Madison Boulder Woods Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Madison Boulder Woods Preserve is a natural wonder located in the state of New Hampshire.
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Summary
The preserve is home to the largest known glacial erratic boulder in New England, weighing an estimated 5,000 tons. The boulder is believed to have been transported to its present location more than 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
Visitors to the preserve can take a hike along the 17-acre trail system that passes through the woods and around the massive boulder. The trail system is easy to navigate and suitable for all ages and abilities. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and bears.
One of the most interesting facts about Madison Boulder Woods Preserve is that the boulder is not made of the same type of granite found in the surrounding mountains. Instead, it is made of Conway granite, which is only found in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.
The best time of year to visit Madison Boulder Woods Preserve is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. During the summer months, the area can get quite hot, and in the winter, the trails may be covered in snow and ice.
Overall, Madison Boulder Woods Preserve is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history and outdoor recreation. Whether you're a hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a beautiful spot to explore, this preserve is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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