Maidstone State Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Maidstone State Park is located in the northernmost part of New Hampshire, near the Canadian border.


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Summary

It covers an area of 2,722 acres and is known for its pristine wilderness and natural beauty. There are several reasons why tourists should visit Maidstone State Park, including its picturesque scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities.

One of the main attractions of Maidstone State Park is its namesake lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also boasts several hiking trails, including the Little Diamond Pond Trail and the Big Brook Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Apart from its natural attractions, Maidstone State Park also has a rich history. The park is named after Maidstone, England, and was once home to Native American tribes, as well as early European settlers. Visitors can learn more about the area's past by visiting the historic sites and landmarks in and around the park.

The best time of year to visit Maidstone State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is alive with activity. However, visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow during the winter months. Overall, Maidstone State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of northern New Hampshire.

       

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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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