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New Hampshire
5

New Hampshire State Parks

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New Hampshire
Dartmouth - Lake Sunapee Region
Sugar Hill State Forest
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SUGAR HILL STATE FOREST
SUGAR HILL STATE FOREST
The Sugar Hill State Forest is a picturesque natural haven nestled among rolling hills and lush forests. With its captivating beauty and abundant wildlife, the forest offers visitors a serene retreat to explore and immerse themselves in nature. Trails meander through tall stands of trees, revealing stunning vistas of neighboring mountains and the tranquil Connecticut River Valley below. The forest is blanketed with vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months, creating a captivating tapestry of colors. Its peaceful atmosphere and wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and picnicking, make the Sugar Hill State Forest an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape in New Hampshire's captivating landscape.
History of the Area
Sugar Hill State Forest, located in northern New Hampshire, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The forest was once part of a larger tract of land known as the Percy Estate, which was owned by Charles P. Noyes, also known as the "Lumber King" because of his extensive lumbering operations.

In the mid-1800s, the Percy Estate had a thriving lumber industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the area. The timber harvested in the forest was used for various purposes, including building materials, furniture, and fuel. The lumber industry was a significant economic driver for the region, attracting workers and contributing to the local economy.

However, by the early 1900s, extensive logging had resulted in the depletion of the forest's resources, and the lumber industry declined. In 1913, Percy Estate's remaining land, including the present-day Sugar Hill State Forest, was sold to the New Hampshire State Forestry Commission. The Commission aimed to restore the land by implementing sustainable forest management practices like reforestation and conservation efforts.

Over the years, the Sugar Hill State Forest has gradually regenerated, and today it comprises approximately 6,000 acres of mixed hardwood and softwood forest. The forest is primarily managed for timber production, wildlife habitat conservation, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection.
Nearby Accommodations
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Newfound RV Park - Bridgewater/Bristol, NH
Campgrounds
New Hampshire's newest Big Rig Park is situated just a few miles from Wellington State Park , which is on Newfound Lake, one of the cleanest inland lakes in the United States. Your recreational opportunities are varied and we are the perfect base camp for your explorations.
3.9 miles from park*
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Newfound RV Park - Bridgewater/Bristol, NH
Motor Home Campers
New Hampshire's newest Big Rig Park is situated just a few miles from Wellington State Park , which is on Newfound Lake, one of the cleanest inland lakes in the United States. Your recreational opportunities are varied and we are the perfect base camp for your explorations.
3.9 miles from park*




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Area Campgrounds
Newfound RV Park and Campground
792 Mayhew Turnpike
Bristol, NH
603-744-3344
Silver Lake Park Campground
389 Jamestown Road
Belmont, NH
603-524-6289
Clearwater Campground
26 Campground Road
Meredith, NH
603-279-7761
Harbor Hill Camping Area
189 Route 25
Meredith, NH
603-279-6910
Meredith Woods Camping Area
26 Campground Road
Meredith, NH
603-279-5449
Twin Tamarack Family Camping and RV Resort
41 Twin Tamarack Road
New Hampton, NH
603-279-4387
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort
35 Jellystone Park
New Hampton, NH
603-968-9000
Paugus Bay Campground
96 Hilliard Road
Weirs Beach, NH
603-366-4757
Thousand Acres Family Campground
Route 3 1079 South Main Street
Franklin, NH
603-934-4440
Bethel Woods Campground
245 Route 3
Holderness, NH
603-279-6266
Hack-Ma-Tack Campground
713 Endroot Street North
Laconia, NH
603-366-5977
Baker River Campground LLC
56 Campground Road
Rumney, NH
603-786-9707
River Brook RV Resort LLC
1125 Route 25
Rumney, NH
888-786-2333
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Lakes Region Bass Fishing
33 Blake Rd
Meredith, NH
(603) 279-2248

Directions
1. Start by heading north on Interstate 93.
2. Take exit 38 for NH:18 toward Littleton/Franconia.
3. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto NH:18 and continue driving west towards Franconia.
4. After about 5 miles, you will come to a roundabout; take the second exit to stay on NH:18/Profile Road.
5. Continue straight on Profile Road for approximately 6 miles until you reach downtown Franconia village.

At this point, there are two different routes you can choose from depending on your preference:

Option A: Scenic Route
6a) In downtown Franconia village, turn right onto Main Street/NH:116 East (look out for signs indicating "Sugar Hill").
7a) Follow NH:116 East/Main Street as it winds through scenic countryside and eventually enters into Sugar Hill after around 4 miles.

Option B: Direct Route
6b) In downtown Franconia village at an intersection with a gas station nearby (Fran's Service Center), go straight ahead onto Dow Avenue instead of turning right like Option A suggests ("Dow Ave" sign should be visible).
7b) Stay on Dow Avenue which turns into Sunset Hill Road after crossing over Gale River Bridge: follow Sunset Hill road uphill passing The Inn at Sunset hill then keep going till reaching junction where Cherry Mountain Rd meets sunset hill rd, make sharp left here.
8b ) Drive along Cherry Mountain Rd/Sugarhill:Easton Valley Rd for about another mile or so until arriving at Sugarloaf Stables & Nordic Ski Ctr parking area.

Regardless of whether you chose option A or B above:
9. ) Once inside Sugar HIll state park look out fot trailhead markers that will guide you to various trails within the forest.

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New Hampshire
5

New Hampshire State Parks

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