Elmer G. Raymond Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elmer G.


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Summary

Raymond Park is a beautiful and popular recreational area located in the state of New Hampshire. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons to visit Elmer G. Raymond Park is its scenic beauty. The park features miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas, as well as a beach and boat launch for swimming and boating. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the nearby White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee.

Specific points of interest to see at the park include the historic Winnipesaukee River Trail, which follows the path of an old railway line, and the scenic views from the top of the Mount Major hiking trail. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.

Interesting facts about the area include that the park is named after Elmer G. Raymond, a local businessman and philanthropist who donated the land to the state of New Hampshire in the 1950s. The park has also been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the classic film "On Golden Pond."

The best time of year to visit Elmer G. Raymond Park depends on the activities you are interested in. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking, while the fall offers stunning foliage views. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park's trails.

Overall, Elmer G. Raymond Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the state of New Hampshire. With its natural beauty, recreational activities, and interesting history, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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