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Parks

Miller State Park

4.8 · 774 reviews
A windswept, observation-focused mountain peak.
Miller State Park, 13 Miller State Pk Rd, Peterborough, NH 03458, United States
Interesting facts
1

The park was named in honor of General James Miller, a hero of the War of 1812.

2

It is the oldest state-owned park in New Hampshire.

3

The summit features a fire tower that remains a landmark for fire detection and observation.

4

It serves as a primary site for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, which tracks thousands of migrating hawks annually.

5

The auto road allows vehicle access to the peak, making it one of the few high-elevation summits in the region accessible by car.

6

The park is situated on the ridgeline of the Wapack Range, a geologic feature known for its exposed granite.

7

The summit provides clear views of Mount Monadnock to the west.

Overview

Miller State Park is the oldest state park in New Hampshire, established in 1891. Located atop Pack Monadnock, the park provides an elevation of 2,290 feet, offering panoramic views of the White Mountains and Boston skyline. The 1.3-mile Summit Loop Trail provides access to the fire tower and raptor observatory. The park is connected to the longer Wapack Trail, a 21-mile footpath spanning from Mount Watatic to North Pack Monadnock. Visitors can reach the summit via a paved auto road or by hiking the Marion Davis Trail. The park serves as a significant site for hawk migration monitoring between September and November. Facilities include picnic areas and restrooms at the summit.

Photo spot

The viewing platform at the base of the fire tower.

Insider tips

Check the official website for auto road capacity status before arriving, as parking is limited.

Bring binoculars if visiting during fall months to participate in raptor migration sightings.

Wear sturdy footwear even if driving to the top, as the summit loop trail has uneven, rocky terrain.

What to avoid

Attempting to drive up the auto road during peak autumn weekends without checking the reservation status or current capacity.

Good to know

The auto road is closed during winter months and transitions to seasonal operations based on weather conditions.

Etiquette

Practice Leave No Trace principles; keep dogs on a leash at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-week in October for fall foliage or September for raptor migration.
Address
Miller State Park, 13 Miller State Pk Rd, Peterborough, NH 03458, United States
42.850, -71.887
Get directions
Details
Trail DifficultyEasy to Moderate
AccessibilityAuto road to summit

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-week in October for fall foliage or September for raptor migration..

The viewing platform at the base of the fire tower.

Close by you'll find Pack Monadnock Mountain, Pack Monadnock, Peterborough Community Theatre.