Discover Fitzwilliam

Fitzwilliam combines a distinctive connection to nature, trails with different profiles, and a historic village area. This makes several points of interest worth considering when planning your trip: Rhododendron State Park with its named plant population, routes for hiking and cycling, and the Village Center with its Historic District.

Nature at Rhododendron State Park

Rhododendron State Park is named for a 16-acre stand of Rhododendron maximum, which forms the centerpiece of the park. The grove is the largest in northern New England and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1982. The combination of plant species, size, and designation gives the park’s natural appeal a concrete form. For travelers who factor natural areas into their choice of destination, this park is a specific point of interest in Fitzwilliam.

Trails between the rail trail and Little Monadnock

The Fitzwilliam/Cheshire Branch Rail Trail has a different profile: it is a flat gravel trail converted from a former railroad line. It is open to hiking, running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Its flat route distinguishes it from the uphill Little Monadnock Trail. Parking is available at Rockwood Pond, the Depot, and Old Turnpike Road, as well as at the crossings of Rhododendron Road, Royalston Road, West Lake Road, East Lake Road, and NH Route 12 South at State Line Circle. As parking availability can change, check the current situation before setting out.

The Little Monadnock Trail climbs for over a mile from the loop trail in Rhododendron State Park and meets the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail on open rock near the summit. This trail is 114 miles long, passes through Fitzwilliam, intersects the trails in Widow Gage Town Forest, and crosses Little Monadnock Mountain. The figures describe different distances: over a mile refers to the climb on the Little Monadnock Trail; 114 miles is the total length of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

Routes at Sip Pond and the former ski area

The Sip Pond Peninsula Trail is in the Chamberlain Conservation Area and ends at a viewpoint for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenery. The nearly 1.5-mile round trip is intended for pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles. At Fitzwilliam’s former ski area, you can hike across the field and along former ski slopes; along the way, you’ll get a view of the village. There is no designated trail there. When comparing distances, note what each refers to: the nearly 1.5 miles on the Sip Pond Trail includes the round trip; the more than a mile on the Little Monadnock Trail describes the climb from the loop trail.

Village Center and Laurel Lake

Fitzwilliam’s Historic District is largely confined to the Village Center and comprises 165 properties. This provides a clearly defined historic area to complement the natural and recreational attractions. Laurel Lake also has a boat launch, adding a specific connection to the water to the hiking and trail offerings.

Discover more destinations: Swanzey, Chesterfield, Harrisville, Rindge, Jaffrey, Keene

Go to the regional travel overview: Cheshire.