Did you know that Manchester, New Hampshire, hides a 135-acre natural paradise within its city limits? Piscataquog River Park, nestled on the West Side, offers a surprising escape from urban life. With its George W. Smith Entrance, this hidden gem combines easy access, stunning scenery, and fun activities that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Key Takeaways
– Piscataquog River Park is a 135-acre natural area in Manchester, New Hampshire, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
– The park’s George W. Smith Entrance provides easy access with parking and sports fields nearby.
– Trails are wheelchair-accessible, and a ramp leads to the river’s edge, making the park inclusive for everyone.
– A footbridge and stairs allow visitors to explore both sides of the Piscataquog River.
– Activities include fishing, swimming, kayaking, and bird-watching, with 97 bird species to observe.
– The Friends of Piscataquog River Park, a local group, helps maintain and improve the park with community events.
– Historical features include the Kelly Falls dam, built in 1916, and the park connects to other trails like the Piscataquog Trail.
– An info board installed in 2023 provides visitors with park details and trail information.
– Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and enjoy picnics by the river.
– Piscataquog River Park is a testament to Manchester’s commitment to preserving natural beauty and accessibility for all.
Discovering the George W. Smith Entrance
As you approach the park via Precourt Street, you’ll find plenty of parking around the George W. Smith Sports Complex. This facility is the main gateway to the park. It blends city convenience with natural beauty. The complex has four sports fields. It’s a popular spot for sports fans.
But there’s more to see beyond the fields. Past the complex, you’ll enter a 135-acre wonderland that feels far from the city. The change from neat sports fields to the wild beauty of the Piscataquog River is amazing. Visitors can enjoy many types of outdoor fun here, much like the diverse activities offered at Spacious Skies French Pond Campground in nearby Henniker, which provides everything from swimming to kayaking in a natural setting.
A Walk Through Accessible Nature
One of the park’s best features is how easy it is to use. The trails are made for wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy nature’s beauty. As you explore, you’ll see a ramp for people with disabilities. It goes right to the water’s edge. This lets everyone enjoy the calm Piscataquog River up close.
The park’s smart design doesn’t stop there. A footbridge and stairs connect both sides of the river. These give you many ways to see the flowing water and the land around it. These features make the park special for those who want an outdoor trip that everyone can enjoy in Manchester.
Riverside Recreation
The Piscataquog River is the heart of the park. It offers many fun activities for visitors. People who like to fish can try to catch something here. Those who want to cool off can swim in certain areas. Kayakers will find the river great for paddling and exploring the pretty waterway.
For bird watchers, the park is a dream come true. It’s home to 97 different bird types. You might see great blue herons wading in shallow water. You could hear red-bellied woodpeckers tapping on trees. Or you might spot bright scarlet tanagers flying through the branches. The park has many types of places where birds live. This makes it perfect for seeing all kinds of birds throughout the year.
Community Spirit in Action
The beauty and ease of use at Piscataquog River Park don’t happen by chance. In late 2022, a group of local people started the Friends of Piscataquog River Park. This non-profit group works hard to keep this natural treasure safe and make it even better. Their work has been key in keeping the park clean and nice for everyone.
Throughout the year, the Friends group plans events that bring people together. They have Fall Work Days and Spring Clean-up events. These times to help out not only keep the park nice but also make people feel proud of Manchester. People who join in fix trails, remove harmful plants, and do other things. This work makes sure the park stays a welcoming place for years to come.
Hidden History Along the Trails
As you walk the park’s two miles of trails, you’ll see more than just pretty nature. The Kelly Falls dam is an old landmark that shows the area’s past. It was built in 1916, and a powerhouse was added in 1926. The dam still works today under the Green Mountain Power Corporation. It creates the 192.5-acre Namaske Lake.
The trails in Piscataquog River Park connect to other paths too. These include the Piscataquog Trail and the Goffstown Rail Trail. This means you can walk beyond the park and see more of Manchester’s nature and history.
Navigating the Park’s Treasures
To help visitors, a new info board was put up near the trails in 2023. This was part of Connor Bishop’s Eagle Scout Project. It gives important details about the park’s layout, trails, and interesting spots. The board helps both new visitors and regular park-goers make the most of their time in this city oasis.
When you explore the trails and river areas, wear comfy shoes and bring water. This is especially important when it’s warm out. The park has different types of land, so there’s something for everyone. You can take easy walks or harder hikes. If you like watching birds, bring binoculars. You might also want to pack a picnic to enjoy by the river.
Piscataquog River Park’s George W. Smith Entrance is more than just a park. It shows that Manchester cares about keeping nature beautiful and making it easy for everyone to enjoy. From trails that work for wheelchairs to its many plants and animals and its history, the park offers a lot. It makes life better for people who live in Manchester and those who visit.
Next time you’re in Manchester, New Hampshire, take a trip to the West Side. Discover the wonders of Piscataquog River Park. Whether you want a quiet nature walk, a day of sports and fun, or a look at the area’s past, this hidden gem has something for you. When you visit and enjoy the park, you’re not just seeing its beauty. You’re becoming part of a group that values and protects these special natural places for the future. So, why not plan your visit today and see what adventures await you in this urban oasis? And if you’re looking to extend your outdoor experience, consider a stay at Spacious Skies French Pond Campground in Henniker, where you can continue to enjoy New Hampshire’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is Piscataquog River Park located?
A: Piscataquog River Park is located on the West Side of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Q: What makes the George W. Smith Entrance special?
A: The George W. Smith Entrance provides easy access with parking and is designed to be accessible for everyone, including wheelchair-friendly trails.
Q: What activities can visitors enjoy at Piscataquog River Park?
A: Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching, and walking or hiking on trails.
Q: Are there any special features in the park for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the park has wheelchair-friendly trails and a ramp that leads to the water’s edge for easy access.
Q: How does the Friends of Piscataquog River Park help the park?
A: The Friends of Piscataquog River Park is a non-profit group that organizes events to keep the park clean and improve it for visitors.
Q: What is the Kelly Falls dam?
A: The Kelly Falls dam is a historical landmark in the park, built in 1916, and it creates the 192.5-acre Namaske Lake.
Q: Can visitors explore beyond the park?
A: Yes, the park’s trails connect to the Piscataquog Trail and the Goffstown Rail Trail, allowing exploration beyond the park.
Q: What should visitors bring when visiting the park?
A: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and consider packing a picnic or binoculars for bird watching.