Perched on the rocky shores of New Castle Island where the Piscataqua River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Stark State Historic Site offers a fascinating walk through nearly three centuries of American coastal defense. This compact 10-acre site in Rockingham County served as a military installation from 1746 through World War II, and its layered fortifications tell the story of evolving warfare — from Revolutionary-era earthworks to concrete bunkers built to guard against German U-boats.

Visitors can explore battery emplacements, observation towers, and underground magazines at their own pace, with interpretive panels explaining each structure’s role in the fort’s long military history. The real draw, though, is the setting. The site sits at Jerry’s Point, where tidal currents swirl against granite ledges and views stretch across Little Harbor to the Isles of Shoals. Birders regularly spot purple sandpipers, harlequin ducks, and common eiders along the shoreline, making this one of the seacoast’s quieter birding gems.

There are no camping facilities at Fort Stark, but picnicking is welcome, and the grounds are ideal for photography, especially during golden hour when the old concrete fortifications glow against the ocean backdrop. Fishing from the rocks is popular with locals who know the tidal patterns.

Visit from late spring through early fall for the most comfortable conditions, though winter trips reward with dramatic seas and excellent shorebird activity. The site is a short drive from downtown Portsmouth, making it easy to pair with a day exploring New Hampshire’s brief but beautiful coastline.

Explore Nearby

• Whaleback Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• Newport Wharf Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire