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Miller State Park, Peterborough NH

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 810 to 2,170 feet
• Peterborough, NH | Monadnock Region
. NH Fire Towers

The image shows two people sitting on a rocky outcrop at the top of a mountain, overlooking a vast expanse of forested landscape. The sky is clear with some clouds, and the view extends to the horizon, showcasing the natural beauty and vastness of the area.

The best views are from North Pack Monadnock's Cliff Trail.

Established in 1891, Miller State Park is the oldest state-run park in New Hampshire and is named for Peterborough born military leader James Miller. The park envelopes Pack Monadnock from where you can also reach North Pack Monadnock - a second peak of similar elevation. The word “pack” reportedly originates from a Native American word for “little”, thus describing these summits as diminutive when compared to the famed 3,087ft Mount Monadnock eleven miles to the East. In addition to these hikes beginning from Miller State Park, we have even more trails to learn about in our separate North Pack Monadnock trail review linked in our 'Trailspotting Nearby' section below.

This is one of over twenty standing fire towers in New Hampshire, all of which are mapped and linked on our Trailspotting Fire Tower List. See the link at the bottom of the page for more details, and for information about the New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest Patch that can be earned.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Pack Monadnock Loop 2.7 mi loop, moderate, gain 810 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ North Park Loop 7.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,165 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

$ State Park fee

⬤ Pack Monadnock Loop
The most popular route in the park takes you to the summit of Pack Monadnock, where you’ll find a fire tower and a sweeping northerly vista. The views here are particularly treasured by birders for the fall hawk migration, where several thousand hawks, eagles and vultures can be seen during September and October. The summit can also be reached by vehicle, and the road to the summit is also a popular walking route for those who prefer the going to be a little easier.

⬤ North Park Loop
A longer route that incorporates the above route but also takes in more of the Wapack Trail, a second summit at North Pack Monadnock, and a cliff trail walk to another great overlook at an old rock-fall.

We’d describe trail conditions as common for New Hampshire – lots of rocks and roots underfoot, though there are some areas of respite on the ridgeline between the two summits. Some stream crossings, but since everything is downhill you shouldn’t expect many swampy areas. We rate this trail as a four-star due to the views and a variety of trail terrain.

The image shows a fire lookout tower, which is a tall structure used for spotting and monitoring wildfires. The tower is elevated on a metal framework and has a small enclosed cabin at the top with windows on all sides. The perspective of the photo is from below, looking up at the tower, with green leaves from nearby trees framing the top of the image. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and there is an antenna or communication device visible to the right of the tower.

Chalk up another fire tower! We're working on visiting all of them.

The image shows a forested area with a hiking trail marked by yellow triangular blazes painted on the trees. The trail appears to be rocky and uneven, with visible tree roots and large rocks scattered along the path. The yellow blazes on the trees indicate the trail route, guiding hikers through the forest.

Rocks and roots are common obstacles on many a New Hampshire trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Miller State Park
• AllTrails Public: Miller State Park
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Pack & North Pack Monadnock (3-8 mi) · 4★ Mason Greenville Rail Trail (9 mi) · Show Map

New Hampshire Fire Towers
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