Forests in New Hampshire
Forest Guide
New Hampshire is home to more than 30 forests, anchored by the expansive White Mountain National Forest and numerous state-managed lands. These protected areas span the state, from the rugged alpine peaks and dense hardwood forests of the north to the rolling hills and tranquil ponds of the south. The landscape is defined by its granite mountains, extensive watersheds, and a mix of coniferous and deciduous woodlands. These forests in New Hampshire offer an extensive network of trails for activities…
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Last updated: April 23, 2026
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White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest spans over 750,000 acres across New Hampshire and Maine, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and running.
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Strawberry Hill State Forest
Strawberry Hill State Forest offers 53 acres of varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging, with views of Cherry Mountain and the Presidential Range.
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Kearsarge Mountain State Forest
Kearsarge Mountain State Forest offers over 10,000 acres of varied terrain, from dense woods to exposed granite, perfect for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
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Mount Major State Forest
Mount Major State Forest offers diverse terrain and panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, with routes for hiking, jogging, and road cycling.
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Bowditch-Runnels State Forest
Bowditch-Runnels State Forest offers over 3,800 acres of dense woodlands, ponds, and streams for hiking, jogging, and cycling routes with varied terrain.
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Russell-Shea State Forest
Russell-Shea State Forest in Concord, NH, offers diverse landscapes for hiking, road cycling, jogging, and more, with routes across mixed forests and granite ledges.
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Litchfield State Forest
Litchfield State Forest offers diverse landscapes with dense woodlands and rolling hills, perfect for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and cycling.
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Hemenway State Forest
Hemenway State Forest in Tamworth, New Hampshire, offers diverse terrain with ancient forests and the Swift River, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cycling routes.
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White Farm State Forest
White Farm State Forest in Concord, NH, features woodlands, open fields, and wetlands with trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging. It's a natural setting for outdoor activities.
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Walker State Forest
Walker State Forest offers diverse woodlands, a tranquil lake, and a network of trails for hiking, cycling, jogging, and mountain biking.
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Abbott State Forest
Abbott State Forest offers accessible woodland paths and relatively flat terrain for hiking, jogging, and cycling around Penacook Lake.
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Province Road State Forest
Province Road State Forest in New Hampshire offers diverse woodlands and varied terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
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#13.
Cardigan Mountain State Forest
Cardigan Mountain State Forest offers 5,655 acres of varied terrain, from a bare granite summit with panoramic views to extensive hardwood forests, ideal for hiking, jogging, and road cycling.
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#14.
Welton Falls State Forest
Welton Falls State Forest offers 219 acres of varied terrain for hiking, jogging, and road cycling, featuring dense woodlands, Welton Falls, and the Fowler River.
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Cilley State Forest
Cilley State Forest in Concord, NH, offers 166 acres of gently rolling terrain for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking through forested areas and parkland.
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Paugus Bay State Forest
Paugus Bay State Forest in Laconia, New Hampshire, offers 255 acres of woodlands and wetlands with scenic views for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
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Belknap Mountain State Forest
Belknap Mountain State Forest offers over 1,300 acres of varied terrain in central New Hampshire for hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling.
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Ballard State Forest
Ballard State Forest offers 71 acres of diverse landscapes, including wooded areas, Ballard Pond, and a marsh, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cycling routes.
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#19.
Huston-Morgan State Forest
Huston-Morgan State Forest in Laconia, NH, offers 160 acres of diverse forests, wetlands, and gentle hills with trails for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
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Prescott State Forest
Prescott State Forest in north-central Arizona offers diverse landscapes from desert to Ponderosa Pine forests, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
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Most popular routes in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the forests in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's forests are protected natural areas featuring diverse landscapes from dense woodlands to rugged mountains. This collection aggregates more than 30 such areas, including state forests and the expansive White Mountain National Forest. These forests provide habitats for wildlife and contain an extensive network of recreational trails.
What activities are available in New Hampshire's forests?
The primary activities in New Hampshire's forests are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. The region offers more than 1,500 routes for these sports. Specific guides are available for Hiking in New Hampshire and MTB Trails in New Hampshire.
What kind of routes are in White Mountain National Forest?
The White Mountain National Forest contains over 130 routes for various activities. This includes more than 50 hiking trails, 20 road cycling routes, and over 10 mountain bike trails. The terrain ranges from hardwood forests at lower elevations to rugged alpine peaks.
What are the main features of Kearsarge Mountain State Forest?
The terrain in Kearsarge Mountain State Forest is characterized by a mix of dense woods and exposed granite. The forest offers routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling. Its trails lead to summit views from Kearsarge Mountain.
What can you do in Mount Major State Forest?
Mount Major State Forest offers trails for hiking and jogging with panoramic views over Lake Winnipesaukee. The forest contains nearly 50 routes, including 27 designated for hiking. The terrain is diverse, leading up to the summit of Mount Major.
What hiking trails are available in New Hampshire's forests?
There are more than 1,500 routes across New Hampshire's forests, with hiking being a primary activity. Trails vary from gentle woodland paths to challenging mountain ascents. The White Mountain National Forest alone contains over 50 distinct hiking routes.
Are there mountain biking trails in New Hampshire's forests?
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in many of New Hampshire's forests. Areas like Walker State Forest and Litchfield State Forest offer networks of trails suitable for mountain biking. The terrain can range from easy, rolling paths to more technical singletrack.
What kind of terrain can hikers expect in New Hampshire's forests?
The terrain is highly varied across the state. Southern parks like Pisgah State Park feature rolling ridges and valleys, while the White Mountains offer rugged, steep, and rocky trails leading to alpine zones. Many trails pass through dense hardwood or coniferous forests, alongside streams, and up to exposed granite summits.
Are there family-friendly or easy hiking trails in New Hampshire's forests?
Yes, many forests offer trails suitable for beginners and families. These routes often feature gentler elevation gain and well-maintained paths. A collection of Easy hikes in New Hampshire is available for finding suitable options.
When is the best time to visit New Hampshire's forests?
New Hampshire's forests offer year-round recreational opportunities. Summer is popular for hiking and cycling, while autumn is known for its fall foliage, particularly in the hardwood forests. Winter allows for activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in areas like the White Mountains.
Are dogs allowed on trails in New Hampshire's forests?
Policies regarding dogs vary by location within New Hampshire's forests. While many trails are dog-friendly, specific areas, especially fragile ecosystems or those protecting watersheds, may have restrictions. It is always necessary to check the regulations for the specific park or forest before visiting with a dog.
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