Updated February 20, 2009 

The December ice storm resulted in significant damage to several state parks in the southern part of the state.   Six of seventy-three state park properties were closed due to the concern for public safety and to protect the natural features and resources of the parks.

Greenfield State Park in Greenfield and Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam will remain closed until further clean-up of debris and downed trees is complete.  Although Greenfield State Park is still closed, the parking area is open for snow machine trailhead parking.

Monadnock State Park, the most heavily impacted of the parks, is partially open.  Any trails open at this time are accessed from Park Headquarters and are open for winter hikers only.  Open trails include the White Dot and White Cross trails, with the Cascade Link, the Red Spot Trail, the Spellman Trail, the Old Ski Path, and the Pumpelly Trail (the section between Cascade Link junction and the summit only) also now open.  Those wishing to use these trails must check in at Monadnock Headquarters and speak with staff to find out the status of current trail conditions. The campground, all other hiking trails, and cross-country ski trails remain closed.  Other trails on Mount Monadnock will continue to open as crews are able to clear the trails.

Division crews continue to work on restoring the remainder of the closed parks to conditions safe for opening. In addition, all other trails, state parks and state forests in southern New Hampshire should be considered hazardous and all trail users should use extreme caution.

Monadnock Branch of rail trail located in Jaffrey/Rindge
Rockingham Rec Trail - Fremont Branch, located in Hampstead		Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham
Rhododendron State Park, Fitzwilliam
Miller State Park, Peterborough

For more information on assessing and cleaning up storm-damaged trees, visit the UNH Cooperative Extension website.