Moose Brook State Park

Tucked into the northern reaches of Coös County, Moose Brook State Park offers 755 acres of rugged White Mountain scenery without the crowds that descend on Franconia Notch or Crawford Notch to the south. The park sits at the base of the Crescent Range, giving visitors direct access to some of the most underappreciated hiking in New Hampshire — including trails that climb to open ledges with panoramic views of the Presidential Range.

The park’s centerpiece is its natural swimming area along Moose Brook, where cold mountain water pools into spots perfect for cooling off after a summer hike. A network of trails winds through mixed hardwood and spruce forest, ranging from easy streamside walks to steeper ridge climbs. Fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching round out the warm-weather offerings, and moose sightings here aren’t just a branding exercise — the boggy lowlands and dense forest corridors make this genuine moose country.

Campgrounds at Moose Brook provide a solid base for exploring the region, with sites nestled among the trees that feel more secluded than many state park options. The proximity to Gorham and the northern Presidentials makes it a practical and affordable alternative to private campgrounds in the area.

Visit between late June and early October for the best conditions. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for camping, while late September transforms the hardwood canopy into one of northern New Hampshire’s finest fall color displays. Come midweek if you can — this park rewards those who seek it out with genuine quiet.

Explore Nearby

• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire