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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 30 miles.

Winter Activities at Notchview in The Berkshires★ 7.2⌖ 7 miCross-Country Skiing
The Berkshires

Winter Activities at Notchview in The Berkshires

Explore the winter charm of Notchview in Windsor, Massachusetts, with over 25 km of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. Open to all skill levels, it's ideal for a peaceful family-friendly winter adventure.

Cross-Country SkiingView Details→
Scenic Splendor of Kancamagus Highway★ 8.5⌖ 8 miScenic Driving
Kancamagus Highway

Scenic Splendor of Kancamagus Highway

Experience the scenic splendor of the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. Known for its stunning autumn foliage, it offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and bird watching. Best visited in fall for vibrant colors and peaceful forest views.

Scenic DrivingView Details→
Thrills and Chills: Alpine Adventures in Lincoln★ 7.5⌖ 10 miOff-Roading
Alpine Adventures

Thrills and Chills: Alpine Adventures in Lincoln

Explore Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, NH. With thrilling off-road safaris and exhilarating zipline tours, this moderate-level destination is a treat for adventure seekers year-round. Enjoy breathtaking views of the White Mountains and experience the excitement of New Hampshire's wilderness.

Off-RoadingView Details→
Discover Champney Falls Trailhead★ 8.2⌖ 12 miHiking
Champney Falls Trailhead

Discover Champney Falls Trailhead

Explore the Champney Falls Trailhead in Conway, NH. This moderate 3.6-mile round-trip hike offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and diverse landscapes. Popular for hiking and picnicking, it's an adventure seeker's delight, best visited in spring or fall.

Discover Mount Chocorua, New Hampshire★ 7.8⌖ 13 miHiking
Mount Chocorua

Discover Mount Chocorua, New Hampshire

Explore Mount Chocorua via the 7.6-mile Champney Falls Trail, a moderately challenging route near Conway, NH. Enjoy panoramic views and cascading waterfalls along the way. Ideal for hiking and snowshoeing, this spot is bustling in summer and offers picturesque scenery year-round.

Discover the Wonders of Flume Gorge★ 8.2⌖ 13 miHiking
Flume Gorge

Discover the Wonders of Flume Gorge

Explore the 2-mile Flume Gorge loop in Franconia Notch State Park, NH. This moderate trail features covered bridges, waterfalls, and granite formations. Ideal for photography and wildlife watching, it offers beautiful views and is popular in summer.

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
⌖ 1.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

A classic New England mountain town offering year-round outdoor pursuits with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and easy access to White Mountains adventures.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snow sportsExplore Town
Campton
⌖ 9.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Campton, New Hampshire

A quiet, nature-rich town offering rugged hiking, forested river valleys, and classic New England outdoor pursuits amid the White Mountains’ southern edges.

Late Spring to Early Fall; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Wonalancet
⌖ 9.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wonalancet, New Hampshire

A quiet hamlet offering peaceful forest escapes and access to rugged White Mountain adventures with a focus on hiking, backpacking, and seasonal outdoor sports.

Late Spring through Fall and WinterExplore Town
North Woodstock
⌖ 10.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Woodstock, New Hampshire

A charming gateway to New Hampshire's White Mountains, offering diverse outdoor pursuits in a scenic setting.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Lincoln
⌖ 10.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lincoln, New Hampshire

A vibrant town in the White Mountains offering a blend of thrilling outdoor activities and serene natural beauty.

Sandwich
⌖ 11.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sandwich, New Hampshire

A quiet, scenic town offering classic New England outdoor experiences with hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid forested hills and lakes.

Late Spring through Fall; Winter for snow sportsExplore 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.

12 bookable experiences

Discover the Magic of the Santa Express Coach Class in Lincoln, NHLincoln, New Hampshire · 10.36 mi away
All Adventures· Granite State Railway

Discover the Magic of the Santa Express Coach Class in Lincoln, NH

Experience the festive spirit of Lincoln, New Hampshire with the Santa Express- Coach Class—a unique holiday coach ride that blends scenic winter views and seasonal cheer in the heart of the White Mountains. Discover why this relaxed, joyful excursion is a must-do for travelers seeking a memorable winter adventure.

1–2 hours

Explore this trip
White Mountains Day Trip from Boston: Lost River Gorge, Flume Gorge & Kancamagus DriveLincoln, New Hampshire · 11.96 mi away
All Adventures· Jupiter Legend Corporation

White Mountains Day Trip from Boston: Lost River Gorge, Flume Gorge & Kancamagus Drive

Escape Boston for a full day in New Hampshire’s White Mountains—choose an adventurous crawl through Lost River Gorge, a scenic cruise of the Kancamagus Highway, and explore the towering granite walls of Flume Gorge. This well-paced tour packs the region’s geological highlights into one memorable day.

7–8 hours

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.