Miller State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miller State Park |
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| Location | Peterborough and Temple, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States |
| Area | 533.4 acres (215.9 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,932 feet (589 m) |
| Established | 1891 |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Designation | New Hampshire state park |
| Website | Miller State Park |
Miller State Park is a special place in New Hampshire, a state in the northeastern part of the United States. It's the oldest park in New Hampshire that is run by the state government. You can find it in the towns of Peterborough and Temple. The park's main feature is a mountain called Pack Monadnock, which stands about 2,290 feet tall.
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Discover Miller State Park
This park covers about 533 acres of land. It was first created in 1891. Back then, only 3 acres at the very top of Pack Monadnock mountain were given to New Hampshire to start the park.
What's in a Name?
The name Pack comes from an old Native American word. It means "little," and it's used to show that Pack Monadnock is smaller than its nearby neighbor, Mount Monadnock.
Exploring the Mountain
You can drive a paved road all the way to the top of Pack Monadnock. In the past, there were even two hotels at the summit! Today, you'll find a fire tower there. This tower has been updated and is staffed during certain times of the year.
How the Park Grew
Over the years, Miller State Park has gotten bigger. More land was added through gifts and purchases. A long time ago, until 1901, farmers would bring their cattle all the way from Massachusetts to graze in open fields near the mountain top during the summer. Now, most of those open fields have grown into thick forests. This is because not many farms are in the area anymore.
Who Was James Miller?
The park is named after James Miller. He was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire. James Miller was a very important person. He was a general in the United States Army during the War of 1812. After the war, he became the first Governor of Arkansas Territory.
Hiking Adventures
Miller State Park is a popular spot for people who love to hike. A famous path called the Wapack Trail goes right through the park. It even crosses over Pack Monadnock mountain, offering amazing views!
Nearby Nature
In 2007, another special area was created close to Miller State Park. It's called Temple Mountain State Reservation. This new area is on the other side of NH Route 101 from the park entrance. The state bought about 325 acres of land around what used to be the Temple Mountain Ski Area to create this reservation.
