining pitch-pine forests in New Hampshire. Located in Effingham next
to Ossippee, the Pine River pine barrens boast dry, sandy soil and a wealth
of wildlife. It's not good for farmers, says host Willem Lange, but it's awfully good for
pine trees.
Come trout fishing on the Pine River... or explore nearby ponds and peat bogs,
where you may be lucky enough to see creatures such as fisher or river otter.
Pine River has lots of easy paths for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Mount Kearsarge
Willem guides a Wildlife Journal expedition to the woods and waters
beneath the summit of 2,937-foot Mount Kearsarge in Warner and Wilmot. Mount
Kearsarge, the home of Winslow and Rollins State Parks, is a popular hiking
destination because of its easy accessibility from the parks and outstanding
summit vistas. Views from Kearsarge include Sunapee, Ragged and Cardigan mountains
-- and Monadnock, Ascutney and beyond on clear days.
Visitors may spot an array of birds and wildlife. Mount Kearsarge is an especially good place to view the hawk migration in September and October; watch for sharp-shinned hawks, ospreys, bald eagles and other raptors.
Winslow State Park: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/Winslow/Winslow.html
Rollins State Park: www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/Rollins/Rollins.html
