The thermometer is topping 90 degrees, and it’s not even July yet. What’s a walker to do? Air conditioning is a wonderful thing, but the trails beckon. I recommend shady ones. Here are a few favorites of mine, with photos I’ve taken along the way.
Odiorne Point State Park, on the Seacoast in Rye (Rt. 1-A). If there’s an onshore breeze, this is heaven on a hot day. Take a walk along the rocky shore, or take one of the paths through the woods. The sharp contrast between adjacent environments is surprising. Bonus: the wild roses are in bloom this time of year. There’s a modest admission fee.
Mine Falls Park in Nashua is accessible from exits 5E, 5W, and 6 on the Everett Turnpike. It’s a favorite of mine in all seasons. If you only have time for a quick lunchtime walk this summer, try the trail that runs along the mill pond, between Stellos Stadium and Nashua South high school. Bonus: if you have a kayak, you can launch it onto the pond via the ramp near Conway Ice Arena. Keep an eye out for muskrats, herons, eagles, and turtles. Free.
Massabesic Audubon Center is in Auburn off of the Londonderry Turnpike/NH Route 28Bypass, just a few minutes from Manchester. 130 acres, several miles of wooded trails, shoreline on Lake Massabesic. Free admission, but donations are accepted and encouraged.
Madame Sherri Forest, in quiet Chesterfield. Sure, you could hike uphill from here to explore Mt. Wantastiquet. On a hot day, though, a low shady path is better. Parking for this Forest Society property is available on Gulf Road; be careful not to park on nearby private property. Check out the ruins of “Madame Sherri’s castle,” visit Indian Pond, and then stroll down Gulf Road at your leisure. Free.
Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham (take exit 5 from NH 101 and follow the signs). This is another year-round treat. Hike the flat shady trails, or pick a hill (one has a fire tower), or enjoy the beach on Pawtuckaway Lake. Bonus: camping and boat rentals. A small admission fee is charged, and on busy weekends and holidays, an advance reservation for parking is essential. See the state park website for more information. This is one of my favorite state parks just because of its sheer variety of recreational opportunities
Do you have any favorite summer spots for a dayhike? Drop a comment below!
Granite State Walker 
Hi Ellen,
Nice choices. I’m also a fan of Pawtuckaway & Odiorne and enjoy your blog. Since you asked for suggestions I’ll offer a few down your way, not to diminish your selections in any way. In no particular order: Monson Center (SPNHF) – no water features but a chance to walk through a woods and imagine the town that once stood there; Manchester Cedar Swamp (TNC) and/or Rhododendron State Park for July’s blooming giant rhododendrons; Blue Job Fire Tower – very popular with a short walk and nice views and hopefully a little breeze. Keep up the good work!
Steve – Manchester Cedar Swamp is new to me! I took classes at UNH-Manchester back when it had a Hackett Hill campus, and I guess I must have been right next to what became TNC property. I’ll be checking out the rhododendrons soon. Thanks for reading. Your Park Explorer blog is now giving me new ideas for hikes. Beautiful state we have here!