Hillsborough County: Mountains, Art and History

The places below offer a range of experiences and give you concrete starting points for planning. Would you like to focus your stay mainly on trails and viewpoints, or are you more interested in art, history and activities by the water?

Pack Monadnock: Summit, Views and Trails

Miller State Park is located on the 2,290-foot summit and slopes of Pack Monadnock in Peterborough. A winding, 1.3-mile paved road leads to the scenic summit. It is open to visitors traveling by car seasonally, subject to official operating conditions. Those who want to focus on hiking trails will find three main routes in the park that lead up Pack Monadnock. An observation tower stands at the summit. On a clear day, views from Miller State Park extend to Mount Washington, Boston’s skyscrapers and the hills of Vermont.

A longer hike is the Wapack Trail: This 21-mile trail runs from Mt. Watatic in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, to North Pack Monadnock in Greenfield. Its named endpoints and length provide a clear guide to the route, without confusing it with the three main routes at Miller State Park.

Ponds, Bogs and Activities by the Water

Ponds and bogs shape the landscape at Greenfield State Park, where a forest reaches the shore of Otter Lake. Trails lead to ponds and other points of interest in the park. This lets you combine trails and scenery with a variety of stops, rather than focusing your visit on a single viewpoint.

Picnic Beach offers a place to swim. Kayaks and canoes are also available to rent at Greenfield State Park. Since information about use and rentals may change, check the latest details before making plans. Because parking capacity is limited, visitors can make a reservation before arrival; it is also a good idea to check the current guidance.

Art in the Landscape

The Andres Institute of Art in Brookline combines art and nature across 140 acres of mountain landscape. More than 107 sculptures are located there. The collection includes more than 100 permanent works by artists from around the world. The institute’s trail network covers 10 miles and more than 400 feet of elevation gain—a combination of outdoor art and trails through the landscape. The trails are open daily, 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. Check current access conditions before your visit.

History and Culture in Manchester and the Surrounding Area

The Franklin Pierce Homestead was the home of the 14th President of the United States from infancy until his marriage in 1834. It is also considered an outstanding example of New Hampshire village architecture. Its combination of personal history and architecture makes it a distinct point of interest alongside the area’s nature and hiking options.

The Currier Museum of Art offers private groups both guided and self-guided tours. If you are planning a visit, check the current booking arrangements in advance. Amoskeag Fishways connects educational programs and nature experiences related to the Merrimack River and the greater Manchester, New Hampshire area with museum-quality exhibits, including exhibits featuring live animals. In May and early June, visitors can watch migrating fish make their way upstream through underwater viewing windows. This seasonal period is especially relevant if you would like to plan your trip around the fish migration.

At Stark Park, the “Walk in the Woods” trail network is suitable for walking with or without a dog, jogging, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Also located in Stark Park is “Molly Stark’s Wildwoods,” an outdoor nature play area for children. The park is also the final resting place of John Stark, his wife and several of their children. Beaver Brook offers another opportunity for nature play, with a shaded area featuring play elements made from natural materials.

Local Produce and Handmade Goods

The Peterborough Farmers’ Market offers local produce, meat, fish, eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies, as well as handmade goods from local small businesses. This adds a local offering to the area’s scenic and cultural points of interest. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, check the current dates.

Explore more destinations: Merrimack, Nashua, Bedford, Peterborough, New Boston, Francestown, Manchester, Grafton.

For the broader travel overview: New Hampshire.