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Wellington State Park is best known for its sand beach and boat ramp on Newfound Lake, and to hikers as the terminus of the Elwell Trail on Mount Cardigan. There is however a mile-long nature trail which follows the lake shore around the peninsula, with signs giving information on trees and animals. Although this trail is not very steep, the surface has rocks, roots, and sticks, so wearing real shoes rather than barefoot or flip-flops is recommended.
Many of the older facilities in this park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) while many newer ones were done by Boy Scouts as service projects.
Distance: Around the loop, about a mile
Elevation gain: About 100 feet
Maps: USGS Newfound Lake
Location: Lakes Region
NH 2004-2005 map K-6
DeLorme NHA&G 35-A9 - Bristol
Bristol is on the S side of Newfound Lake, reached by Exit 23 of I-93
Trailhead: Wellington State Park main parking lot, elevation about 590 feet
N 43.642, -71.777 W (WGS84)
A state park fee is required to enter the park during the official season of roughly May to October
From Exit 23 of I-93, go W on NH Route 104 to Bristol.
At 5.7 miles, turn R on NH Route 3-A at the Bristol town square, and .2 miles further on stay on NH Route 3-A.
About 8 miles from I-93, turn L on West Shore Road at a blinking light and proceed along the S shore of Newfound Lake.
At 9.8 miles, turn sharp R on West Shore Road and continue to Wellington State Park on R at 10.9 miles. Park as far in as space is available.
Owner: Wellington State Park
Maintainer: Wellington State Park
Special regulations: No pets
From the main parking lot, either follow the hiker symbol signs up a gated woods road or head to the beach. The trail itself starts at the R (E) end of the beach and continues straight ahead along the shore. (A quick glimpse over your R shoulder shows where the other end of the loop comes in.) At about .3 miles is an area where nature programs are sometimes held, and just beyond the trail comes alongside Cliff Island which can be reserved for group camping but must be reached by boat. A little further along the trail is a spot that kids will enjoy but will remain nameless here so they can discover it. After about half a mile, the trail reaches the point with Belle Island visible ahead, and turns sharp R to continue along the far shore.
This part of the trail is less travelled and farther from developed areas. It follows the other side of the peninsula back until opposite the starting point, then turns sharp R to climb over the ridge. After crossing a woods road, it descends to the lake shore at the end of the beach. Turn L across the beach to return to your car.
Parking lot plowed in winter.
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show this trail.
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