When fall comes around, what better time to kick off the heat than by spending a weekend in the New England woods. With cold weather quickly approaching New England, one of the first places to travel this fall if you’re thinking of taking a leisurely hike through the mountains and forests that cover the northern lands. Crisp autumn days and clear skies make this time of year the perfect time to get away and cross.
Knowing where to stay, what amenities are available to hikers and campers, and how safe the area you want to stay is of the utmost importance. You want to enjoy this time with your family and friends while in your camp retreat without worrying if you picked the right area. These are the best places in New England that I’ve had the pleasure of doing at different times, making it my favorite time of year.
Harold Parker of Forest City Campground
Famous for its quiet beauty and scenic scenery, the Harold Parker State Forest covers over 3,000 acres of woods that surround the towns of Andover, North Andover, North Reading and Middleton, Massachusetts. At Harold Parker State Forest you’ll also find 35 miles of hiking trails and hiking trails that take you through the Central Hardwood, Hemlock and the white pine trees that cover this flat area like a blanket over the Massachusetts landscape.
While in the Harold Parker State Forest you can enjoy riding trails, biking trails, hunting and fishing and foraging. You will also find 11 lakes throughout the state park if you want to enjoy a leisurely boating trip.
Camp at the Harold Parker Starved Rock State Park is also available at the Lorraine Park Campground from late May to early September. The site offers 89 campsites with water, grill and picnic table. There are no electric hooks, but there are showers in the bathroom with hot water.
For more information visit the parks website here.
Park Hall
305
N. Andover Ma. 01845
Main office 978-686-3391
Camp info please call 978 475-7972
Partus Lorraine (field):
133 Jenkins Road
Andover Ma. 01810
Hancock Campground
Located on Kancamagus Road near I-93, Hancock Campground is the perfect place to get away and camp in the quiet wilderness of northern New Hampshire. Hancock Campground is popular with hikers and campers because of its proximity to Kank, but also because it is less cluttered with tourists like other popular Hiking trails and campsites in the area. This area is also within driving distance of other attractions such as Cannon Mountain and Franconia State Park.
While in the park you can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, eros and pleasure driving. Campgrounds are also adjacent to the east branch of the Pemigewasset River, which is great for a quiet road trip. You’ll also find 56 forested camping sites here that include a picnic table, fireplace and tent. They share 21 common areas, and provide private camps with 35 forested areas. You will also find water on your site and two bathroom facilities.
This park is open year-round and costs $22 for one vehicle, and $5 for each additional vehicle. Sorry, care is not allowed in this park.
For more information visit the park website here.
Park at the entrance:
Hancock Campground is located on Kancamagus Road 5 miles east of I-93, exits 32 and 7 miles respectively. For up to date information call (603) 745-3816
Hermit Island Campground
If camping in the mountains isn’t what you’re looking for, try a hiking trip along the Atlantic coast of Maine at Hermit Island Campground. Located just outside of Bath, Maine, this private cabin offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a camper’s paradise. The owners really go out of their way to make sure the campers are happy and occupied during their trip. You will find areas for swimming, fishing, boating and hiking all over the island. The general store offers island rentals and keeps a list of activities on hand for the coming week if you want something to do.
The best part of staying here is the trails that stretch across the island, including some that take you right on the ocean’s edge. You will also find plenty of camping and food available in the general store when the open season starts in mid-May. The park has 275 campsites that include a picnic table and fire ring. They travel from the ocean to a quiet forest by the ocean. There are also 3 cottages on for rent.
The park is open during inclement weather and costs range from $32 – $56 for campsites. Cabins need to be hired before. For more information visit the park website here.
Address Park:
42 Front Street
Bath, ME 04530
(207) 443-2101
Grafton NotchState Park
If you’re looking for adventure while hiking or camping in Maine, you’ll find Grafton Notch State Park. Home to some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Maine, Grafton Notch offers backcountry hiking as well as the high peaks of the Mahoosuc Range and deep gorges. You’ll also find the entrance to the Appalachian Trail which includes 12,000 hiking trails, some of the more difficult along the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail.
There are plenty of camps in Grafton Notch, and if you plan to see the entire park, it is recommended that you plan to camp for a few days a> and hiking to see all the beauty this park has to offer. I was here in July and we took two day hiking and camped next to the Table Rock. If you’re up for the challenge, Table Rock offers two ways to get to the top of the Great Notch. Recommending this hike to someone who is well versed in hiking and hiking trails is highly recommended. steep rocks to climb You also have the option of taking the Appalachian Trail, which is a little easier.
Generally primitive camping in Grafton Notch and caution should be taken for wild and trail conditions. While the park is open year-round, it is staffed from mid-May through mid-September.
For more information visit their website here.
Oratio Park:
1941 Bear River Road
Newry, ME 04261
Conveniently, May 15 through Oct. 15, call: (207) 824-2912.
Off hours: (207) 624-6080
