Pillsbury State Park

Directions:

On New Hampshire Route 31, 4 miles North of Washington and 9 miles South of Newport.
Turn into Park entrance off Route 31. Park at the Park office about 1/2 mile from the entrance.

General Description:

Pillsbury State Park, nestled in the remote hills of Washington, New Hampshire is heavily forested and encompasses more than 12 ponds and wetlands. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north. It's diverse habitat provides a home for a great variety of wildlife including moose, deer, raccoon, turkey, bear, blue herons and loons.

Canoeing, warm-water fishing, picniking, hiking and mountain biking are favorite park activities. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers use the trails in season. In the late 1700's and early 1800's the area was the site of early farm settlements and lumbering activity. History buffs will enjoy exploring the park's long-abandoned and overgrown cellar holes, remnants of those early times.

Park facilities include a primitive campground. Water, pit toilets, a playground, canoe rentals, and firewood are available at this primitive campground.

The Trails:

The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway (White Blazes)
A 51-mile foot trail that extends along the eastern edge of the park and connects the summits of mounts Monadnock and Sunapee.

Five Summers Trail (Blue Blazes)
This trail begins as an old road. It rises gradually and tapers to a narrow foot path at its junction with the Greenway. Total distance one-way is approximately 4 miles. The lower section of the trail is best for mountain biking. The upper section is very steep, rough and wet.

Bear Pond Trail
This trail diverges from the Five Summers Trail approximately 1/2 mile from it's beginning at the orange gate. It connects the Five Summers Trail to the Greenway.

Balance Rock Trail
This trail has recently been relocated. It leaves from the Five Summers Trail to the left, soon after the orange gate where it begins. It rises moderately and passes an overlook of North Pond just before reaching Balance Rock in 1 mile.

Mad Road Trail (Yellow Plastic Markers)
An old woods road that extends nearly 3 miles from the dam at the south end of Mill Pond to Route 31, not far from Fletcher Pond. There are some steep sections. When joined by Route 31 and the Park Road, it completes a good mountain biking loop. Watch out for traffic on Route 31.

Ridge Link
A 1/2 mile, relatively steep trail that connects Mad Road Trail, about 1 mile from the dam, to the Greenway.

Note: Trails closed to mountain biking are signed with a "No Bikes" symbol. Most the trails close for "mud season" in the Spring. For more information call the NH Bureau Of Trails (Phone number listed below)

Other Activities: hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing.

Cross country skiers can enjoy intermediate to advanced trails that lead to to nearby snow capped mountains and frozen ponds. Winter wildlife, including moose and otter, may be spotted.

For more information:

Pillsbury State Park:
Off Route 31
Washington, NH 03280

Phone: 603-863-2860
Website: Pillsbury State Park

DRED - Division of Parks and Recreation:
Bureau Of Trails
PO Box 1856
172 Pembroke Rd
Concord, NH 03302

Phone: 603-271-3254
TTY Users: 711 (AT&T National Relay Service)

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