Merrimack

River landscapes, woodlands, and traces of earlier routes give Merrimack a varied character. Those who want to spend time outdoors can find public recreational opportunities in several parks, along with woodlands and walking trails nearby. The area’s history can also be explored at various sites—from a ferry landing on the Merrimack River to an unusually constructed granite bridge.

River and parks at the heart of outdoor recreation

In September 2024, a trail opened along the Souhegan River, connecting Watson Park with the Wildcat Falls Conservation Area. Its route along the river and the link between these two places give the trail a clear connection to the landscape. Watson Park is bordered to the south by the Souhegan River. Those looking to enjoy a riverside landscape and outdoor destinations during their stay can include this trail in their travel plans.

Wasserman Park offers public recreational opportunities for a range of interests. Activities include picnicking, swimming, and fishing, as well as tennis, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and ball fields. Fishing and picnicking are also among the activities at Weston Park, along with boating using your own transport and sledding in winter. The range of options gives you the opportunity to plan your vacation around the activities that matter most to your travel group. If you want to combine several interests, you can consider the parks’ respective offerings as destinations in their own right.

Woodlands and varied habitats

Grater Woods Forest is a contiguous 480-acre property. It was established through land acquisitions by the Merrimack Conservation Commission. Another woodland area is the Wildcat Conservation Area, which covers 87 acres of managed pine and hardwood forest and includes Wildcat Falls. The two areas differ in size and description; together, they make woodland and nature a distinct focus for a stay in Merrimack.

Weston Park also shows how varied the landscape can be within a single park. Its ecologically diverse habitats range from wetlands along the Souhegan River to dry, higher-elevation areas near the Old Meeting House and Graveyard. The burial ground in the park has remained relatively undisturbed for more than 200 years. It is home to a wide variety of native grasses, lichens, and wildflowers, including species that are threatened or endangered in New Hampshire. For visitors interested in native plants and habitats as well as recreational activities, this is a special feature of the park.

Nearby, Horse Hill Nature Preserve offers trails of varying difficulty. This is another option for travelers who want to include hiking in their stay. The range of difficulty levels can help you choose trails that suit your preferences, without assuming any particular pace or duration.

Discovering traces of history

Reeds Ferry recalls a Colonial-era ferry across the Merrimack River, operated by William Read. The Reeds Ferry Site is located at the original landing on the river’s west bank. Canal boats carrying passengers and freight to Newburyport were loaded there. The ferry landing thus connects a specific spot on the river with the transportation of people and goods in the past.

Chamberlain Bridge and Simonds Rock offer further historical points of interest. Chamberlain Bridge is made of native granite and has an unusual design. Simonds Rock served as a landmark for both Indigenous groups and early settlers. These sites offer different ways to explore the area’s history: one is a structure with a distinctive design, the other a prominent landmark for different groups.

Planning a stay to suit your interests

Weston Park covers 5.8 acres and is near Merrimack’s geographic center. All parks in Merrimack open half an hour before sunrise and close half an hour after sunset. These hours provide a useful guide when planning park visits. When looking for a vacation rental in Merrimack, you can first consider whether park recreation, woodlands and trails, or historic sites are your main priorities; the options described offer different ways to shape your trip.

More destinations

For more destinations to explore, you can also discover Manchester, Francestown, Peterborough, Nashua, New Boston, and Bedford.

For the broader travel overview: Hillsborough County.