Bear Brook State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Brook State Park |
|
|---|---|
Beaver Pond as seen from the Beaver Pond Trail near the campground
|
|
| Location | Allenstown and Hooksett in Merrimack County; Deerfield and Candia in Rockingham County, New Hampshire |
| Area | 10,083 acres (4,080 ha) |
| Elevation | 617 feet (188 m) |
| Established | 1943 |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Designation | New Hampshire state park |
| Website | Bear Brook State Park |
Bear Brook State Park is a huge nature area in New Hampshire. It covers over 10,000 acres, which is about 15 square miles! This makes it one of the biggest state parks in New Hampshire. You can find it spread across towns like Allenstown, Hooksett, Deerfield, and Candia. It's a fantastic place to explore the outdoors and learn about nature.
Exploring Bear Brook State Park
The park gets its name from Bear Brook, a stream that flows right through it. The land here is part of the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion. This means you'll see lots of trees and plants that are common along the coast of the northeastern United States. It's a beautiful place to see different kinds of wildlife and plants.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Bear Brook State Park has so many activities for visitors! Whether you love camping or just want to spend a day outside, there's something for everyone.
- Camping: You can set up a tent and sleep under the stars at one of the park's campsites.
- Picnics: There are special areas with picnic tables where you can enjoy a meal with your family and friends.
- Hiking: The park has over 40 miles of trails. You can hike through the woods and discover amazing views.
- Water Fun: You can go swimming or fishing in the park's ponds. You can also rent canoes and rowboats to paddle around.
- Archery: If you like aiming for targets, there's an archery range where you can practice.
- Sports and Play: The park has a ball field and a playground for kids to enjoy.
- Fitness: There's even a physical fitness course if you want to get some exercise!
- Convenience: A camp store is available for snacks and supplies, and bathhouses make your visit comfortable.
A Look Back in Time
Bear Brook State Park is also home to some interesting historical buildings. These buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program in the 1930s that helped young men find work during a tough economic time. They built many parks and public spaces across the country.
- New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum: Learn about the history of snowmobiles in New Hampshire.
- Old Allenstown Meeting House: This historic building shows what meeting houses were like long ago.
- Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum: Discover more about the CCC and the important work they did in the park.
These museums are a great way to learn about the park's past and how it became the wonderful place it is today.
See also
