Hidden Gems of NH: Rhododendron State Park
New Hampshire State Parks are home to some of the most popular outdoor destinations in the state. While our flagship parks have their charm, we’ve found that the most unique experiences are off the beaten path at some of our lesser-known and lesser-visited parks.
Hi, I’m Dorothy, and today we’re here at Rhododendron State Park to highlight New Hampshire’s only botanical state park—which also happens to be a National Natural Landmark.
Aptly named after a 16-acre rhododendron grove, Fitzwilliam’s Rhododendron State Park is ideal for a picturesque picnic and a serene hike. A universally accessible trail encircles the grove, allowing visitors to observe the plants close-up. Follow the 0.6-mile Rhododendron Trail loop for the best displays. The entire walk is a little more than half a mile over gentle terrain.
As New Hampshire’s only botanical park, this natural area has a lot to offer for nature and flower lovers alike. It is most famous for its magnificent flowering display, which takes place when the rhododendrons bloom in mid-July. Come July, this bridge serves as a 360-degree vantage point for the budding display.
On a balmy summer morning, venturing into the rhododendron grove feels more like an excursion into the jungle. The twisted strands of thick, leathery leaves grow so high and dense that the trail is entwined like a tunnel.
If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, follow the Rhododendron Loop until you reach the Little Monadnock Mountain Trail, which leads you along a one-mile-long path ascending to a mesmerizing view of Mount Monadnock.
I really enjoyed walking along the trail—being able to go through these tunnels created by the rhododendrons and looking up at the plants to see the sun shining down, with the blue sky peeking through. The entire state park is calming and almost mystical, just the way the rhododendrons cover everything and create these pathways to walk through. You feel completely surrounded by them, and even if they’re not in bloom, these giant plants covering the ground and arching overhead make for a truly unique experience.
If this looks like a place you’d like to explore, come visit this hidden gem in southwestern New Hampshire. Stay tuned for more of our Hidden Gem Series this summer!
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