Pawtuckaway State Reservation

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pawtuckaway State Reservation is located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire.


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Summary

The park covers more than 5,000 acres and includes a lake, a mountain, and miles of hiking trails. There are many reasons to visit the park, including scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

One of the main attractions at Pawtuckaway State Reservation is the lake. Pawtuckaway Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and perch. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake.

Another point of interest at the park is Pawtuckaway Mountain. The mountain offers great views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails offer a variety of scenery, including forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings.

In addition to outdoor recreation, Pawtuckaway State Reservation has a rich history. The park was once home to Native American tribes and was later used for farming and logging. Visitors can learn about the area's history at the park's interpretive center.

The best time of year to visit Pawtuckaway State Reservation depends on what activities you are interested in. The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is warm and the lake is open for swimming and boating. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the foliage is beautiful and the hiking trails are less crowded.

Overall, Pawtuckaway State Reservation is a great destination for anyone interested in outdoor recreation, history, and scenic beauty. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the lake or an adventurous hike up a mountain, there's something for everyone at this New Hampshire state park.

       

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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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