Fitzwilliam offers several clearly distinct highlights: Rhododendron State Park, hiking trails with different route profiles, and the Historic District, which is largely confined to the Village Center. A boat launch on Laurel Lake is another specific local feature. If you are considering Fitzwilliam as a destination, you can first decide whether you are more interested in a distinctive plant collection, a particular type of trail, or local history. The different destinations can help you tailor your stay to your interests.
Rhododendron State Park
Rhododendron State Park is named for a 16-acre stand of Rhododendron maximum, which forms the centerpiece of the park. The grove is the largest in northern New England and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1982. Both the name and the designation point to the same main feature: the rhododendron grove.
Hiking trails with different profiles
The Fitzwilliam/Cheshire Branch Rail Trail is a flat gravel trail that follows a former railroad line. Hiking, running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are welcome on this trail. Its level surface makes it quite different from the climb at Little Monadnock. Parking is available at Rockwood Pond, the Depot, and Old Turnpike Road, as well as at the crossings of Rhododendron Road, Royalston Road, West Lake Road, East Lake Road, and NH Route 12 South at State Line Circle. Since parking availability can change, check which locations are currently accessible before you set out.
The Little Monadnock Trail climbs uphill for over a mile from the loop trail in Rhododendron State Park and meets the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail on open rock near the summit. This hiking trail is 114 miles long, passes through Fitzwilliam, crosses the trails in Widow Gage Town Forest, and goes over Little Monadnock Mountain. The distance figures describe different measurements: over a mile refers to the climb from the loop trail, while 114 miles is the length of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.
The Sip Pond Peninsula Trail in the Chamberlain Conservation Area is another option: the out-and-back route is just under 1.5 miles long and is intended for pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles. It ends at a viewpoint for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenery. This provides an option with a clearly stated round-trip distance alongside the longer hiking trails.
You can also hike across the field and along the former ski slopes at Fitzwilliam’s former ski area; along the way, you can enjoy a view of Fitzwilliam village. However, there is no designated hiking trail there. Keep this in mind when planning if you would like to visit the area.
Local history and Laurel Lake
The Historic District is largely confined to the Village Center and includes 165 properties. It offers a different focus from the nature and hiking destinations: if you are interested in local history, you can include this historic area as a distinct part of your stay.
There is a boat launch on Laurel Lake. If you include the lake in your travel plans, keep in mind that water conditions and operational access can vary.
Discover more destinations: Harrisville, Swanzey, Rindge, Chesterfield, Keene, Jaffrey
Return to the main travel overview: Cheshire.
