🌤 Weather at Merrimack River State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–67 °F | 51–80 °F | 29–71 °F | 13–36 °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 Salisbury, 5 mi away, elevation 550 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Merrimack River State Forest is a small state-owned forest along the Merrimack River in the Town of Boscawen, Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It is a state forest, not a state park: there is no day-use area, entrance station or fee schedule of the kind New Hampshire State Parks runs. The federal Protected Areas Database (PAD-US) maps it at 158 acres, owned by the state’s former Department of Resources and Economic Development, and lists public access as unknown.
We could not confirm trails, parking or a trailhead for this forest. The New Hampshire state forest pages that would answer that were not reachable when we checked. Before you go, ask the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, which oversees state forests, whether and where you can enter.
Quick Facts
| Type | State forest |
| Town | Boscawen |
| County | Merrimack County |
| Size | 158 acres (PAD-US) |
| Public access | Not confirmed |
Location & Getting There
The forest lies along the Merrimack River in Boscawen, between Concord, about 10 miles to the south-southeast, and Franklin to the north. The park’s coordinates are 43.3367, -71.6362.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area?
No. That area is a separate reserve in Concord, about 9 miles away, owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
Do New Hampshire state park fees apply?
No. State park day-use fees and reservations cover New Hampshire State Parks. No official fee information is published for this state forest.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Hannah Duston Memorial State Historic Site (a short drive away) and Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site (a short drive away). For more, see our guide to state parks in New Hampshire.
Sources: PAD-US (2022); U.S. Census geocoder; Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Merrimack River State Forest
- 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 Merrimack River State Forest?
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 Map
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