Who We Are
The State of New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The other divisions include:
The Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of management components that make up the Division's mission in the state.The Division manages 93 properties' campgrounds, beaches, natural areas, waysides, historic sites and recreational trails.
The Division is comprised of the following management areas:
- Bureau of Park Operations - includes management, operation and maintenance of state parks, campgrounds, waysides, and natural areas.
- Bureau of Trails - includes management of motorized trails for snowmobiling and ATV use, as well as, non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, sled dog mushing, and equestrian use.
- Bureau of Historic Sites - Is responsible for the care, maintenance and administration of the State Historic Sites as well as the historic resources under stewardship of the NH Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
- Cannon Mountain - New Hampshire's only state-owned and operated premiere ski area in beautiful Franconia Notch State Park.
- Planning & Development - Oversees new projects around the state within the Division's management area. Currently, these projects include the Gilson Pond Campground, the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest Recreation Program, the Temple Mountain Project.
The Division's main office is located in Concord.
our HISTORY
2020 marked our 85th Anniversary of the Division of Parks and Recreation and the state's dedication to the preservation of state lands. The oldest state park is Miller State Park, which was acquired in 1881, and the newest state park is Jericho Mountain State Park, added in 2007. In 1935, with 18 parks acquired, the state created the Forestry and Recreation Commission, which replaced the Forestry Commission. This marked the beginning of the Parks and Recreation division.
Historical Documents:
History of the State Park System | NH State Park System Timeline | 1967 Report About State Park System
