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Northwood Meadows State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 Google reviews · Running trail in Northwood, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Northwood Meadows State Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park featuring hiking trails and a pond, plus picnic areas.
What runners say about Northwood Meadows State Park
“Very nice gravel road and nicely maintained woods trails around the lake.”
“Gorgeous trail, met some cows out in the fields on the way back just after sunset, minutes after we left them, heard a pack of coyotes going crazy!”
“trails are well marked and easy, too bad the lake is still drained”
“Great trails and an easy walk.”
Great place to hike with family including our furry kid the only thing I'd say bad at all about this beautiful place would be the large amount of off leash dogs I use to love bringing my dogs here but in the past couple years some people haven't been keeping their dogs close and it worries me
The lake has since been drained, which unfortunate, since the beavers fixed the problem the state first refused. Now there's not a blue heron to be seen due to lack of water and food. Signs are up stating work will be completed and hopefully it's done right and kept to a minimum.
Beautiful landscape, but the larger roads diminish some of the magic of wandering through New England woodlands. Fortunately, there's plenty of side paths and bushwhacking to be had ... take some time to enjoy the creek / small falls right next to the entrance!
Gorgeous spot for a long walk! Took us about an hour and a half to walk around the whole lake (we took our time and stopped to enjoy the views).
Trail conditions & character
“Although posted dog must be leashed; there were loose dogs - so as a horse back rider that can be concerning”
“Gorgeous trail, met some cows out in the fields on the way back just after sunset, minutes after we left them, heard a pack of coyotes going crazy!”
“There is quite a bit of parking but will fill up on nice days.”
“trails are well marked and easy, too bad the lake is still drained”
“No corduroy but lots of woodsy, wide, flat, compacted trails.”
Plan your run at Northwood Meadows State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenhstateparks.org
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