New Hampshire is no stranger to lovely outdoor adventures, being the home to the White Mountains, where wilderness launchpoints like Gorham, a town with endless outdoor thrills, and Berlin, 'a city that trees built,' beckon nature enthusiasts far and wide. Yet, few outdoor hangs are as charming as a carefully curated garden.
Rhododendron State Park in southwest New Hampshire has sculpted its botanicals particularly well, and its 16 acres of Rhododendron maximums seen along easily walkable pathways
make for an amazingly picturesque garden paradise that many forget to put on their New Hampshire bucket list.
The park is located in the town of Fitzwilliam in the southwest corner of the state, a 90-minute drive from Concord or from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Entering the park is beyond what Mary, Alice, or any other garden-exploring character could have imagined. The grove bursts vibrantly with flamingo-pink-tinged blossoms, songbirds tweet to their hearts' content, and a sweetly pungent aroma fills the air. In some places, the rhododendrons' towering palms and stems entangle over the path in riotous arches and canopies, creating the perfect opportunity to stop and smell the ... rhododendrons.
Read more: The 14 Best Botanical Gardens In America, According To Reddit
There Are Three Easy Trails At Rhododendron State Park
Rhododendron State Park lies on 2,723 acres of land, which includes a wildflower trail where blooms like Indian pipe and woodland asters open in late summer, and bright berries sparkle across the fall foliage. However, the stars of the show are found on the adjacent 0.6-mile Rhododendron Loop trail. The flowers don't blossom until July, but their sturdy, evergreen leaves are still a sight to behold anytime. The midnight green-colored leaves look enchanting in the sunlight and create a particularly tranquil atmosphere in the hush of the morning.
It's noteworthy that this isn't a park only for experienced hikers; all the trails are universally accessible. They are also a must-see in mid-July when the rhododendron flowers first burst. The pretty flowers vary from cotton candy to soft indigo, appearing to beg the passerby to take a whiff. Be certain to make it to the wooden bridge that is perfectly placed amidst the plants. It's the perfect place to relax and take in 360-degree views of the garden in bloom.
The second trail at the park, the Little Monadnock Trail, is 1 mile long and leads off Rhododendron Loop and is marked by a sign. Yellow blazes mark the way on the trail and culminate at a storybook view of the majestic Monadnock Mountain, prettily framed by a wreath of conifers. If you plan to stay at the park a little longer, stop at the clearing closer to the entrance, which is equipped with picnic tables. The well-manicured lawn sits in a copse of bushy trees and is an ideal locale for a leisurely lunch.
What You Need To Know Before Heading To Rhododendron State Park
The park charges $4 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6–11. While the park is always open, it usually isn't staffed during off-hours and the off-season. Keep that in mind if you plan to participate in any activities that may pose a risk to your physical safety. In general, bring the things necessary for a day outside, such as water, a first-aid kit, and bug spray. Mosquitoes are reported to be particularly active in this park.
Pets are only allowed in the parking area and on the Little Monadnock Trail. New Hampshire State Parks have a strict carry-in, carry-out policy, so make sure to clean up after yourself and your pooches. They also must not be unattended at any time, and leashes cannot exceed six feet in length.
Rhododendron State Park is a National Natural Landmark and houses the largest cluster of rhododendrons in northern and central New England. Mary Lee Ware purchased the property to protect it from logging, and she subsequently handed it over to the Appalachian Mountain Club in 1903, it was with the stipulation that the rhododendron grove and surrounding forest be protected and available to the public forever.
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