🌤 Weather at Bradford Pines Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–66 °F | 52–80 °F | 28–71 °F | 12–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bradford 2, 2 mi away, elevation 815 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Ancient White Pines — Stand of massive old-growth white pines — some among the largest in New Hampshire
Bradford Pines Natural Area protects a stand of massive old-growth eastern white pines in Bradford — some of the largest remaining white pines in New Hampshire. These towering trees recall the colonial-era “King’s Pines” — the tallest white pines were marked with the King’s Broad Arrow and reserved for Royal Navy masts. The Pine Tree Riot of 1772 in nearby Weare was a direct precursor to the American Revolution — when colonists attacked a sheriff trying to enforce the King’s pine laws. New Hampshire’s state tree is the white pine, commemorating this defiant heritage.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bradford, Merrimack County, NH |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Trees | Old-growth white pines — King’s Pines! |
| Revolution | Pine Tree Riot 1772 nearby! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pine Tree Riot?
In April 1772 — three years before Lexington — Weare loggers attacked a sheriff enforcing King George’s pine laws. They beat him with tree switches, cropped his horses’ ears, and ran his deputies out of town. It was one of America’s first acts of organized resistance to British authority.
About Bradford Pines
Bradford Pines Natural Area in Bradford protects a magnificent stand of old-growth white pine — some of the largest and oldest white pines surviving in New England. White pine was the “mast tree” of the British Royal Navy — the Crown reserved all pines over 24 inches in diameter for ship masts, carving the “King’s Broad Arrow” into the bark. Colonial resentment of this pine policy helped fuel the American Revolution.
Things to Do
Walking among massive old-growth white pines, photography of towering trees, nature study, and learning about the colonial pine tree controversy that contributed to American independence.
More parks nearby: Sunapee State Park is a short drive away, while Wadleigh State Park lies a short drive away.
🌲 Visit Bradford Pines Natural Area
Old-growth white pines — heirs to the trees that sparked Revolution!
Wildlife & Nature
Bradford Pines Natural Area — in Bradford — preserves a magnificent stand of old-growth white pines, some exceeding 150 feet in height and 200+ years old. These towering pines — remnants of the original forests that once blanketed New Hampshire — survived the massive 18th and 19th-century logging that supplied mast timbers for the Royal Navy. Pileated woodpeckers nest in the giant pines. Barred owls roost in the canopy. Red squirrels harvest pine cones.
Nearby Attractions
Bradford — adjacent — is a small New England town. Lake Massasecum — nearby — offers swimming. Mount Sunapee State Park — 15 miles north — has skiing and Lake Sunapee beach. New London — 10 miles north — has Colby-Sawyer College.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bradford Pines Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Bradford Pines Natural Area?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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