Weeks State Park

Weeks State Park is an interesting and significant park that is much different from other parks in New Hampshire. A beautiful estate sits on 446 acres, where the summit of Mount Prospect is home to a unique historic site and magnificent views of the White Mountains. The park is named for Congressman John Wingate Weeks, who also served as a senator and as the Secretary of War under two presidents. Weeks was also a well-known conservationist, and the Weeks Act of 1911 allowed for national forests to be established in the eastern part of the country. It is thanks to this act that the White Mountain National Forest was purchased and protected.

During the summer and fall months, visitors can drive to the 2,058-foot summit and enjoy scenic overlooks along the way. Tour the museum that was once Congressman Weeks’ mountaintop summer home, climb the stone observation tower, and check out the U.S.S. John W. Weeks DD 701 Naval Destroyer exhibit. Free naturalist walks and programs are offered at the park by the Weeks State Park Association from May through September. Despite the paved road to the summit of Mount Prospect being closed in the off-season, Weeks State Park provides outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are popular on the trails that both circumnavigate and ascend the mountain.