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Hiking in Forest Lake State Park: trails, map and practical info

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee • New Hampshire

4.6 Appreciated by 16 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
122 ft
Duration
30
Max altitude
122 ft

Explore 1.6 km of lakeside trails in New Hampshire's Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, combining forest hiking with swimming and paddling access. This easy 30-minute walk with 122 m elevation gain works perfectly for families or mixed-ability groups seeking a complete outdoor experience without mountain intensity.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Forest Lake State Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Forest Lake State Park sits quietly in Whitefield, New Hampshire, offering mixed terrain in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region that feels refreshingly removed from the busier hiking destinations nearby. The park centers around Forest Lake itself, a modest but scenic body of water that serves as both the main attraction and a natural gathering point for visitors looking to combine a short hike with some genuine lakeside time.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Dalton, NH 03598, USA
GPS coordinates
44.3612971, -71.6912928
Phone
(603) 837-9150

Starting Point

The forest lake state park is located in New Hampshire. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 17 off of Interstate 93 and head west on Route 3. The park will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.3612971, -71.6912928
Center
(603) 837-9150

Hikers' opinions

4.6
2 Reviews
PV
Park Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
Forest Lake State Park offers a pleasant 2-3 hour hiking experience in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. The 122m elevation gain provides a moderate workout without being too strenuous. Access via Route 3 from I-93 exit 17 is straightforward, though parking fees apply. The trails are well-maintained and offer nice forest scenery, making it worth the entrance fee for a peaceful outdoor escape.
PV
Park Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
Forest Lake State Park offers a pleasant outdoor experience in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. The 122m elevation gain provides a moderate workout over 2-3 hours. While parking and entry fees apply, the well-maintained trails and scenic views make it worthwhile. Note that dogs aren't permitted, so plan accordingly.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
122.00
122.00
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
30
No
No
Yes, the Forest Lake State Park trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and those with minimal hiking experience. The 1.6 km distance and 30min duration also make it an accessible option for families and casual hikers.
The Forest Lake State Park trail has 122 m of elevation gain. This modest elevation change is consistent with the Easy difficulty rating and makes it manageable for most fitness levels.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

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Update : June 2026