Wellington State Park

Description

Wellington State Park, located on the southwest bank of Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH, is a 220-acre public recreation park. Newfound Lake is one of the state’s deepest and clearest lakes. The state park is famous for having the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state park system of New Hampshire. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnics are some of the activities available. A boat launch administered by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department adjoins the park, giving boaters free year-round access to Newfound Lake.

Hikers can reach the summits of Little and Big Sugarloaf mountains through a 7-mile trail system that starts in the park. Visitors looking to hike within the park can take the Peninsula Trail which features picnic areas, fishing spots, plant identification signs, and stunning views of Newfound Lake and Cliff and Belle Islands.

The park exists thanks to Elizabeth R. Wellington’s generosity, who in 1931 gave the state a piece of property known as the Wellington Reservation for the princely sum of $1. During the 1930s, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Sugarloaf and Goose Pond Trail: HERE
Peninsula Trail: HERE

Location

Address: 614 W Shore Rd
Town: Bristol
State: New Hampshire
GPS: Lat 43.64407 Lng -71.77578
Parking notes: There are hundreds of parking spots at Wellington State Park. Parking is free during the off-season, but a fee is charged during the summer: Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free.
Parking directions: HERE
Location directions: HERE