NEW HAMPSHIRE

Just a few miles northeast of downtown Berlin is one of the newest additions to the state park system. Jericho Mountain State Park provides opportunities for miles of trail riding for ATV, UTV, trail bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts. The park will continue to have more miles added to the trail network over the next several years. Throughout the park, visitors are treated to a number of scenic outlooks. Park guests can also enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, or picnicking at Jericho Lake. Future plans for the park include a campground, group picnic pavilions, and improved beach facilities.

Lake Francis is a 2,000-acre lake near the Connecticut Lakes. A boat launch is located in the park and boats are available for rent. The park is popular with canoeists and hunters. The campground has 42 sites, each with a fireplace, picnic table, tent space, and parking. The walk-in sites have tent platforms. The campground has running water, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a dump station. All sites are by reservation, but first-come/first-served camping may be available. Open: Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available starting April 24, and post-season through October. Information: www.nhstateparks.org

Milan Hill State Park is ten miles north of Berlin, near popular areas for hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. From the hilltop campground and fire tower, you can get a view of the mountain ranges in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Canada. Animals are welcome but must be leashed and under control. All waste must be cleaned from the trails as required by state park rules. Cost: Day use fee is adults, $4; children age 6 to 11, $2; people under age 5 and over age 65, free. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
The Nansen Ski Club operates a network of more than 7 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing in Milan Hill State Park, for users of all ages and all abilities. Use of trails is free. This is not a flat skiing experience.
Primitive camping area has four yurts and six campsites. Yurts are available for reservation and the campsites are first-come/first-served. The park is open from mid-May through mid-October for camping and picnicking. Camping fees are $23 (no hookups); $300 to $350 for yurts. For reservations, call 877-647-2757).

More than just one stream, this is actually 40,000 acres of undeveloped land. It's available for public use for hiking, fishing, paddling, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and cross-country skiing. Camping is not permitted. Information: www.nhdfl.org.

The Pondicherry Division of the refuge sits in a basin surrounded by the Kilkenny Range, the Presidential Range, the Dartmouth/Pliny Range, and the Dalton Hills. The area including Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds and the surrounding complex of wetlands and swamps is known for its diverse wildlife species, particularly birds. Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education, and interpretation are priority public uses of the refuge. Motorized and mechanized vehicles, bicycles, and horses are not permitted on trails within the refuge. All dogs must be under control.

Location: The best access is through a parking facility on Route 116 about 1 mile east of the Whitefield/Jefferson town line or through a parking lot on Hazen/Airport Road approximately 1.5 miles west of Route 115 and about a quarter mile east of Mount Washington Regional Airport. From the parking lot it is a 1.5 mile hike north on the rail-trail to Cherry Pond. Information: 413-863-0209 ext. 7 or visit www.fws.gov/r5soc/come_visit/pondicherry_division.html

This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire's outdoors. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are available, as well as hunting areas, and fishing areas. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.