New Hampshire Official Travelers Handbook 2009-2010 - (Page 45) By Marty Basch Bike, hike, paddle, fish, camp and explore dozens of outdoor playgrounds A state park is all you need. From ocean spray to the call of the loons, state parks host New Hampshire’s Great Outdoors Show starring craggy peaks, lush woods, sandy beaches and pristine lakes. I think of state parks as my road trip guides, and pack for the unexpected. FROM THE MOUNTAINS Playtime starts at majestic Franconia Notch State parks host State Park, featuring the Flume Gorge’s New Hampshire’s towering walls; a hike or historic ski tram Great Outdoors ride up Cannon Mountain and a swim in Show. Echo Lake provide hours of amusement. I head north to paddle, fish and explore the Connecticut Lakes region from Pittsburg’s Lake Francis State Park. I don’t dare miss the panorama seen from the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site fire tower and mansion in Lancaster, which reaches far beyond the White Mountains. Centrally located Mount Sunapee in Newbury has it all. At the beach, I can’t decide whether to swim, swing, paddle or boat. At the mountain, I have a similar dilemma: hike or camp (and ski in season). There are plenty of boating, camping and trail choices outside Keene at Greenfield State Park while the tall evergreens rule Otter Lake. I explored these enchanting spots all summer, but I’d like to take you on an extended tour through the state’s hidden gems – and its seasons. < CHILLING OUT There’s more to a New Hampshire winter than skiing and snowboarding. Frozen waterfalls, cliffs and rock slabs covered in sparkling ice attract ice climbers to play in Mother Nature’s freezer. Snowshoeing is easier, though. Hiking trails, parks and school yards are transformed into snowshoe trails. Traipse into the woods, along frozen rivers and up to picturesque peaks. Ice skating is linked to simpler times, whether it be on a town rink or done safely on a frozen pond. Lace them up, skate away and warm up afterwards with hot chocolate. Picturesque peaks in winter www.visitnh.gov 45 < http://www.visitnh.gov
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