Nathaniel Pease Forest wilderness guide
National Forest · New Hampshire

Nathaniel Pease Forest

Nathaniel Pease Forest is a protected forest area located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offering extensive hiking, backcountry camping, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Forest35,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

35,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Nathaniel Pease Forest

Nathaniel Pease Forest is a protected forest area located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, offering extensive hiking, backcountry camping, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Nathaniel Pease Forest is a quiet and expansive forested region situated in the heart of the White Mountains, New Hampshire. This National Forest area is named after Nathaniel Pease, an early explorer and hunter prominent in the region’s history. Covering a large swath of mixed northern hardwoods and conifers, the forest offers a rich habitat for wildlife such as moose, black bear, and a variety of bird species. The terrain varies from gently rolling hills to steep ridges that provide scenic vistas and challenging terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy extensive hiking trails that connect to notable peaks and wilderness areas, including access points to the nearby Presidential Range and Pemigewasset Wilderness. Recreational activities include hiking, camping, fishing in pristine streams, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The forest's relatively remote location ensures a peaceful experience, away from the more heavily trafficked sites in the White Mountains. Visitor appeal lies in the combination of accessible wilderness and the opportunity to encounter the region’s natural diversity, as well as its historical significance related to early settlement and forest use. Land stewardship efforts focus on sustaining natural habitats and maintaining trails for long-term public enjoyment. The Nathaniel Pease Forest serves as a valuable outdoor resource for locals and visitors seeking solitude and immersive nature experiences in New Hampshire.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Nathaniel Pease Forest

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Nathaniel Pease Ridge Trail offering panoramic views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness✦ Diverse wildlife habitat with regular moose and black bear sightings✦ Historic logging remains and old forest roads revealing past land use✦ Remote backcountry campsites along the Baker River
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Nathaniel Pease Forest

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Nathaniel Pease Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Nathaniel Pease 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 Nathaniel Pease Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no permits required for day use; some backcountry camping sites require self-registration.

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 Nathaniel Pease Forest

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

Pease Forest Campground

A small camping area within the forest offering secluded sites close to hiking trails and river access.

Baker River Backcountry Sites

Dispersed campsites along the Baker River providing rustic overnight options for hikers and anglers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Nathaniel Pease Forest

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

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
⌖ 1.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Waterville Valley offers year-round adventures from hiking and mountain biking in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Set in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, it’s a friendly spot with trails, water sports, and a vibrant small-town vibe.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snow sports
Explore Town
Campton, New Hampshire
⌖ 9.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Campton, New Hampshire

Campton, New Hampshire offers a peaceful outdoor escape with hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and winter skiing around the Pemigewasset River and White Mountain foothills.

Late Spring to Early Fall; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Wonalancet, New Hampshire
⌖ 9.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wonalancet, New Hampshire

Wonalancet, NH is a peaceful gateway to the White Mountain National Forest featuring rugged hiking, backpacking, bird watching, and winter skiing. Its remote trails and quiet forests make it ideal for outdoor lovers seeking solitude and nature immersion.

Late Spring through Fall and Winter
Explore Town
North Woodstock, New Hampshire
⌖ 10.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Woodstock, New Hampshire

North Woodstock is an adventurer’s delight, offering hiking, skiing, and paddling in the picturesque White Mountains. Discover epic trails, peaceful campgrounds, and thrilling slopes.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Lincoln, New Hampshire
⌖ 10.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Lincoln offers year-round adventures in the heart of the White Mountains. Experience hiking, skiing, and biking amid stunning natural landscapes. Ideal for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Sandwich, New Hampshire
⌖ 11.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sandwich, New Hampshire

Sandwich, NH is a peaceful mountain town rich with outdoor opportunities. Hike pristine forest trails, paddle tranquil lakes, or ski cross-country in winter. It's a welcoming base for exploring the Sandwich Range Wilderness and enjoying classic New England nature.

Late Spring through Fall; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Nathaniel Pease Forest

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

Nine Days on the Water from Meredith: Pick Your Boat and Go
ADVEXPEDITION
Meredith, New Hampshire
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Nine Days on the Water from Meredith: Pick Your Boat and Go

A nine-day boat rental operated out of Y Landing Marina in Meredith, New Hampshire — this guide compiles the core facts you need, including hours and booking urgency.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip