UPDATE FALL 2020 - Reservations are now required for parking at the swimming area at Mt. Sunapee State Park. Visit NH State Parks to make a reservation.
Although it may best be known for alpine skiing, there are plentiful trails and summer activities at Mount Sunapee State Park.
More than ten miles of hiking trails traverse the park from seven trailheads.
The Summit Trail leads through mixed woods on moderate to steep grades to the summit from the ski area parking lot. It emerges onto the grassy ledge next to the summit lodge for views to the north. You can also reach the summit from the Goshen Trail, which is the easiest way to the summit. Make sure to pay attention to the blue blazes as the trails moves on and off of old roads and alpine ski trails. The Newbury Trail leaves from Newbury village and climbs steeply right away before it moderates and works its way to the summit. The Andrews Brook Trail follows Andrews Brook upstream and crosses it multiple times before reaching Lake Solitude and connecting with the Solitude Trail to the summit. Each trail is 5-6 miles round trip from the trailhead to the summit and back with substantial climbs.
Besides the summit, there are multiple hiking destinations in the park. Lake Solitude is a beautiful remote high elevation pond that can be reached via the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway or the Andrew Brook Trail. Hikers can continue on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway to Lucia's Lookout. There is also a scenic vista called White Ledges overlooking the pond on a spur trail from the Solitude Trail. For views over Lake Sunapee, the Eagle's Nest lookout can be found on a red-blazed 0.2 mile spur trail off of the Newbury Trail.
Mount Sunapee State Park also has a public beach. It is very popular on nice weekends and holidays and will most likely sell-out in the morning hours. Once the beach area reaches capacity additional beach goers cannot be admitted due to safety concerns.
Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available. When park is unstaffed during the season, please use Iron Ranger (self-serve paystation).
Please note that dogs must be on leash and are not allowed in the beach area in the summer or the ski area during winter operations.
Please also note that geocaching in not allowed in any New Hampshire State Park.
For more information, visit the Mount Sunapee State Park website or contact:
Parking and trailheads are available both in and outside of the state park boundaries.
In Mount Sunapee State Park
Mount Sunapee Resort - The Summit Trail Trailhead is accessed from the parking lot for the Mount Sunapee Resort. From Newbury, head west on NH-103. At the roundabout, take the third exit and continue on Mount Sunapee Road. The resort parking lot is 0.7 miles up the road. Follow the service road to the right around the base lodge and past the chairlift. The trail leaves from the road's right next to a sign.
Base of Park Road - Additional parking can be found at the base of the Park Road. From Newbury, head west on NH-103. At the roundabout, take the third exit and continue on Mount Sunapee Road. After 0.3 miles turn left and cross the divided road onto Park Road. There is a large parking lot at the base of the road.
Campground Parking - There is also parking at the Mount Sunapee State Park Campground. From Newbury, head west on NH-103. At the roundabout, take the third exit and continue on Mount Sunapee Road. After 0.3 miles turn left and cross the divided road onto Park Road. Proceed on the Park Road for 1.2 miles. Turn left into the campground. Parking will be on the left.
Outside of Mount Sunapee State Park
Province Road - Parking for the Province Trail trailhead is available on Province Road in Goshen. From Newbury, head west on NH-103. At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue on NH-103. 1.2 miles after the roundabout, turn left onto Brook Road. After 1.3 miles, turn left again onto Province Road. There is parking for up to 4 cars on the shoulder at the bend in the road.
Brook Road - Parking for the Goshen Trail is available on Brook Road in Goshen. From Newbury, head west on NH-103. At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue on NH-103. 1.2 miles after the roundabout, turn left onto Brook Road. Parking is available on the shoulder after 2.5 miles. Do not block gates.
Mountain Road - Parking for the Andrew Brook trail is available on Mountain Road in Newbury. From Newbury, head southeast on NH-103. Turn right on Mountain road and proceed for 1.3 miles. Parking is on a large pull out on the right.
Newbury Parking - Parking for the Newbury Trail and Eagle's Nest is in Newbury. Town parking is available in diagonal spaces along NH-103. To reach the trailhead go up Newbury Heights road, then turn right on Lakeview Avenue. The trailhead will be on the right.
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