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Rhododendron State Park
Route 119 West
Fitzwilliam, NH  03447
Phone: 603-532-8862

Visitors exploring the trails are often serenaded by song birds which live in the grove

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Rhododendron State Park is named after the 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum. A 0.6-mile long universally accessible trail encircles the grove allowing visitors to observe the fragrant blossoms in mid-July. A wildflower trail winds through the forest adjacent to the grove.
Hours: Early May to mid-June, weekends only, daylight hours; mid-June to Labor Day, daily, daylight hours.

Roger Williams Landing Place Monument
Gano Street, between Power and Williams Streets
Providence, RI

Monument marks where Rhode Island founder Roger Williams first landed in 1636 in what was to become the Ocean State. Williams, exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was welcomed warmly by the natives, and founded Rhode Island to be a colony free of religious persecution. Open dawn to dusk.

Roger Williams National Memorial
282 North Main Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-521-7266

Rhode Island's only National Park on the site of the original Providence colonial settlement. A visitors' center chronicles the life and times of Roger Williams, founder of the state of Rhode Island. Open daily.

Roger Williams Park
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI  02907

"The Jewel of Providence"

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Roger Williams Park Casino 785-9450 ext. 240; Museum and Planetarium 785-9450 ext. 221; Zoo 785-3510.

Roger Williams Park is a 430-acre Victorian park with something for everyone, including a zoo, a museum of natural history and planetarium, a carousel, a casino, landscaped grounds, and historic buildings.

Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI  02907
Phone: 401-785-3510

From the arctic to our own backyard

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Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to well over 100 species of rare and fascinating animals from around the world including elephants, giraffes, snow leopards, kangaroos, moon bears, gibbons and many others, all in naturalistic settings. The Zoo is open year ‘round, with special events scheduled throughout the year. Visit our link or call for more information.

Rollins State Park
Off Route 103
Warner, NH
Phone: 603-456-3808

Take the scenic drive up the southern side of Mount Kearsarge. There are picnic sites and another half mile hiking trail to get to the very top and enjoy the view.

Rye Harbor State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-964-9008

Visitors to this park will enjoy a scenic walking trail, fishing areas, and picnicking. A marina is also available to the public, with several amenities. There is a fee for parking during the warmer weather season.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Sachuest Point Road
Middletown, RI
Phone: 401-364-9124

Very near to Newport, this national site is a haven for many types of shore birds, and very popular with Southern New England bird watchers.

Shieling State Forest
Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-431-6774

This small forest (45 acres) has been dedicated to the advancement of nature and conservation education. There are self-guided nature trails, a learning center, and a demonstration of woodlot management. Events are scheduled there throughout the year.

Silver Lake State Park
Route 122
Hollis, NH  03049
Phone: 603-465-2342

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A thousand feet of sand along Silver Lake State Beach also offers a changing facility, picnic areas,and swimming.

Day Pond State Park
State Route 149
Colchester, CT

Dennis Hill State Park
State Route 272
Norfolk, CT

The centerpiece of this park is a view at 1,627 feet. Hiking and cross-country skiing trails, picnicking areas.

Devil's Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Road
East Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-873-8566

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The centerpiece of this beautiful park is the 60-foot Chapman Falls. A popular hiking and camping area, the park also has areas for fresh-water fishing, as will as some scenic picnic spots. Activities include bicycling, birding, camping, hiking, picnicking, and stream fishing.Devil's Hopyard Campground offers 21 sites in a wooded setting. Camping is available from mid-April through September 30. Facilities include grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, composting toilets.There are no parking fees, but there is a nightly camping fee.

East Rock Park
East Rock Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-6086

This park offers a nature trails, playgrounds, recreational areas, a bird sanctuary, and a spectacular view of Long Island Sound.

Echo Lake State Park
Route 302
Conway, NH  03818
Phone: 603-356-2672

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This park sits on pristine Echo Lake, and offers visitors areas for swimming and fishing. In addition, hiking trails and a scenic drive lead to Cathedral Ledge, a 700 feet in the air. The ledge offers scenic views and ample opportunities for rock climbing.

Edgewood Park
Edgewood Avenue
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8028

Enjoy nature walks around the duck pond, tennis courts, basketball courts and a ranger station. The park is also the site of the Holocaust Memorial and the Spanish American War monument.

Eisenhower Memorial Wayside Park
Route 302
Carroll, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

This park offers picnic area and walking trails and a great view of Mount Washington.

Ellacoya State Park
Route 11 / Scenic Drive
Gilford, NH  03246
Phone: 603-293-7821

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Located in Gilford on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Offers a 600-foot long sandy beach, with views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Facilities include a bathhouse, showers and a changing area for swimmers. A store offers refreshments and souvenirs. Boat launch for small boats near the beach. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, and then full-time from late June 24 through Labor Day. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Emerald Necklace Parks
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-522-2700

This is a series of links between parks from the Public Garden to Franklin Park, also passing through Back Bay Fens, Riverway, Olmsted Park, Riverway, and Arnold Arboretum. Distances by sections:
Public Garden, at Charles Street to Charlesgate East: Round trip is 2.5 miles
Back Bay Fens Loop from Boylston Bridge to Ave Louis Pasteur: Round trip is 1.6 miles
Riverway Loop from Fenway T Station to Netherlands Road: Round trip is 1.5 miles
Leverett Pond Loop (Good for families with small children): Round trip is 0.7 mile
Jamaica Pond Circumference is 1.5 miles
Arnold Arboretum’s Hunnewell Bldg. to Peter’s Hill Summit: Round trip is 3.5 miles
Franklin Park Walking Loop is 2.5 miles
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Forest Lake State Park
Route 116
Dalton, NH  03598
Phone: 603-837-9150

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Visitors to this mountain lake will enjoy the beach, swimming, picnic groves, playground, bathhouse, and wooded areas.

Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation
Green Street
Fairhaven, MA  02719
Phone: 508-992-4524

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One of the smaller parks in Massachusetts, Fort Phoenix State Reservation combines historic features, scenic views and a variety of recreational facilities. Minutes from downtown New Bedford, the park contains a half-mile of Buzzards Bay beachfront. Adjacent to the park is Fort Phoenix, a national landmark Fort which gives the park its name. From the ramparts remnants, one can gaze across the bay where the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought, to the rolling meadows of the Elizabeth Islands.

Fort Shantok State Park
Route 32
Montville, CT

Fresh water fishing and hiking trails available.

Fox State Forest
309 Center Road
Hillsborough, NH
Phone: 603-464-3453

This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Franconia Notch State Park
Route 93
Franconia, NH  03580
Phone: 603-823-8800

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Perhaps the most interesting of New Hampshire's state parks, Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. Historic site of The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1,200 feet in the air, which collapsed in 2003. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.

Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA  02121
Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)
Fax: 617-989-2025

Get Close.

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Opened in 1912, this 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Come face-to-face with an African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom, visit Masai giraffe and Grevy’s zebra of the Giraffe Savannah and discover the Tropical Forest, home to western lowland gorillas, lemurs, mandrills and much more! Be sure not to miss the Tiger Tales exhibit or Butterfly Landing, open seasonally from mid-June through mid-September. Franklin Park Zoo has many activities for children including education classes, Zoo Camp and Snorin’ Roarin’ sleepovers. The zoo is available for rentals and offers unique indoor and outdoor facilities and catering services to turn your child’s birthday party or your next meeting or event into an adventure! Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Gardner Memorial Wayside Area
Route 4A
Wilmot, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park offers visitors a picnic area and walking trails along a babbling brook and the ruined foundation of a 19th century mill.

Gay City State Park
Hebron, CT

This rustic, rural park is the perfect place for fishing, hiking and walking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Goddard Memorial State Park
345 Ives Road
Warwick, RI  02818
Phone: 401-884-2010

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This state park was acquired by the state and converted from a private estate in 1927. Visitors to the park will find a beach, horse and walking trails, forest areas, a nine-hole golf course, picnic and grilling areas, and a performing arts venue.

Greenfield State Park
Route 136
Greenfield, NH  03047
Phone: 603-547-3497

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A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Haddam Meadows State Park
Route 154
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

A meadowland park along the banks of the Connecticut River. Visitors will find areas for fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, sports fields and toilet facilities.

Haley Farm State Park
Brook Street, off Route 215
Groton, CT

Acres of hiking and scenery.

Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-2785

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Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).

Hampton Ponds
Route 202
Westfield, MA
Phone: 413-532-3985

This 42-acre park features water activities, such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and motor boating. Rest facilities are available.

Hartman Park
Gungy Road
Old Lyme, CT

Hiking trails available.

Holmes Reservation
Court Street and Robbins Road
Plymouth, MA
Phone: 781-821-2977

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Holmes Reservation is an open, grassy field located in the heart of Plymouth - a treasured piece of open space in an otherwise developed city center. Visitors can take in distant views of Plymouth Harbor, Duxbury Beach, Clark's Island, and Gurnet Point. Before the Revolutionary War, a section of the field was part of a famous "Muster Ground" where Plymouth farmers in the militia would gather to practice shooting their muskets and marching in formation.

Hop Brook Dam Park
Route 63
Naugatuck, CT

Set along a dam, this lake park features picnic areas, swimming, and the Larkin Bridle Trail, used for hiking, cross country skiing and horse trail riding.

Hopeville Pond State Park
Just off State Route 138
Griswold, CT

One of the area's largest parks, on 554 acres, and featuring a freshwater pond, beach, fishing, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails.

Housatonic Meadows State Park
Route 7
Sharon, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Along the banks of the Housatonic River, this park features fly-fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, canoeing and a public camping site.

Huntington State Park
Sunset Hill Road
Redding, CT
Phone: 860-424-3200

State park has trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, fresh water fishing and picnic areas.

Hurd Park
Route 151
East Hampton, CT
Phone: 860-526-2336

An 884 acre park on the east bank of the Connecticut River. Canoeing, including facilities for canoe camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas are available.

Albacore Park
600 Market Street,
Portsmouth, NH  03801
Phone: 603-436-3680

Open: Memorial Day to Columbus Day, daily, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Columbus Day to Memorial Day, Thursday through Monday, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Call ahead for seasonal changes.

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The focal point of this park is an exhibit of life on a modern submarine. Visitors will tour the sub and view all its compartments. Cost: Adults, $5; children age 7-17, $3; Military, $4; family, $10.

American Folk Festival
Bangor Riverfront Parks
Bangor, ME  04401
Phone: 207-992-2630

August 27 - 29, 2010

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The festival offers music on four outdoor stages beside the Penobscot River featuring traditional sounds from performers throughout the U.S. Past festivals have brought gospel, Piedmont blues, Irish, Cajun, Jamaican reggae, Ethopian, salsa, and bluegrass music to the 100,000 people who attend each year. Festival goers can also enjoy traditional dance performances, folk and traditional arts exhibits, a craft marketplace, and regional foods like alligator nuggets, salmon on a stick, and southern-style BBQ. Cost: free. For information and schedule, visit www.americanfolkfestival.com. 

Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area
Palmer Neck Road
Stonington, CT

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The 1,013-acre Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is the State's single largest coastal property managed for wildlife conservation. The property provides a diversity of ecoysystem and habitats including hilly uplands, agricultural/open fields, mixed hardwood forests and salt, brackish and freshwater tidal wetlands. The site is a popular hiking, wildlife observation and hunting area. Deer hunting is allowed in-season at this site. Nearly 4 miles of trails are available at this site.

Bash Bish Falls State Park
Falls Road
Mount Washington, MA
Phone: 413-528-0330

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Bash Bish Falls is has the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Cascading water tumbles through a series of gorges and a hemlock-hardwood ravine forest. Bash Bish Falls is located next to the 4,169-acre Mount Washington State Forest which offers 30 miles of trails, including the South Taconic Trail and wilderness camping. Hours: sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Access is free. Parking is allowed only at the designated lot. No services are available. Carry-in, carry-out all your belongings and trash. Pets are permitted on leash. Prohibited: swimming, diving, access inside the gorge and rock climbing.

Bear Brook State Park
Off Route 28
Allenstown, NH  03275
Phone: 603-485-9874

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This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

Bigelow Hollow State Park
Route 171
Union, CT
Phone: 860-684-3430

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Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond in Eastern Connecticut. Activities include boating, picnicking, cross country skiing, pond fishing, hiking, scuba diving, hunting (forest only), and snowmobiling. There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake. There is a parking fee of $9 to $15 weekends and holidays in season.

Black Rock Park
Route 6
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-677-1819

Park is on the site of a colonial era graphite mine. Visitors here can enjoy swimming, stream fishing, pond fishing, boating, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and winter ice skating.

Black Rock State Park
Watertown Road (Route 6)
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-283-8088

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Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Black Rock Campground has 96 sites in a wooded setting. The camping season is mid-April through September 30. This is a designated trout park. Activities include picnicking, field sports, swimming, and pond fishing. Facilities: bathrooms, food concessions, picnic tables.
There is a daily parking fee in season. Gates are open on weekends only from the third Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 31st, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Campsite fees are charged separately.

Blackstone River Bikeway State Park
Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI
Phone: 401-723-7892

Part of The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor on the banks of the Blackstone River, with canoeing, boating, a fishing area, and walking trails. The bikeway eventually will run 19 miles and connects with the East Bay Bike Path. There is about three miles of bike path developed.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
1 Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI
Phone: 401-762-0250

The information center for historic sites and activities in the Blackstone River Valley, which runs from Worcester, MA, to Providence. The region is considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, and is dotted with old mill villages, canals, and historic sites.

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve / Bluff Point State Park
Depot Road, off US Route 1
Groton, CT
Phone: 860-444-7591

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Bluff Point Coastal Reserve offers the visitor a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound. Activities include hiking, saltwater fishing, mountain biking, shell fishing. A permit is required for shell fishing. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton. Town offices are located at Route 1 and Depot Road. Telephone: 860-441-6600. No fee to park.

Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-635-2120

The Frog Pond was originally one of three natural mud ponds in the area that became Boston Common, the nation's first public park established in 1634. As other natural ponds were filled in to accommodate the growing city, the Frog Pond became a popular oasis for Bostonians both young and old. Favorite activities included sailing model boats, wading, and ice skating. The renovated Frog Pond features a 16,000-square-foot ice skating surface operable in temperatures up to 55 degrees. In warm weather the Frog Pond features a 70-foot-high spray fountain and wading. During spring and fall it is used as a shallow reflecting pool.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-223-8666

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This state park is part of the 34-island Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. The islands can be reached via a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Boston. Islands offer shell and slate beaches. Lovells Island has a swimming beach. Bumpkin Island has slate and shell beaches.

Bretzfelder Memorial Park
Prospect Street
Bethlehem, NH
Phone: 603-444-6228

This small park is open year-round, offering visitors picnic areas, hiking trails, a pond, and programs about conservation and wildlife in the area.

Brunswick Parks and Recreation Ice Rink
On the Mall
Brunswick, ME

Skating December through March.

Burr Pond State Park
Route 8
Torrington, CT
Phone: 860-482-1817

Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, a seasonal ice skating pond, boating, and various nature programs. There is an admission fee.

C.M. Gardner Park
Route 112
Huntington, MA
Phone: 413-354-6347

This small 29-acre park offers canoeing, fishing, and swimming areas. Riverside picnicking is available.

Callahan State Park
Edmands Street
Framingham, MA
Phone: 508-653-9641

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Callahan has seven miles of marked trails and is used for activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding (horses not provided) and cross-country skiing. Within the park are nearly 100 acres of open fields. Recreational activities include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and walking.

Camden Snow Bowl-Parks & Recreation
20 Barnestown Road
Camden, ME
Phone: 207-236-3438

"Where the Mountains Meet the Sea"

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The Snow Bowl is on the 1,300-foot Ragged Mountain and is just a short drive from picturesque Camden harbor. Nowhere else in the East can you glide down challenging ski slopes while enjoying a thrilling ocean vista unknown to other Eastern slopes. Ten trails are served by a 3,100-foot double chairlift and two T-bars, including the longest in the state-4,088 feet. Major trails are equipped with snowmaking and lighting. Cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, snowtubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing also are available at the Camden Snow Bowl. The Snow Bowl is the location for the annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships the first weekend in February. Come ski the Snow Bowl and experience "where the mountains meet the sea." Summer activities include lodge rentals, hiking, mountain bike trails, tennis, swimming, boat launch, and ball field. The Camden Snow Bowl has something for everyone!

Cardigan State Park
Off Route 118
Orange, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park sits on the western slope of Mount Cardigan, offering sweeping scenery. A scenic road leads to the picnic area. Trails offer visitors hiking in warmer weather, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Chatfield Hollow State Park
Route 80
Killingworth, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

A 375 acre wooded hollow, featuring fascinating caves and rocky ledges. Visitors here will enjoy fishing, winter ice-skating, hiking trails and swimming. There are a telephone and restrooms on the site. An Admission fee is charged to enter the park.

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Route 9
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

This gorge lies deep into the area's bedrock. There are walking paths along the gorge as well as picnic areas. A visitor's center discusses the reasons behind this natural phenomenon.

Clough State Park
Off Route 13
Weare, NH  03281
Phone: 603-529-7112

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Visitors to this park will enjoy a 900 foot beach, swimming, boating and canoeing. There are fishing areas, picnic spots, walking trails, and cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter.

Cochituate State Park
Route 30
Natick, MA
Phone: 508-653-9641

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Cochituate State Park is a popular regional day use park featuring water-based recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing on its three large lakes. Picnicking, swimming, and boat launching are limited to the main area of the park on the middle lake and boaters can gain access to the other lakes through channels under roadways. Jet skis are not allowed on the lake.

Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area
18 Ranger Road
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

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The second largest forest in the state, set on 15,652 acres. Areas for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and cross-country ski trails, fresh water swimming and picnic areas. Cockaponset State Forest offers youth group camping. There is a seasonal weekend/holiday parking fee at the Pattaconk Recreation Area of $14 for state residents and $20 for non-residents. No fee on weekdays.

Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-439-5020

Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space

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Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails; Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.

Crawford Notch State Park
Route 302
Harts Location, NH
Phone: 603-374-2272

This park is a fount of natural beauty: A mountain pass, the Presidential Mountain Range, and waterfalls. The falls are the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. There is a visitor's center, hiking trails, a scenic drive, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also the site the Willey House, an 18th century way-station for travelers through the mountains. A campground is available to the public. Pets are permitted in campground area and other designated places only.

Crestbrook Park
834 Northfield Road
Watertown, CT
Phone: 860-945-5249

This town park offer up 236 wooded acres, a golf course, swimming and tennis courts.

Indian Well State Park
Howe Avenue
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-735-4311

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The park's scenic waterfalls and splash pool give this park its name, Indian Well. The lovely falls, and shaded picnic grove at the water's edge make this park a great place to spend a lazy summer day. Activities include boating, picnicking, field sports, hiking, river fishing, and swimming. Facilities: bathrooms, picnic shelter, and boat launch (trailered, open April through September, 203-735-4311). Park fees: Weekends, $14 for residents and $20 for non-residents; weekdays, $10 and $14. All days, $8 after 4 p.m.

Jenness State Beach
Route 1A
Rye, NH  03870
Phone: 603-436-1552

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Offers visitors a beach, ocean swimming, changing facilities and lifeguards on duty. The parking is metered.

Kettletown State Park
Off I-84 at Exit 15
Southbury, CT
Phone: 203-264-5169

Visitors can enjoy nature programs, fishing, hiking trails (including one for the handicapped), swimming and picnic areas. Campers can rent a site in the park. The name Kettletown comes from the history of the parkland: Settlers purchased the territory from the natives for the price of one brass kettle.

Kingston State Park
124 Main St.
Kingston, NH  03848
Phone: 603-642-5471

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A freshwater beach, set on 44 acres along Great Pond. Visitors will enjoy the picnic areas, a play area, and -- of course -- swimming.

Lake McDonough Park
Route 219
Barkhamsted, CT

This park on the lake features rentals of row boats and paddleboats, as well as fishing areas and hiking trails.

Ledyard Glacial Park and Avery Preserve
Entrances at Avery Hill Road, Avery Hill Extension, Whalehead Road
Ledyard, CT

Hiking trails dot the landscape of this nature conservancy. Great for bird watching.

Lester B. Williams Memorial Forest
Herrick Road
Brooklyn, CT

1.5 mile trail, marked and maintained by the Eastern CT Forest Landowners Association. A map for this circular route is available in the mailbox at the start of the trail.

Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8005

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset

This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.

Lincoln Woods State Park
2 Manchester Print Works Road
Lincoln, RI  02865
Phone: 401-723-7892

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Located between routes 146 and 123, Lincoln Woods State Park is A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak school (800-310-4504).

Little-Laurel Lime Ridge Park
Off Route 334
Seymour, CT

This park offers visitors scenic views to enjoy while engaging in vigorous, often challenging hiking trails. Bike trails are also available.

Long Wharf Nature Preserve
Exit 46, off I-95
New Haven, CT

Open: Daily, sunrise to sunset

This trail wends its way along Long Island Sound through a seaside ecosystem.

Macedonia Brook State Park
CT State Route 342
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Park set on 2,300 acres. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, fishing, sports fields, camping. Views of the Taconic and Catskill Mountains.

Mansfield Hollow Park
Bassetts Bridge Road
Mansfield, CT

Small park set on a 500 acre lake. Boating and fishing are allowed. The park is also available for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Manuel Correllus State Forest
Barnes Road
Edgartown, MA
Phone: 508-693-2540

Correllus State Forest occupies over 5,100 acres in the center of Martha's Vineyard. It is managed for passive recreation, mostly hiking and cycling on its 15 miles of bike paths. It is also the focus of one of the largest environmental restoration projects in the country. The Great Plain that forms much of Martha's Vineyard supports an unusual concentration of rare species and extensive examples of several uncommon sand-plain communities, including grasslands, heathlands, barrens, and woodlands, dominated by mixed oak-pine.

Mattatuck Forest
Thomaston Road
Thomaston, CT

A section of the Blue Trail runs through the forest, open to hikers only.

Miller State Park
Route 101
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-924-3672

This park is the namesake of General James Miller, who was a hero in the War of 1812. Here visitors will enjoy incredible views, hiking, walking trails, and picnic areas. Climbers can head for the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain, and a scenic roadway also leads to the top.

Monadnock State Park
Route 124
Jaffrey, NH  03452
Phone: 603-532-8862

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Home to Mount Monadnock, which rises over 3100 feet, this park is among the most popular in New England with hikers and mountain climbers. There are over 40 miles of trails and a spectacular view of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts at the mountain's summit. Visitors will also enjoy the winter-time cross-country ski trails, and a public camping area is available all year long. The park also has a store.

Monroe State Forest
Tilda Hill Road
Monroe, MA
Phone: 413-339-5504

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Wild and rugged Monroe State Forest has deep valleys, steep mountains and tall trees. A hike to the top of Spruce Mountain or to Raycroft Lookout offers magnificent panoramas of the surrounding Hoosac and Green Mountains and Deerfield River. Activities include wilderness camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (with restrictions), scenic viewing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling on a minimum of 4-inch snow base, walking trails. The forest is open sunrise to sunset year-round. Access is free. Interior roads are in poor condition. All Terrain Vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Moose Brook State Park
Off U.S. Route 2
Gorham, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Mount Sunapee State Park
Off Route 103
Newbury, NH  03255
Phone: 603-763-5561

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The 4,085-acre lake at the park is ideal for family and group outings and for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The beach has a store, a playground, and a bathhouse. Rentals of canoes and kayaks. A boat launch is available. Open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September; then weekends only until late September 24. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Mount Washington State Park
Route 302
Sargent's Purchase, NH
Phone: 603-466-3347

Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeast U.S. and this park the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy the incredibly scenic view. The summit building, along with the historic Tip Top House stand at the top of this 6,288 foot peak. This can be reached by hiking or climbing to the top, taking the scenic, winding road, or the Cog Railway. There are fees charged for both the railway and the drive.

Ninigret Park
Charlestown, RI  02813
Phone: 401-364-1222

This 227-acre park features a freshwater swimming pond with public beach, lifeguards on duty (seasonal), playground, ball fields, picnic areas, restrooms. Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory are privately operated; information can be obtained by calling 401-364-9508. Seasonal special events are held. Free admission, wheelchair accessible.

North Beach
Route 1A
Hampton, NH  03842
Phone: 603-436-1552

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Ocean beach offers a bathhouse and lifeguards on duty. A good family beach. Parking is metered.

North Hampton State Beach
Route 1A
North Hampton, NH  03862
Phone: 603-436-1552

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An ocean beach with a changing facility and lifeguards on duty. A good family beach. There is a fee for parking.

Northern Forest Heritage Park
961 Main Street
Berlin, NH  03570
Phone: 603-752-7202

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Park includes a three-acre site with waterfront; an outdoor amphitheater; a full-size logging camp museum; interactive exhibits; the Brown Co. House Museum; and the Artisans Gift Shop. The park hosts forest, river and art exhibits, lectures, seminars, concerts, ethnic festivals, Summer Heritage Mill Tours, lumberjack competitions, and special blacksmith demonstrations and events. Information: http://www.northernforestheritage.org/main.htm

Ocean Drive
Newport, RI

Take a winding drive that offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean, mansions, and Fort Adams State Park.

Odiorne Point State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-436-7406

The site of the first European settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. During World War II, it was home to Fort Dearborn, a U.S. Army Base. Today, the park offers a look back at the history and a view of the area's nature through panels set throughout the park. In addition, visitors will enjoy canoeing, walking trails, a bike path and picnic areas. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are available. The park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center, which holds events throughout the year.

Pawtuckaway State Park
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH  03290
Phone: 603-895-3031

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This park features a beach, changing facilities, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and a picnic area. In the winter, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open. A public campground is also available.

Pillsbury State Park
Route 31
Washington, NH
Phone: 603-863-2860

This wooded park offers canoeing on May Pond, fishing areas in both the pond and nearby streams, hiking trails into nearby mountains, and a picnic area. Wintertime activities available include snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing. There is a public campsite available. Pets are allowed.

Pisgah State Park
Off Route 63
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire's outdoors. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are available, as well as hunting areas, and fishing areas. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.

Prudence and Patience Islands Wildlife Management Area
Narragansett Bay
Bristol, RI

While smaller areas are part of both parks listed above, Prudence and Patience Islands are a refuge for a wide variety of bird and mammal species. Prudence Island is known for its popularity for migrating birds and presents excellent opportunities for bird watching. Ticks are plentiful on these islands so use insect repellant and dress accordingly. Accessible only by boat.

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
198 Purgatory Road
Sutton, MA
Phone: 508-234-3733

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A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. Recreational uses: walking, hiking, picnicking, hunting, accessible restrooms.