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Weeks State Park adventures

Weeks State Park Adventures

Weeks State Park offers panoramic views atop Mount Prospect and preserves the historic 19th-century stone tower built by Congressman John Wingate Weeks. It’s a favorite destination for hiking, picnicking, and sweeping vistas in northern New Hampshire.

59
Acres Protected
3.5
Miles of Trails
15,000
Annual Visitors
1947
Year Established

About Weeks State Park

 

Weeks State Park is located in Lancaster, Coös County, in northern New Hampshire. The park centers around Mount Prospect, a 2,060-foot peak that hosts a distinctive stone observation tower built in 1912 by John Wingate Weeks, a prominent politician who later became Secretary of War. The tower provides 360-degree views of the surrounding White Mountains and the Connecticut River Valley, making it a popular spot for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans a modest area of woodland, offering a variety of trails suitable for casual hikers and families. The landscape features typical northern hardwood and coniferous forest species with an abundance of wildlife including deer, foxes, and various bird species. Visitors come for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from busier nearby parks. The park is open seasonally, primarily from spring through fall, with winter visits possible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Weeks State Park honors the legacy of John Wingate Weeks, reflecting early 20th-century conservation efforts and public park development in New England. Its accessibility and scenic overlooks make it a valuable regional outdoor resource, especially for those seeking quiet nature experiences and historical interest combined.

Highlights

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Historic Stone Observation Tower offering panoramic views

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Mount Prospect summit with sweeping vistas of White Mountains

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Abundant northern New England forest habitat

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Picnic area with scenic overlooks

Notable Natural Features

Weeks Memorial Tower

A 60-foot high stone observation tower built in 1912 offering 360-degree views from Mount Prospect.

Mount Prospect Peak

The summit at 2,060 feet provides remarkable views of the Connecticut River Valley and nearby White Mountains.

Heavily Forested Trails

Trails through mature northern hardwood and pine forests providing wildlife viewing opportunities.