Miller State Park holds a distinguished place in New Hampshire history as the state’s oldest state park, making it a fitting introduction to the Granite State’s public lands. Spanning 533 acres in Hillsborough County, the park encompasses the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain, a 2,290-foot peak that delivers panoramic views stretching across southern New Hampshire and into Massachusetts and Vermont on clear days.

The park’s main draw is the 1.3-mile auto road that winds to the summit, making those sweeping vistas accessible to visitors of all abilities. For hikers, three well-maintained trails offer routes of varying difficulty to the top — the Wapack Trail, Marion Davis Trail, and Joanne Bass Bross Trail each provide a different experience through mixed hardwood and spruce forests. The Wapack Trail continues beyond the park as a 21-mile ridgeline path, popular with thru-hikers seeking a full-day challenge.

Birdwatchers flock to the summit during fall migration, when thousands of raptors — including broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and the occasional peregrine falcon — ride thermals along the ridgeline. A fire tower at the top adds extra elevation for spotting wildlife and landmarks.

The park operates seasonally, typically from late May through early November. Fall foliage season, usually mid-September through mid-October, transforms the surrounding hillsides into a patchwork of orange, gold, and crimson that’s worth the visit alone. Note that Miller State Park is a day-use area with no camping facilities, so plan accordingly for nearby overnight options.