Day Trips from Manchester
← All Manchester day tripsDay Trips from Manchester: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Manchester, NH. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Manchester
Borderland State Park
North Easton, MA 02356
Just 1 hr 26 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,230 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Winslow State Park
Wilmot, NH 03287
Just 53 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 497 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Monadnock State Park
Jaffrey, NH 03452
Just 1 hr 8 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,925 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mount Major State Forest
Alton, NH 03810
Just 1 hr 6 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 767 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Moore State Park
Paxton, MA 01612
Just 1 hr 30 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 919 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Grafton Notch State Park
ME 04261, USA
Just 2 hrs 51 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,069 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Crawford Notch State Park
Hart's Location, NH 03812
Just 1 hr 50 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,954 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse
Newbury, MA 01951
Just 58 min from Manchester, rated 4.8 stars by 573 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Chesterfield, NH 03443
Just 1 hr 22 min from Manchester, rated 4.7 stars by 345 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Sudbury, MA 01776
Just 1 hr 4 min from Manchester, rated 4.7 stars by 679 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Wells, ME 04090
Just 1 hr 8 min from Manchester, rated 4.7 stars by 2,002 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Stoneham, MA 02180
Just 46 min from Manchester, rated 4.7 stars by 5,468 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Manchester
What are the best state parks near Manchester, NH?
The best state parks near Manchester offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Manchester?
Most state parks near Manchester charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Manchester are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Manchester offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Manchester?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Manchester. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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