The best parks & outdoor spots in Hillsborough County

4 places we’ve checked and would send a neighbor to. Open any one to read what we wrote about it.

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Wales Preserve (opens in a new tab)

288 Spring Hill Rd · Sharon

Follow the 1.2-mile path along the Gridley River at Wales Preserve, where cascades, ferny banks, and tiny islands make for an easy…

2-mile path along the Gridley River at Wales Preserve, where cascades, ferny banks, and tiny islands make for an easy after-work reset. Keep an eye out in early summer for ebony jewelwings, and in winter for ice art you’ll swear belongs in a gallery.

From the Jaffrey newsletter, October 19, 2026

Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail (opens in a new tab)

Cranberry, Meadow Pond Trail · Peterborough

Whether you want the full 4.5-mile town-to-summit link via Raymond Trail or a mellow 2.2-mile stroll from Old Street Road to East Mountain…

2-mile stroll from Old Street Road to East Mountain Road, Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail threads wetlands and a winding brook through hemlock and oak. Boardwalks were rebuilt in 2021, so grab the trail guide and please stay on trail.

From the Peterborough newsletter, October 7, 2026

Wapack Trail Northern Terminus (opens in a new tab)

141 Mountain Rd · Peterborough

For an after-work climb or a full-on ridge ramble, Wapack Trail Northern Terminus taps you into a 21.5‑mile historic route from Mt. Watatic…

5‑mile historic route from Mt. Watatic to North Pack Monadnock, lovingly maintained by Friends of the Wapack. Check their trail notices and maps, then pick your line.

From the Peterborough newsletter, October 14, 2026

Wildcat Conservation Area (opens in a new tab)

35 Currier Rd · Merrimack

Wildcat Conservation Area is one of those backyard woods that make Merrimack great, with trails to wander and quiet corners to reset. Grab…

Wildcat Conservation Area is one of those backyard woods that make Merrimack great, with trails to wander and quiet corners to reset. Grab the newly updated GIS map at the kiosk or online, keep an eye on hunting seasons in fall, and enjoy an easy, close-to-home escape.

From the Merrimack newsletter, September 9, 2026