Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park is a picturesque natural area located in South Berwick, Maine, just across the border from New Hampshire.


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Summary

Though it is not in the state of New Hampshire, it is often frequented by residents of the state due to its proximity.

Visiting Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The park encompasses 250 acres of lush woodlands, meandering trails, and serene waterways. It offers numerous hiking and walking trails that wind through the forest, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.

One of the main points of interest within the park is Hamilton House, a historic mansion situated on the banks of the Salmon Falls River. This elegant 18th-century house showcases stunning architecture and offers guided tours to visitors during the summer months. The grounds surrounding Hamilton House provide splendid views of the river and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Another notable feature of Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park is the beautifully maintained woodland garden known as the "Rhododendron Patch." This garden bursts into vibrant colors during the spring and early summer, thanks to the countless rhododendron and azalea plants that bloom throughout the area.

If you are a bird enthusiast, the park is home to a variety of bird species that can be observed along the trails. Keep an eye out for ospreys, bald eagles, woodpeckers, and various songbirds that inhabit the park.

When planning a visit to Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park, it is essential to consider the best time of year to explore. The park is open year-round, but the spring and summer months, particularly from May to August, offer the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities. During this time, the trails are lined with blooming wildflowers, and the Rhododendron Patch is at its most vibrant.

In summary, while Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park is not located in New Hampshire, it is a popular destination for residents of the state due to its proximity. The park offers beautiful trails, the historic Hamilton House, a stunning Rhododendron Patch, and various bird species to observe. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the park comes alive with vibrant flora.

       

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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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