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New Hampshire
5

New Hampshire State Parks

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USA Parks
New Hampshire
Merrimack Valley Region
Clough State Forest
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CLOUGH STATE FOREST
CLOUGH STATE FOREST
The Clough State Forest is a captivating sanctuary nestled within a picturesque natural landscape. Spanning over 700 acres, this enchanting forest offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities. With its network of scenic trails, visitors can embark on revitalizing hikes amidst towering trees, babbling streams, and peaceful ponds. The forest also boasts a serene beach and swimming area, perfect for escaping the summer heat. Filled with tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife, Clough State Forest provides an idyllic destination for nature lovers seeking solace and adventure.
History of the Area
Early Settlement: The land where Clough State Forest now stands was once home to the Pennacook Native American tribe. They lived in villages along the Merrimack River and utilized the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering resources. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century, the native population declined significantly due to diseases and conflicts.

Logging Era: In the 19th century, the forested lands, including the future Clough State Forest, became an important resource for the logging industry. Massive pine trees were harvested, and the Merrimack River played a crucial role in transporting the logs downstream to nearby sawmills. Logging continued throughout the region, severely impacting the forest ecosystem.

Acquisition by the State: In the early 20th century, recognizing the need for forest conservation and recreational opportunities, the State of New Hampshire began acquiring lands for its state forest system. In 1938, the state purchased a large portion of what is now Clough State Forest, primarily for watershed protection purposes.

Development as a State Forest: The state initially named the area "Weare State Forest" after the nearby town of Weare. In the following years, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the forest for recreational purposes during the Great Depression. They constructed trails, picnic areas, and other amenities that still exist today. In 1945, the forest was renamed "Clough State Forest" after Samuel Clough, a former state legislator and advocate for forest conservation.

Recreational Use: Clough State Forest has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest offers various recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, and boating. The Reservoir Trail System, spanning around 13 miles, provides opportunities for hikers and nature lovers to explore the area's diverse habitats, including wetlands and upland forests.
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Trails
1. Clough Pond Loop: This is a 2-mile loop trail that circles around the scenic Clough Pond, offering beautiful views of water and wildlife throughout the year. The terrain varies from flat to slightly hilly with some rocky sections.

2. Tucker Brook Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail stretching about 3 miles long which takes you through dense forest areas along Tucker Brook's cascading waters leading up to an impressive waterfall.

3. Bear Hill Nature Walk: An easy half mile walk ideal for families or beginners featuring interpretive signs detailing local flora and fauna found in this part of New Hampshire's state forests.

4. Millbrook Mountain Pathway: Approximately four miles round trip, it offers challenging steep climbs but rewards hikers with panoramic vistas at its peak overlooking surrounding valleys and mountains beyond State Forest boundaries.

5. Deer Run Trail: It stretches over two-and-a-half-miles within thick woods filled with deer tracks making it perfect for animal spotting enthusiasts who enjoy quiet hikes amidst nature.

6. Pine Ridge Loop: At just under three miles long, this moderately difficult hike features mixed hardwoods , pine groves as well as small streams crossing paths occasionally providing refreshing spots during summer months.

7. Heron Marsh Track: Extending nearly one mile alongside marshy lands attracting herons among other bird species thus proving popular amongst bird watchers.

8. Beaver Dam Way: Roughly a two-mile-long path taking walkers past several beaver dams visible from boardwalk sections across wetlands adding unique charm to overall hiking experience here.

9. Blueberry Hill Vista Route: Known primarily for wild blueberries growing abundantly on hill slopes besides stunning outlook points presenting breathtaking landscape scenes especially during fall season when foliage turns vibrant hues creating picturesque settings all around.

10. Birchwood Passageway: Just short of five kilometers traversing mainly birch tree clusters interspersed by occasional clearings where picnic tables are set up for hikers to rest and enjoy their surroundings.

11. Maple Trail: A 1.5-mile trail that winds through a maple forest, offering beautiful views especially during the fall when leaves change color.

12. Hemlock Grove Pathway: This is an easy one mile loop path ideal for leisurely walks under towering hemlocks providing cool shade even on hot summer days.

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Area Campgrounds
Cold Springs Camp Resort
62 Barnard Hill Road
Weare, NH
603-529-2528
Twin Oaks Campground
80 Pinewood Road
Allenstown, NH
603-485-2700
Twin Oaks Campground
80 Pinewood Road
Allenstown, NH
603-485-2700
Friendly Beaver Campground
Old Coach Road
New Boston, NH
603-487-5570
Sandy Beach RV Resort
677 Clement Hill Road
Contoocook, NH
603-746-3591
Sandy Beach Campground
677 Clement Hill Road
Hopkinton, NH
603-746-3591
Keyser Pond Campground
1739 Old Concord Road
Henniker, NH
603-428-7741
Spacious Skies French Pond
479 Old W Hopkinton Road
Henniker, NH
603-995-4133
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Harry Lure Co Wholesale Tackle
337 New Boston Rd
Bedford, NH
(603) 471-6386
Dudley Brook Fly Co
47 Dudley Brook Rd
Weare, NH
(603) 529-1129

Directions
1. From Manchester: Take I-293 S and continue onto NH-101 W.
2. Follow NH:114 N for approximately 10 miles until you reach Weare Center.
3. At the intersection with Route 77/Main St., turn left onto Concord Stage Rd/Route 77 (signs for Clough State Park).
4. Continue on Concord Stage Rd/Route 77 for about a mile and then take a slight right onto Reservoir Dr.
5. After another mile, you will arrive at Clough State Forest.

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New Hampshire
5

New Hampshire State Parks

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