Crawford Notch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crawford Notch State Park |
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View over Crawford Notch State Park
from Mount Willard |
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| Location | US Route 302, Harts Location, Carroll County, New Hampshire |
| Area | 5,775 acres (2,337 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,532 feet (467 m) |
| Established | 1913 |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Crawford Notch State Park |
Crawford Notch State Park is a fantastic place to explore in northern New Hampshire. It's located right on U.S. Highway 302, nestled between the towns of Bretton Woods and Bartlett. This amazing park covers about 5,775 acres, which is like having over 4,000 football fields of nature to discover! It sits in the middle of a famous mountain pass called Crawford Notch, deep within the beautiful White Mountains.
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Discover Crawford Notch State Park!
Crawford Notch State Park is a special area managed by the state of New Hampshire. It's a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, learn about history, and see incredible natural sights. The park was officially created in 1913, making it over 100 years old! It's a perfect spot for families and friends to have an adventure.
What is Crawford Notch?
A "notch" in the mountains is like a big, deep valley or pass that cuts through a mountain range. Crawford Notch is one of the most famous passes in the White Mountains. It was formed by glaciers and rivers over thousands of years. This notch has been an important route for travelers for a very long time, connecting different parts of New Hampshire.
Fun Things to Do!
There's so much to do at Crawford Notch State Park! If you love being outdoors, you'll find plenty of activities.
- Hiking Adventures: The park has many trails for hikers of all skill levels. You can take an easy walk or challenge yourself with a longer climb. Some popular trails lead to stunning waterfalls.
- Ripley Falls: This beautiful waterfall is a must-see! The trail to Ripley Falls is a great hike for families.
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- Arethusa Falls: This is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire! The hike to Arethusa Falls is a bit longer but totally worth it for the amazing views.
- Camping: If you want to stay overnight, the Dry River Campground has 36 campsites. It's a wonderful way to experience the park's peaceful nights and starry skies.
- Picnics and Sightseeing: You can also just relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery. The views from inside the notch are truly breathtaking.
A Bit of History: The Willey House
Inside the park, you'll find the historic Willey House. This old house tells a fascinating, though sad, story from the early 1800s. The Willey family lived here, and their story is a reminder of the challenges people faced living in the mountains long ago. Today, you can visit the site and learn about its past. It's a great way to connect with New Hampshire's history.
