We revisited Vaughan Woods at a different time of the year, and it's still such a cool spot (though…read morefar busier than it was when we came in autumn a few years ago). It's a state park that's open year long -- during the shoulder season, you can park outside the closed gates and walk in. This time we came when the gates were open; but, there was no attendant to check our state parks pass. It looks like payment is on the honor system (please pay so we can preserve beautiful trails like this!). I'll reiterate what I said in my previous review: It's located along Salmon Falls River (which separates Maine and New Hampshire). And with 3+ miles of hiking trails, it's easy to choose-your-own-adventure. So, whether you're looking to walk a lot or little, spend the day here or just a quick half hour, or if you're a local looking for a new running trail, be sure to explore the "old growth forest" (I saw this used elsewhere and looked into it: did you know this is a term that essentially means it's an ancient woodland, or a natural place that has aged without disruption?)! And it's accessible too: the extremely well groomed, well marked, mostly widened walking paths are easy to navigate (there are some hilly areas; and if it's not winter you're DEFINITELY going to want to bring bug spray). Also, from here you can access the grounds of the restored Hamilton House (built by merchant Jonathan Hamilton in the late eighteenth century) which sits on a stunning grassy knoll among cleared open green space overlooking the river (we actually saw a beaver this most recent time!) on one side and a beautifully maintained garden on the other side.

Want to get away from the sweating masses over-crowding the beach? Not up for sitting on your buns,…read morebaking in the summer sun? Want some peace & quiet instead of screaming tots and squeaky playground swings? I did. Not that there's anything wrong with the typical midsummer Maine beach experience. It just was NOT my vibe for this getaway. And so we sought out land trusts and mountains and parks, including one of our favorite spots to hit some pretty trails: Vaughan Woods. First, even in the middle of the summer and several cars in the lots, we barely saw another person. On the river trail--which I particularly love for all the scenic views of the river and benches to sit and rest--we had two couples cross our path. Very quick, smiley "hellos" and off they went. So peaceful! I'm mobility-challenged but I had a recent treatment and felt a little more mobile and stable. I took my time and my husband was a great helper. I'd say the river trail can get a bit challenging for anyone with a knee/ankle/foot/balance issue. But if conditions aren't wet, you go slow, and rest at the benches, you might be able to do it! The toilet stall is a wooden structure that is open to the air at the top of the walls before the roof begins. It's a toilet set over a pit, and you could definitely get a wheelchair in, but I don't recall seeing any grab bars. There was plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Like other places (parks, beach), we noticed it was "carry in, carry out." There are several picnic tables surrounding the parking lot, and we enjoyed a post-hike snack. This place is worth the drive out to South Berwick. Give it a go!

The way to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was closed for renovation so we ended up just checking…read moreGreat Island Common. It's actually a large enough place with plenty of parking and had some good amount of spots for gatherings/picnics/BBQ. I didnt feel like it was the most beautiful place although the view of the harbor was. I enjoyed the little painter decor that they have and that wide open feel of just standing by the waters. However i felt like the place needed some TLC. Idk. The gentleman by the entrance was very kind and sweet though and allowed us to just check the area for some quick pics for free as we didnt stay too long for this visit.

I'll tell you it was almost surreal. It was a litle like…read morebeing the only person in the world, just staring out at the wild ocean at sunset. Especially in january when there wasn't another soul in this tiny park, at the edge of this picturesque town of Portsmouth. I was of course struck by the wild beauity that makes up the NH/Maine Coastline and the crashing of the waves but the place itself was absolutely adorable. I could see the vibrant scenes of warmer months even though my face and lips were equally chapped in the brisk wind. Very clean, very organized and well layed out little park. There is a long walk on the rocks out to the sea and some sandy beach area for walking but I can't imagine it would be a fun place to swim with all those rocks and rocky shallow areas. I'd love to do a day trip or 3 day weekend up here just so I can bring my dogs here to enjoy this relaxed little area. There is a sweet little bench beneath a tree straight ahead when you pull in, and it would be probably the cutest place to get a kiss, enjoy a quiet moment or even a proposal. Le sigh. Can I live here and build a little hut beside the large sprawling waterfront mansions? I promise I won't be a bother. The trees in bloom here must be a sight in the fall,but no matter what season it was so worth stumbling upon.

Such a great spot to bring the family for some outdoor fun! There are multiple basketball courts, a…read morepool that is open to the public and also offers swim lessons, and an awesome playground! There is a walking trail behind all of this that looks like it may be stroller friendly- we haven't ventured to it yet. No bathroom at the playground or basketball court but the pool should have one. Not sure if you can use it when the pool isn't open.

Patriot was here at Prescott Park on May of 2026 on a warm Saturday afternoon. Nice park area…read morewith a stage area and food venue

Prescott Park is a quiet little park on the river side of Portsmouth. There are great views of the…read moreMemorial Bridge and boats from the pier in the park. The fence along the pier is covered with locks placed by visitors over the years. The river has a unique current that changes as the tide moves in and out, just off the pier, making the water rough. There is a beautiful whimsical fountain in the park that memorizes a local Naval Ensign who died over a hundred years ago. Several benches are scattered throughout the park to sit and relax. People sat drinking their morning coffee. A stone marks the site of where St. John's Lodge first met in 1736. Worth a visit if you are in the area. It was a little chilly, during my visit. A sweatshirt is helpful.

Easy walking, has a "boardwalk".. lovely views of Great Bay, and winds through the woods. Listened…read moreto lots of birds and other nature sounds. Definitely going back!

This was such a good hidden gem on our Portsmouth family vacation. We went for the stoop book…read morereading and got to explore the entire nature center. My daughter is 3.5 and she could have spent all day inside playing with their awesome exhibits. We did a short walk outside but she was more enamored with all the hands on displays. They have a cool small touch tank too. Gardens outside are nice too.

Yes there is a 1/2 mile walk to the trail and then 1/2 mile walk back to your parked car no biggie…read moredon't let that deter you from doing this hike. Agree there are better views in other parts of NH but this is ok. Bugs are vicious on certain parts of the trail and better off brining a bug net because someone else posted they don't care if you have bug spray I mean I even walked with can, I would still hike it though I prefer paid for parking on the website it's 5.00$ a person and you can use the whole state park for all day It was full of camps for swimming so if your not a fan of a lot of people maybe this lake is not for you Hope everyone enjoys there time there

Our walk/hike on the Shaw & Fundy Trails were perfect because they are well-trodden, pine-needle…read morecarpeted trails that were good for our sister who has a bad knee & can't handle trails with vertical climb, tree roots &/or rocky faces. The trails passed by marshes, over creeks &, at times, we had to navigate through areas that had some minimal flooding. Signage is practically non-existent, with arrows primarily @ intersections & also kind of confusing where the parking lots are for the trailheads. There is very little blazing on the trees but again, the trail directions are obvious. Not too much indication of wildlife, although, of course, we were in the thick of the trees. The folks at the Visitor Center are super friendly, knowledgeable & helpful.

Nice park to come here with your kids, or to watch a game on the ballfield. Stopped in during the…read moreoffseason, which was late summer, for a walk around the park. The rules of the park are right in front and everyone should pay attention. The public has had fundraisers to get the park revitalized so this is an important place for the Town and the people who use it. Plenty of parking, and just a nice and quiet place to come to read a book or relax when the park doesn't have a lot of activity at it.

What a nice spot for a walk! My friend and I were in the area to check out some sugar shacks and we…read moredecided to stop by this pond. I'd say it's really more of a park, since there are plenty of walking paths, including a nice covered bridge. I don't think I'd come out of my way to return, but it was certainly a nice place to stop by and check out while nearby.

Good area for dog walking. Trails are maintained well. They…read morearen't well marked though so it's easy to get lost - meaning no colored trail blazes. They have many maps of the trail along the paths, but it's hard to know where you truly are because they don't say "you are here" except for at the entrance. I can't speak on the swimming, but it looks fun for kids. There is a playground and a few picnic benches throughout. Plenty of parking and short walk to the water / trails. I'm sure there are better spots to swim, but this place looks like it gets the job done. Dog friendly everywhere except on the beach itself. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Doggie clean up bags are not provided, so be sure to bring your own.