Dixville Notch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dixville Notch State Park |
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| Location | Dixville, Coös County, New Hampshire |
| Nearest city | Berlin, New Hampshire |
| Area | 127 acres (51 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,123 feet (647 m) |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Open | Year-round |
| Camp sites | 0 |
| Designation | New Hampshire state park |
Dixville Notch State Park is a fantastic natural area located in the northern part of New Hampshire, USA. This park covers about 127 acres of land. It's famous for a special mountain pass called the Dixville Notch. This is where New Hampshire State Route 26 winds its way through the mountains.
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Dixville Notch State Park: A New Hampshire Adventure
Dixville Notch State Park is a beautiful spot where you can explore nature. It's known for its stunning views and exciting outdoor activities. The park is open all year round, so you can visit in any season. However, there aren't any staff or visitor services available. This means you should come prepared for your adventure!
What is Dixville Notch State Park?
The park is centered around the Dixville Notch itself. A "notch" is a New England term for a mountain gap or pass. Imagine a short, steep valley carved between two mountains. Here, it separates Dixville Peak and Cave Mountain. This notch is also a natural boundary. It divides the areas where water flows into the Connecticut River from where it flows into the Androscoggin River. These areas are called watersheds.
Exploring the Park's Natural Wonders
Inside Dixville Notch State Park, you'll discover amazing natural features. There's a scenic gorge, which is like a deep, narrow valley. You can also find beautiful waterfalls. These waterfalls are fed by two mountain brooks that flow through the park.
If you love hiking, you're in luck! The park has several hiking trails. These trails lead you to the tops of nearby mountains. From the summits, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great way to see the beauty of New Hampshire.
A Bit of History: The Balsams Resort
People have known about the beauty of Dixville Notch for a long time. Back in 1866, a person named George Parsons opened a guesthouse called the Dix House. It was a place for travelers to stay, located near Lake Gloriette.
Later, in the 1890s, Henry Hale bought the property. He built a much larger and more famous hotel there. This grand hotel became known as The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. It was a very popular place for people to visit and relax.
Nearby Fun and Exploration
Just west of the park, you'll find the Balsams Wilderness Ski Area. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, this is a great spot to check out. About 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) north of Dixville Notch State Park is Coleman State Park. This gives you even more options for outdoor adventures in the area.
