Moose Brook State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NH

Moose Brook State Park

Moose Brook State Park in northern New Hampshire offers a mix of family-friendly recreation with scenic hiking trails, a sandy swimming area, and a peaceful forest setting ideal for outdoor relaxation and exploration.

State Park2604+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

260

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Moose Brook State Park

Moose Brook State Park in northern New Hampshire offers a mix of family-friendly recreation with scenic hiking trails, a sandy swimming area, and a peaceful forest setting ideal for outdoor relaxation and exploration.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Moose Brook State Park is located in Coös County near the town of Gorham, New Hampshire, within the northeastern portion of the White Mountains region. Spanning over 260 acres, the park features a combination of hardwood and softwood forests, rolling hills, and the clear waters of Moose Brook itself, which flows through the park and feeds a designated swimming area. The park has its roots in the 1930s through the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, who built many of the facilities and trails visitors still enjoy today. The ecology of the park includes diverse flora such as sugar maple, birch, and spruce, alongside fauna like white-tailed deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Moose Brook State Park is popular for day-use activities including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, with a calm environment suitable for families and campers. The park features several easy-to-moderate trails, including the popular Notch Trail that leads up to a scenic outlook with views over the Moose River valley. Campground facilities within the park offer comfortable sites with basic amenities, attracting visitors who seek a quieter alternative to larger White Mountain destinations. Throughout the seasons, the park provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, while summer draws swimmers and anglers. Moose Brook State Park’s location just off Route 16 makes it easily accessible, and its quiet atmosphere combined with a variety of outdoor options makes it a favored spot for visitors seeking nature immersion without intense wilderness challenges.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moose Brook State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Notch Trail scenic overlook offering panoramic views of Moose River valley✦ Sandy swimming beach along Moose Brook providing a family-friendly water recreation area✦ Historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built picnic and camping facilities✦ Quiet forest setting with excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including moose sightings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moose Brook State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

Available in Moose Brook State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Moose Brook State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Moose Brook State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fee applies; camping fees for overnight stays; no special permits required

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 Moose Brook State Park

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

Moose Brook Campground

Located within the park, this campground offers over 60 sites with access to water and restroom facilities, ideal for family camping.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moose Brook State Park

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

Gorham, New Hampshire
⌖ 1.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gorham, New Hampshire

Gorham, NH is your gateway to the White Mountains. Hike through forest trails, conquer mountain peaks, paddle serene rivers, and enjoy skiing for year-round outdoor fun.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Berlin, New Hampshire
⌖ 4.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berlin, New Hampshire

Berlin, NH offers authentic four-season adventure amid the White Mountains. Hike rugged trails, paddle scenic rivers, and enjoy snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in a peaceful, less crowded northern wilderness.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Shelburne, New Hampshire
⌖ 6.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shelburne, New Hampshire

Shelburne, NH offers quiet forests, easy paddling, and peaceful trails in the White Mountain foothills. Ideal for outdoor travelers seeking less crowded hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter snow sports.

Late Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Gilead, Maine
⌖ 11.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gilead, Maine

Gilead, Maine offers peaceful wilderness adventures with hiking, paddling, and backpacking in the scenic Mahoosuc Range and along the Androscoggin River. Visitors enjoy quiet campsites, wildlife sightings, and true off-grid experiences year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Milan, New Hampshire
⌖ 11.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Milan, New Hampshire

Milan, NH is a quiet outdoor destination featuring peaceful hiking, paddling on the Androscoggin River, and winter snowmobiling. Ideal for travelers looking to escape crowds and explore northern New England’s forests and waterways.

Late spring to early fall, and winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Dummer, New Hampshire
⌖ 13.86 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
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moose Brook State Park

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

Mt. Washington Ascent: Climb the Northeast’s Highest Peak
ADVEXPEDITION
Conway, New Hampshire
HikingADV Bookable

Mt. Washington Ascent: Climb the Northeast’s Highest Peak

A guided, seasonally operated summit day on Mount Washington that pairs expert local guidance with routes tailored to ability, useful for hikers seeking a safe, informed ascent.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Three Days of Rental-Ready Turns in Bethel: Premium Gear, Expert Fitting
ADVEXPEDITION
Bethel, Maine
RentalsADV Bookable

Three Days of Rental-Ready Turns in Bethel: Premium Gear, Expert Fitting

A three-day rental package from The Great American Ski in Bethel, Maine provides current ski and snowboard models plus boots and poles, professionally custom-fitted by a shop with 30 years' experience; this guide explains what’s included and the pickup/return flow.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip