Nash Stream Forest wilderness guide

Forest Reservation · NH

Nash Stream Forest

Nash Stream Forest offers diverse outdoor experiences across its sprawling wilderness, offering stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a chance to explore northern New Hampshire's raw natural beauty.

Forest Reservation40,0004+ Trails

1988FOREST RESERVATION

Designation

Forest Reservation

Total Wilderness Area

40,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Nash Stream Forest

Nash Stream Forest offers diverse outdoor experiences across its sprawling wilderness, offering stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a chance to explore northern New Hampshire's raw natural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Nash Stream Forest is located in northern New Hampshire, encompassing approximately 40,000 acres of rugged and largely undeveloped land. The forest is characterized by its mixed hardwood and conifer forests, mountainous terrain, and numerous streams and ponds that host a variety of wildlife. Originally acquired by the State of New Hampshire in the 1980s, the area now serves both as a managed environment for conservation and as a recreational haven. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and snowmobiling amid scenic vistas and remote settings. The forest is home to large mammals such as moose and bears, making wildlife viewing a popular pastime. Among its notable landmarks are Nash Stream itself, Percy Peaks offering panoramic views, and the captivating Pond of Safety. All these make the forest an appealing destination for those seeking adventure or solitude in nature.

Field Guide · Forest Reservation

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Nash Stream Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Percy Peaks for exceptional views across the forest.✦ Presence of diverse wildlife including moose and black bears.✦ The Pond of Safety, adding a historical narrative to the landscape.✦ Opportunities for remote backcountry camping.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Nash Stream Forest

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Nash Stream Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Snowmobiling

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Nash Stream Forest

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Nash Stream Forest

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Nash Stream Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access without permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Nash Stream Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Nash Stream Forest Campground

Rustic sites accessible by foot; providing a back-to-nature experience.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Nash Stream Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Stratford, New Hampshire

⌖ 7.44 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Stratford, New Hampshire

Stratford is a quiet New Hampshire town known for paddling the Connecticut River and hiking the nearby White Mountain National Forest trails. It’s ideal for outdoor lovers seeking solitude and scenic waterways in a rural setting.

Late Spring through Fall

Groveton, New Hampshire

⌖ 7.63 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Groveton, New Hampshire

Groveton is a peaceful New Hampshire town perfect for quiet hikes, paddling the Connecticut River, and winter snowshoeing. It’s a great spot to enjoy northern forest landscapes and wildlife away from crowded trails.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter

Northumberland, New Hampshire

⌖ 10.98 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Northumberland, New Hampshire

Northumberland, New Hampshire, offers quiet outdoor adventures along the Connecticut River, with excellent paddling, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing opportunities in nearby forests and wildlife areas.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for cross-country skiing

Guildhall, Vermont

⌖ 10.99 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Guildhall, Vermont

Guildhall is a quiet Vermont town offering paddling on the Connecticut River, peaceful hiking, and winter snow adventures. Perfect for travelers seeking a low-key outdoor escape immersed in nature’s calm.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snow activities

Dummer, New Hampshire

⌖ 11.64 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Dummer, New Hampshire

Dummer, NH is a quiet rural town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking low-key hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching in the scenic Northeast Kingdom region. Ideal for a peaceful nature escape with seasonal snowshoeing and fishing.

Late Spring through Early Fall

Bloomfield, Vermont

⌖ 11.64 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Bloomfield, Vermont

Bloomfield, Vermont is a remote outdoor destination where hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching meet quiet forests and the Connecticut River. Ideal for travelers seeking solitude and nature-based adventure throughout the seasons.

Late spring through early fall; winter for snowshoeing

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Nash Stream Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

E‑Bike Rentals for Bigger Riders: Orbea Rise Access to Kingdom Trails

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Bike TourADV Bookable

E‑Bike Rentals for Bigger Riders: Orbea Rise Access to Kingdom Trails

Large‑sized e‑bike rentals in Burlington offering lightweight Orbea Rise H20 assistance for exploring flowy single‑track and challenging downhill on Kingdom Trails.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Paddle the Wild North: Kayak Rentals from Errol into Lake Umbagog and the Magalloway

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

KayakADV Bookable

Paddle the Wild North: Kayak Rentals from Errol into Lake Umbagog and the Magalloway

Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol offers full-day and multi-day kayak rentals that put paddlers into Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge and the quiet north-flowing rivers — this guide lays out route choices and practical details.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverfront Solitude at Gray Ghost Cabin — A Rustic Three‑Person Basecamp in Errol

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverfront Solitude at Gray Ghost Cabin — A Rustic Three‑Person Basecamp in Errol

A rustic, minimal cabin in Errol that sleeps three and sits beside the river, offering direct access for fishing, boating and ATV/snowmobile trips.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Canoe School: An Introduction to Whitewater in Errol, New Hampshire

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

CanoeADV Bookable

Canoe School: An Introduction to Whitewater in Errol, New Hampshire

A focused introduction to whitewater canoeing led by Northern Waters Outfitters — this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and the logistics for booking.

CanoePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four laps on Errol’s ½‑mile Class 2 — a family‑friendly whitewater primer at Northern Waters Outfitters

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

RaftingADV Bookable

Four laps on Errol’s ½‑mile Class 2 — a family‑friendly whitewater primer at Northern Waters Outfitters

A 2‑hour outing on a half‑mile stretch of Class 2 whitewater where groups (up to 14) can start in a raft and opt for individual duckies on later laps — an essential practical guide for first‑time rafters and families.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Firelight on the Androscoggin: RV Evenings at Northern Waters Base Camp

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

LodgingADV Bookable

Firelight on the Androscoggin: RV Evenings at Northern Waters Base Camp

A compact downtown Errol RV site on the banks of the Androscoggin Rapids — six sites, complimentary tubes when available, fire pits and picnic tables make this a practical base for 1–7 day paddling stays.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Row-frame Raft Rentals on the Androscoggin: Portable Rafts for Fishing, Family Days, and Backcountry Runs

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

RaftingADV Bookable

Row-frame Raft Rentals on the Androscoggin: Portable Rafts for Fishing, Family Days, and Backcountry Runs

Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol rents lightweight, deflatable row frames for trips ranging from short family outings to full-day or multi-day routes, offering flexible access to the Magalloway, Lake Umbagog and upper Androscoggin.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Downtown Errol Base Camp: Twelve Fire‑ringed, Car‑Accessible Tent Sites on Northern Waters

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

LodgingADV Bookable

Downtown Errol Base Camp: Twelve Fire‑ringed, Car‑Accessible Tent Sites on Northern Waters

A concise guide to Northern Waters Base Camp in downtown Errol, NH — the operator’s only car‑accessible campground, offering 12 tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables for stays of 1–7 days.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

River TubeADV Bookable

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol

Half-day, full-day and multi-day tube rentals from Northern Waters Outfitters let you picnic by the river, hike your tube up a half-mile class II stretch, and float for as long as you like.

River TubePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Paddling the North Country: Tandem Kayak Rentals Out of Errol

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

KayakADV Bookable

Paddling the North Country: Tandem Kayak Rentals Out of Errol

Northern Waters Outfitters rents tandem kayaks for day trips and multi‑day paddles into Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the Magalloway River and the Rapid River—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Paddle Into Errol’s Wilds: Canoe and Kayak Rentals from Northern Waters

ADVEXPEDITION

Errol, New Hampshire

CanoeADV Bookable

Paddle Into Errol’s Wilds: Canoe and Kayak Rentals from Northern Waters

Rent canoes or kayaks for full-day to multi-day trips and arrange shuttle launches for easy access to remote waterways north of camp.

CanoePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Secluded Paradise: A Grand Canvas Tent Perched Above the Great North Woods

ADVEXPEDITION

Stewartstown, New Hampshire

HikingADV Bookable

Secluded Paradise: A Grand Canvas Tent Perched Above the Great North Woods

A refined, off-grid glamping site at Bear Rock Camping in Stewartstown with sweeping mountain views, direct access to the Northern NH ATV trail system, and an on-site Camp Office & Adventure Store.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip