Nansen Wayside Park

Tucked into the rugged landscape of Coös County, Nansen Wayside Park offers a compact but rewarding stop in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods region. At 14 acres, this state park packs quiet charm into a small footprint, serving as a roadside respite for travelers exploring the northern reaches of the Granite State.

The park takes its name from the historic Nansen Ski Jump, once one of the premier ski jumping venues in the eastern United States. The jump attracted international competitors and drew crowds from across New England during its heyday in the early-to-mid 20th century. While the jump itself is no longer active, the site carries that legacy of outdoor adventure, and interpretive elements help visitors connect with the area’s skiing heritage.

Visitors can stretch their legs on short walking paths that wind through mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest typical of Coös County. Picnic areas make it an ideal lunch stop when driving through the Milan and Berlin corridor along Route 16. Birdwatchers may spot boreal species that are uncommon further south in New Hampshire, including spruce grouse and boreal chickadees in the surrounding woodlands.

The best time to visit is late May through October, when the access roads are clear and fall foliage transforms the surrounding hills into a patchwork of amber and crimson. Summer brings long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures rarely climbing above the mid-70s.

Nansen Wayside Park won’t demand a full day, but it rewards those who pause long enough to take in the quiet beauty of New Hampshire’s north country.

Explore Nearby

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