Map of New England's Protected Areas

This interactive map shows the Locations, Names, Areas, and Details of National Parks, State Parks, National Forests, Tribal, and other Public Lands of New England (without Maine). It also shows major cities and rivers for context. For more detail, zoom in. For more information, hover over the map, or scroll down.

Key
Lake or River
City
Manager
National Park Service
State
U.S. Forest Service
Fish and Wildlife Service
Tribal Lands
Bureau of Land Management
Department of Defense
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Other

Geography of New England

New England is famous for foods like clam chowder, Vermont maple syrup, Maine lobsters, turkey, Boston baked beans, and Boston cream pie.

New England location in Northamerica

New England is in the northeastern United States and includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For convenience, this map only includes all these states, except for Maine. (Maine has its own map!)

New England is bordered by New York to the west and the Atlantic Ocean southeast. To the north, New England is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

The mountains, rolling hills, and jagged coastline of New England resulted from retreating ice sheets during the last ice age. The coastline extends from southwestern Connecticut to northeastern Maine and is dotted with hills, swamps, lakes, and beautiful sandy beaches.

If you are interested in learning more about traveling in New England, Amazon has Fodor's New England. Whether you want to visit Cape Cod’s beaches, eat lobster in Maine, or ski in Vermont, the local Fodor’s travel experts in New England have amazing tips for you!

New England Landscape

Looking further inland, we see the Appalachian Mountains, which extend through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

The White Mountains in New Hampshire have the highest peak in the northeastern U.S., at an elevation of 6,288 feet (1,917 meters).

According to the Mount Washington Observatory, Mount Washington, which is in the White Mountain range, held the record for the fastest wind gust on the planet.

The gust clocked in at 231 miles (372 kilometers) an hour in April 1934. That record was beaten in 1996 in Australia.

The Connecticut River is the longest in the area, flowing from northeastern New Hampshire for about 407 miles (655 kilometers) and empties into the Long Island Sound. Lake Champlain is the largest lake in the region between New York and Vermont.

New England's Wildlife

Mink New England

Weasels, martens, minks, coyotes, opossums, various species of squirrels and rabbits, and moose are some of the mammals living in the New England region.

Treecreepers, osprey, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, swifts, and kingfishers are only a few birds that call the New England region home. Over 4,000 species of birds are residents, bred, or migrate to the area.

New England is full of native edible landscapes, including beach plums, elderberries, New Jersey tea, groundnuts, and fox grapes. The wildflowers that bloom around the states are incredible and include native species like bloodroot, boneset, violets, ox-eye daisies, and trout lilies.

Red maple, sweet bay magnolia, and green ash are among the native trees in the area.

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New England's Climate

The weather patterns throughout New England are highly variable, with the climate varying throughout the states as well.

Vermont winter

For instance, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont experience a humid continental short summer climate with cool summers and long, frigid winters.

While Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut experience a humid continental long summer, consisting of hot summers and cold winters.

Typically, the average rainfall in New England ranges from 3 to 5 feet (40 to 60 inches) of rain yearly.

According to Time and Date, the hottest month in New England is July, with an average median temperature of 70℉ (21℃) and highs in the 80s (26.6℃).

The coldest month is January, averaging around 21℉ (-6℃), a low of 12℉ (-11℃), and a high of 30℉ (-1℃).

Summer and autumn are the best times to visit the New England states. The weather is perfect for outdoor recreation, the scenery is beautiful, and there is always something exciting taking place.

Outstanding Parks in New England

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is the red area southwest of Fairbanks.

Forty miles of beautiful sandy beaches, sand dunes, ponds, marshes, and uplands, support various species of plants and animals in the area.

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

The mix of cultural landscapes, wild cranberry bogs, and lighthouses offer Cape Cod visitors a glimpse into the region's past and their continuing ways of life.

There are activities for people of all ages. Visitors may hit the beach for some fun in the sun, go for a swim, build sandcastles, and work on their tan.

Hiking and biking trails are scattered throughout the park. There are at least seven different paths, including the Nauset Marsh and the Great Island.

The park features three bike trails; Head of The Meadow in Truro, Nauset in Eastham, and Province Lands in Provincetown.

In addition to the designated trails, bikes are allowed on unpaved pathways (fire roads), paved roads, and parking areas. However, bicycles are not permitted on any of the hiking trails.

The Province Lands and Salt Pond Visitor Centers are excellent places to begin a Cape Cod National Seashore adventure.

Each center has its own features. Province Land has exhibits teaching about the nature and history of the area and operates as an orientation facility. Salt Pond features a museum and theater.

In addition, the park is filled with wildlife. There are over 450 animals thanks to its diverse coastal ecosystems, including piping plovers and many migratory birds.

Waters surrounding the park have horseshoe crabs, cod, Bluefish, Flounder, Mackerel, Blue Fin, Yellow Fin Tuna, sharks, and many more.

There are red foxes, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bats, and oppossums; source: Cape Cod.

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Appalachian National Scenic Trail (New England Area)

Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the red area in southeastern New England.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,190-mile (3,524 kilometers) footpath through the wilderness and spans from Mount Katahdin in Maine to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts before finally crossing into Connecticut and beyond; Travel Planner.

It can take months for someone to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. That being said, the scenery and surroundings are breathtaking. Most hikers choose a section to complete. The trail is not dry and is not easy.

There are various backcountry sites along the trail in designated areas. Camping is only permitted in the designated areas for a certain amount of time; guests can stay a maximum of one week at many sites.

Numerous trailheads can access the trail throughout the different states it travels through. Every state has a different "famous" location where hikers can stop in and check things out.

These locations may be cafes, restaurants, National Monuments, state parks, and historical places of interest.

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch is the lime park north of Concord, New Hampshire, in the heart of White Mountain National Forest.

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

This incredible mountain pass is crossed by a distinctive parkway (I-93) that extends from Flume Gorge to Echo Lake. I-93 winds between the amazing peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges for 8-miles.

Franconia Notch was and still is known as the home of the Old Man of The Mountain or "Great Stone Face".

According to the Concord Monitor, in May of 2003, the iconic Face of the Old Man of The Mountain disappeared during a storm that caused the rocks to fall. However, that never stopped visitors from coming out to the park; Concord Monitor.

Flume Gorge and the Ariel Tramway are two of Franconia Notch's most popular features. Flume Gorge is a natural gorge stretching 800 feet (243 meters) at the base of Mt. Liberty.

The walls seem gigantic as they reach a height between 70 to 90 feet (21 to 27 meters). Flume Trail is a two-mile loop and is an easy to moderate hike.

Visitors can enjoy a swim at Echo Lake, visit the New England Ski Museum, and netting trout while fly fishing.

Some of the park activities are hiking, canoeing, climbing, biking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, and visiting historical sites. The park features developed campsites and RV hook-ups; Franconia.

There are plenty of lodges and cabins for you to enjoy Franconia State Park and nearby ski resorts. For amenities and prices visit VRBO!



Pawtuckaway State Park

Pawtuckaway is the lime park east of Concord, New Hampshire.

This state park is beautiful and has different picturesque sceneries.

Pawtuckaway State Park, New Hampshire

The beach on the lake is excellent for swimming. Outdoor enthusiasts come for recreational opportunities, including boating, hiking, biking, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

The hiking trails lead to places of interest like the mountaintop fire tower and an extensive marsh. There is also a field, where glacial erratics or large boulders were deposited near the end of the last Ice Age.

Wildlife at the park include beavers, deer, and blue herons.

Camping makes a weekend or week at the park possible. Visitors can choose from remote campsites, developed sites, and a yurt or cabin rentals. Park visitors can go skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing during the winter months.

Horseback riding is another popular activity at the park. It only costs a few bucks per person to enter the park, and if you need to rent a kayak or canoe, you can.

Pawtuckaway is a pet-friendly park, so you can bring your furry best friend along for the adventure; Pawtuckaway.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park is the lime speck in the northwestern corner of Massachusetts.

Natural Bridge State Park, New Hampshire

Natural Bridge State Park is the home of the only natural white marble arch in the United States. The bridge arches over a beautiful babbling brook carved out by glacial meltwater over the course of 500-million years.

The brook winds and spills through a rather steep 60-foot (18 meters) gorge, which demonstrates the glacial erosion throughout New England.

Park visitors can observe a man-made white marble dam (the only one in the U.S.) and tour an abandoned marble quarry. Hiking, fishing, and educational programs are a few of the popular activities at Natural Bridge.

Bring your family for a day of fun and exciting discoveries at the park. Picnic areas with grills are available.

The Visitor Center should be your first stop to learn more about the park and any programs taking place.

Natural Bridge State Park is seasonal and is open from the middle of May to the middle of October. Their hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4:30p.m. every day; Natural Bridge.



Robinson State Park

Robinson State Park is the lime speck southwest of Springfield, MA.

This park is full of incredible wildlife, including rare turtles and dragonflies.

Robinson State Park

Visitors come to enjoy the serenity and beauty but also to explore. According to the Final Odonate Report, in 2017, 47 species of dragonflies were found and 8 were rare.

Hike along a part of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trails or spend some time checking out the historic buildings.

The park has over 20 miles (32 kilometers) of trails for mountain biking, don't forget to enjoy the views. Hike the paved road along the Westfield River or through the beautiful forest.

Aside from hiking and biking, outdoor enthusiasts come to the park to canoe, kayak, cross-country ski, fish, horseback ride, and swim. There are picnic pavilions with grills and a gazebo; Robinson.

Colt State Park

This state park is the lime area in western Rhode Island.

Colt State Park

Colt State Park has over 400 acres of lawns, hiking trails, beautiful historic stone walls, an incredible shoreline, and 4-miles of paved pathways.

The park is only minutes away from the Historic Center of Bristol, which is home to the oldest Fourth of July parades in the United States.

Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living history museum that represents how farm life was during the 1790s and is adjacent to the historic center.

Hiking and biking trails make exploring the park a wonderful experience. There are stroller-friendly paths that make adventuring with little ones quite effortless; Colt.



Devil's Hopyard State Park

Devil's Hopyard State Park is a lime speck northwest of New London, Connecticut.

devils State Park, Connecticut

There are several stories revolving around the Devil's Hopyard. As some accounts suggest, are the round holes in the falls the devil's work? Or did nature, water, and time leave their natural mark on the area for future generations to marvel at?

Hiking, biking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, picnicking, and fishing are some of the activities visitors enjoy.

Devil's Hopyard Campground features 21 campsites in a beautiful wooded setting. Youth Group campsites are also available for qualifying youth organizations; Devil's Hopyard.

Lake Waramaug State Park

Lake Waramaug State Park is the lime speck northwest of Waterbury, CT.

The park consists of 95 acres of land. Visitors come to fish, hike, camp, swim, and car-top boating. If you don't have a kayak or canoe, no problem; the park rents out that equipment to park visitors.

The park features 76 campsites to choose from.



Quechee State Park

Quechee State Park, Connecticut

Quechee State Park is the small lime area south of Montpelier in Vermont.

Quechee is along U.S. Route 4, and it's a popular tourist destination. Thousands of visitors come to the park every year. The Quechee Gorge is an astonishing place.

The main focal point of the park is the state's deepest gorge, which was formed by glacial activity around 13-thousand years ago.

The Ottauquechee River flows 165 feet below the great viewing points along U.S. Route 4.

The outdoor enthusiast can participate in all of the typical recreational activities with a view!

The park's spacious campsites make spending the weekend even more comfortable. Quechee.

Big Falls State Park

Big Falls State Park is the lime speck in northern Vermont.

The park is located on the Missisquoi River and is a sought-after spot for swimming and fishing.

The old-growth hemlock and pine stand are another magnet of the park. "Big Falls" is one of the largest undeveloped waterfalls on a major Vermont River.

Camping, rock and ice climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, running, biking, and so many recreational opportunities are possible at Big Falls; Big Falls.



List of Parks in Vermont

National Park Service
White Rocks National Recreation AreaAppalachian National Scenic Trail
State Forests
Aitken State ForestGiffords Woods State Forest Park
Albert C Lord State ForestGroton State Forest
Calvin Coolidge State ForestTownshend State Forest
National Forest
Green Mountain National Forest
National Wildlife Refuge
Missisquoi National Wildlife RefugeSilvio O. Conte N.W.R.
State Parks
Alburg Dunes State ParkLake St. Catherine State Park
Allis State ParkLake Shaftsbury State Park
Big Deer State ParkLittle River State Park
Bomoseen State ParkLowell Lake State Park
Boulder Beach State ParkMaidstone State Park
Branbury State ParkMolly Stark State Park
Brighton State ParkMolly's Falls Pond State Park
Burton Island State ParkMount Ascutney State Park
Button Bay State ParkMount Philo State Park
Camel's Hump State ParkMuckross State Park
Camp Plymouth State ParkNew Discovery State Park
Coolidge State ParkNiquette Bay State Park
Crystal Lake State ParkNorth Hero State Park
D.A.R. State ParkQuechee State Park
D&H Rail TrailRicker Pond State Park
Elmore State ParkSand Bar State Park
Emerald Lake State ParkSentinel Rock State Park
Fort Dummer State ParkSeyon Lodge State Park
Gifford Woods State ParkSilver Lake State Park
Grand Isle State ParkSmugglers' Notch State Park
Green River Reservoir State ParkStillwater State Park
Half Moon Pond State ParkSweet Pond State Park
Hazen's Notch State ParkTaconic Mountains Ramble State Park
Jamaica State ParkThetford Hill State Park
Kamp Kill Kare State ParkTownshend State Park
Kettle Pond State ParkUnderhill State Park
Kingsland Bay State ParkWaterbury Center State Park
Knight Island State ParkWilgus State Park
Knight Point State ParkWoodford State Park
Lake Carmi State ParkWoods Island State Park
Darling State Park

List of Parks in New Hampshire

State Parks
Ahern State ParkMadison Boulder Natural Area
Androscoggin Wayside ParkMilan Hill State Park
Bear Brook State ParkMiller State Park
Beaver Brook Falls WaysideMollidgewock State Park
Bedell Bridge State Historic SiteMonadnock State Park
Cannon Mountain Aerial TramwayMoose Brook State Park
Cannon Mountain Ski AreaMt. Sunapee State Park
Cardigan Mountain State ParkMt. Washington State Park
Cathedral Ledge State ParkNansen Ski Jump State Historic Site
Chesterfield Gorge Natural AreaNansen Wayside Park
Clough State ParkNorth Beach
Coleman State ParkNorth Hampton State Beach
Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working ForestNorthwood Meadows State Park
Crawford Notch State ParkOdiorne Point State Park
Daniel Webster BirthplacePawtuckaway State Park
Deer Mountain CampgroundPillsbury State Park
Dixville Notch State ParkPisgah State Park
Echo Lake State ParkRhododendron State Park
Eisenhower Memorial WaysideRobert Frost Farm Historic Site
Ellacoya State ParkRollins State Park
Endicott Rock Historic SiteRye Harbor State Park
Flume GorgeSculptured Rocks Natural Area
Forest Lake State ParkSilver Lake State Park
Fort Constitution Historic SiteSouth Beach - Hampton Beach State Park
Fort Stark State Historic SiteTaylor Mill Historic Site
Franconia Notch State ParkUmbagog Lake State Park
Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic SiteWadleigh State Park
Gardner Memorial Wayside ParkWallis Sands State Park
Governor Wentworth Historic SiteWeeks State Park
Greenfield State ParkWellington State Park
Hampton Beach State ParkWentworth State Park
Hannah Duston Memorial Historic SiteWentworth-Coolidge Mansion
Jenness State BeachWhite Island Historic Site
Jericho Mountain State ParkWhite Lake State Park
Kingston State ParkWinslow State Park
Lake Francis State ParkLake Tarleton State Park
Milan Hill State ParkRobert Frost Farm Historic Site
Miller State ParkRollins State Park
Mollidgewock State ParkRye Harbor State Park
Monadnock State ParkSculptured Rocks Natural Area
Moose Brook State ParkSilver Lake State Park
Mt. Sunapee State ParkSouth Beach - Hampton Beach State Park
Mt. Washington State ParkTaylor Mill Historic Site
Nansen Ski Jump State Historic SiteUmbagog Lake State Park
Nansen Wayside ParkWadleigh State Park
North Hampton State BeachWallis Sands State Park
Northwood Meadows State ParkWeeks State Park
Odiorne Point State ParkWellington State Park
Pawtuckaway State ParkWentworth State Park
Pillsbury State ParkWentworth-Coolidge Mansion
Pisgah State ParkWhite Island Historic Site
Rhododendron State ParkWhite Lake State Park
Winslow State Park
State Forests
Bowditch-Runnells State ForestNottingham State Forest
Connecticut Lakes State ForestWalker State Forest
Litchfield State Forest
National Park Service
Saint-Gaudens National Historical ParkAppalachian National Scenic Trail
National Forest
White Mountain National Forest
National Wildlife Refuge
Wapack National Wildlife RefugeGreat Thicket National Wildlife Refuge
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife RefugeUmbagog National Wildlife Refuge


List of Parks in Massachussetts

National Park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
National Historic Sites
Dorchester Heights National Historic SiteJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
F L Olmsted National Historic SiteSaugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic SiteSaugus Ironworks National Historic Site
National Historic Parks
Adams National Historical ParkMinute Man National Historical Park
Boston National Historic Park
State Parks
Ames Nowell State ParkMary O’Malley State Park
Ashland State ParkMassasoit State Park
Bash Bish Falls State ParkMaudslay State Park
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State ParkMoore State Park
Borderland State ParkMount Holyoke Range State Park
Bradley Palmer State ParkMystic Lakes State Park
C.M. Gardner State ParkNatural Bridge State Park
Callahan State ParkNickerson State Park
Chicopee Memorial State ParkPearl Hill State Park
Clarksburg State ParkPilgrim Memorial State Park
Cochituate State ParkQuinsigamond State Park
Connecticut River Greenway State ParkRobinson State Park
Demarest Lloyd State ParkRoxbury Heritage State Park
Dighton Rock State ParkRutland State Park
Dunn State ParkSkinner State Park
Ellisville Harbor State ParkSouth Cape Beach State Park
Fall River Heritage State ParkWahconah Falls State Park
Farnham-Connolly State ParkWatson Pond State Park
Great Brook Farm State ParkWebb Memorial State Park
Hampton Ponds State ParkWells State Park
Holyoke Heritage State ParkWestern Gateway Heritage State Park
Hopkinton State ParkWhitehall State Park
Lawrence Heritage State ParkWompatuck State Park
Lowell Heritage State Park
State Forests
Bashbish Falls State ForestMyles Standish State Forest
Beartown State ForestNickerson State Forest Park
Brimfield State ForestNorthfield State Forest
Catamount State ForestOctober Mountain State Forest
Chester-Blanford State ForestPittsfield State Forest
Clarksburg State ForestRehoboth State Forest
Daughters of the American Revolution State ForestSandisfield State Forest
Douglass State ForestSavoy Mountain State Forest
Erving State ForestShawme-Crowell State Forest
Federated Womens Club State ForestSpencer State Forest
Freetown Fall River State ForestSutton State Forest
Georgetown Rowley State ForestTolland State Forest
Granville State ForestUpton State Forest
H O Cook State ForestWendell State Forest
Harold Parker State ForestWillard Brook State Forest
J Harry Rich State ForestWillowdale State Forest
Leominster State ForestWindsor State Forest
Lowell-Dracut State ForestWrentham State Forest
Mount Washington State Forest
National Wildlife Refuges
Great Meadows National Wildlife RefugeOxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy National Wildlife RefugeParker River National Wildlife Refuge

List of Parks in Connecticut

State Parks
Bigelow Hollow State ParkLake Waramaug State Park
Bigelow State ParkLamentation Mountain State Park
Black Rock State ParkMacedonia Brook State Park
Bolton Notch State ParkMillers Pond State Park
Campbell Falls State ParkMount Bushnell State Park
Chatfield Hollow State ParkMount Tom State Park
Dennis Hill State ParkOld Furnace State Park
Devils Hopyard State ParkOsborndale State Park
Dinosaur State ParkPenwood State Park
Fort Griswold State ParkPutnam Memorial State Park
Fort Shantok State ParkQuaddick State Park
Gay City State ParkQuinnipiac River State Park
George C Waldo State ParkRocky Glen State Park
Gillette Castle State ParkRocky Neck State Park
Haddam Meadows State ParkSelden Neck State Park
Hammonasset State ParkSeth Pierrepont State Park
Harkness Memorial State ParkSherwood Island State Park
Haystack Mountain State ParkSleeping Giant State Park
Higganum Reservoir State ParkSouthford Falls State Park
Hopeville Pond State ParkSquantz Pond State Park
Housatonic Meadows State ParkStratton Brook State Park
Humaston Brook State ParkWadsworth Falls State Park
Huntington State ParkWest Peak State Park
Hurd State ParkWharton Brook State Park
Indian Well State ParkWhittemore Glen State Park
Kent Falls State ParkWooster Mountain State Park
Kettletown State Park
State Forests
Algonquin State ForestNaugatuck State Forest
American Legion State ForestNehantic State Forest
Cockaponset State ForestNepaug State Forest
Housatonic State ForestNipmuck State Forest
Mashamoquet Brook State ForestNye-Holman State Forest
Massacoe State ForestPachaug State Forest
Mattatuck State ForestPaugnut State Forest
Meshomasic State ForestPaugussett State Forest
Mohawk State ForestPeoples State Forest
Nassahegan State ForestQuaddick State Forest
Natchaug State ForestSalmon River State Forest
Nathan Hale State ForestTunxis State Forest
Wyantenock State Forest
State Wildlife Areas
Black Pond Wildlife AreaConnecticut River Wildlife Area


List of Parks in Rhode Island

State Parks
Beavertail State ParkFort Wetherill State Park
Blackstone River Bikeway State ParkGoddard Memorial State Park
Brenton Point State ParkHaines Memorial State Park
Burlingame State ParkLincoln Woods State Park
Colt State ParkPulaski State Park
Fishermen's Memorial State ParkRocky Point State Park
Fort Adams State ParkSnake Den State Park
World War II Memorial State Park

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Resources for New England's Protected Areas Map

The shapefiles with New England's state boundary lines, major rivers, and cities were downloaded from Natural Earth Data.

The Parks and Public Lands shapefiles for New England were downloaded from USGS.

This map will be updated with new data! To receive updates on this and more nature maps, join my email list!!!!!!!

Made by Luz K. Molina with D3.js.

Map of New England state parks, national parks, forests, and public lands areas

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