Cross country skiing is a popular winter activity in State Parks and Forests. Although many trails, including groomed snowmobile trails, are signed for other uses, all trails in the parks and forests are available for cross country skiing unless specified otherwise.


Recommended State Parks for Cross Country Skiing:

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown - Many cross country ski trails start from the skiers' parking lot located off Podunk Road. Intermediate to advanced terrain.

Greenfield State Park, Greenfield - Good beginner trails, use the campground roads and glide through the quiet pines the campers enjoy in the other seasons.

Milan Hill State Park, Milan - The Nansen Ski Club operates a network of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing, for users of all ages and all abilities. The trails are open to the public, free of charge.

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey - Located off NH Route 124 on Mount Monadnock. Approximately 12 miles of trail on the lower slopes offer a variety of intermediate terrain, which is ungroomed and rocky so requires 16" of natural snow. Call 532-8862 for current conditions. The Park Store is open weekends and holidays (except Christmas), 8am -5pm and offers basic supplies and hot drinks. No pets.

Odiorne Point State Park, Rye - A popular seaside park, the trails wind throughout, providing easy terrain.

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham - Enjoy a variety of terrain and the opportunity of observing winter wildlife near Burnham's Marsh. Heavily used by snowmobiles.

Pillsbury State Park, Washington - The relatively undisturbed park has nearly 8,200 wooded acres with intermediate to advanced trails to nearby mountains and frozen ponds. Winter wildlife, including moose and otter, may be spotted.


Recommended State Forests for Cross Country Skiing:

Annett State Forest, Rindge - Enjoy trails and roads laid out by the CCC in the Great Depression. There are also a few ponds and marshes to check out. These trails connect to a local inn's cross-country ski trail network

Cardigan State Forest, Orange - Lots of variable terrain on both east and west side of the mountain. Trails on the east side maintained by AMC.

Fox State Forest, Hillsborough - Many miles of varied terrain. A few high points with good views and a few low points with interesting wetlands. Make it a full day event by enjoying one of the programs at the Baldwin Center located at the forest.

Gile State Forest, Springfield - Lots of woods roads meander through this property, along with a few graveled roads. Some of the trails are maintained and groomed by the local snowmobile club.

Hemenway State Forest, Tamworth - A network of trails meander around this property, many of which are maintained for winter use by the Tamworth Outing Club. Views into Maine from the fire tower on the summit of Great Hill.

Pine River State Forest, Effingham - Lots of paths, trails and roads to explore over relatively easy terrain. Pine and oak forest with many types of wetland interspersed provide lots of wildlife viewing opportunities.