Clough State Park

Introduction of Clough State Park

Clough State Park is located about five miles east of Weare, New Hampshire, along the sandy shores of Everett Lake, a 150-acre lake formed by a dam on the Piscataquog River. After a severe flood devastated the town of Weare in 1938, the 2,000-foot Hopkinton-Everett Dam was built. The dam is now also used as a hiking and biking trail, with scenic views of the lake below.

Clough State Park, despite the lack of on-site camping, is a must-see for day-use recreation enthusiasts. Stop at Clough State Park for a day of outdoor fun on your way to or from nearby RV-friendly parks like Pillsbury State Park or Bear Brook State Park. Bring your own small boat or canoe and launch it from the park’s ramp or the beach’s shores. There is also a large picnic area and a playground.

The park is open on weekends beginning Memorial Day, and it is open daily from late June to Labor Day. During peak season, staff may not always be available. If the park is not staffed, be prepared to pay the day-use fee with cash or check at the Iron Ranger self-pay station. Visitors should be aware that the park gates close and lock at 7 p.m. every night. Clough State Park is located on US Army Corps of Engineers land, but it is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. Although Clough State Park does not have a campground, there are several RV resorts and state parks nearby.

Clough State Park Camping

Although there are no campgrounds at Clough State Park, you won’t have to travel far to find a place to park the Airstream for the night. A few state parks with RV camping are nearby, including Pillsbury State Park to the west and Bear Brook State Park to the east. Both parks are less than an hour’s drive from Clough State Park, giving you plenty of time to set up camp after leaving Lake Everett in the rearview mirror.If you’re looking for something closer to Clough State Park or for more developed campgrounds, there are a few RV resorts in the area as well. These resorts frequently provide first-rate amenities such as full RV hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, hot showers, flush toilets, beachfront locations, and playgrounds.

Clough State Park Activities

Boating

Paddling around the surface of Everett Lake in a canoe or kayak is the best way to experience everything the lake has to offer. If you didn’t bring your own boat, Clough State Park offers boat rentals during the peak season. You can launch your boat from the park’s boat ramp or from the sandy beach shore. If you paddle out to the lake’s center, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire park. The park does not allow motorboats.

Swimming

Another great way to enjoy the lake and beat the heat is to take a dip in Everett Lake’s calm waters. Spend the day in or near the water on the 900-foot sandy beach. Because there are no lifeguards on duty, any children who want to splash around in the lake should always be accompanied by an adult. Even during peak season, the park is rarely overcrowded, making it easy to enjoy a day at the beach without being overwhelmed by the crowds.

Biking

Clough State Park has miles of paved trails that allow you to explore from the seat of your bike without a windshield to obstruct your view. You can ride up to the edge of the Hopkinton-Everett Dam from the parking area near the dam for breathtaking views of the lake. If you continue, you will ride down an old logging road to the west side of the lake. The path will lead you to a peninsula that juts out into the lake.A series of single track trails follow the Piscataquog River from there. If you stay on the river paths, you may have to wade through water at some point, so be prepared for a difficult trek. There are no bike rentals at the park, so cyclists must attach their own bikes to the Sprinter van.

Hiking

Clough State Park is ideal for hikers who want to explore the wilderness while also learning about the park’s history. Most of the park’s trails have been destroyed by flooding at some point. But don’t worry, some of the trails are still accessible if you’re willing to look for them and don’t mind walking through some undergrowth and the occasional muddy patch.One of the best remaining trails can be found on the left side of the main road as you approach the tollbooth. Continue up the hill, staying left at the fork to cross the grass and begin your hike on the lost trail. The trail is suitable for beginners and provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature. Along the way, old stone walls and rusted automobile parts can be seen, relics of those who once lived along the trail before the 1938 flood.

Photography

Clough State Park’s photogenic features include Everett Lake and the surrounding giant white pines. The park’s long sandy beach, long-forgotten hiking trails, the ever-flowing Piscataquog River, and unique wildlife entice professional and amateur photographers alike to capture the beauty of this lakeside park. Photograph the glistening blue water below and the towering pines that surround the lake from the edge of the Hopkinton-Everett Dam. If you’re fortunate,You might even see a heron searching for food along the shore. During the autumn season, the fall foliage creates an especially stunning backdrop. One thing is certain: you will not want to forget to bring your camera on this trip.

Clough State Park Location

Clough State Park is about 12 miles southwest of Concord in south-central New Hampshire. One of the more popular routes takes RVers along US-202 or Route 13. Weare, New Hampshire, one of the park’s closest towns, is only nine miles away via NH-114 or Route 13. Avoid entering the park via Ray Road because it is gated.

Large vehicles, such as motorhomes, should have no trouble navigating the park’s paved roads. However, the route has a few twists and turns, and drivers should be especially cautious at all times because wildlife is known to frequent the areas surrounding the main roads. Parking is available but not particularly impressive within the park, and you may have to walk a short distance to reach the beach, picnic area, and trails.

Clough State Park is occasionally plagued by heavy rain, which causes flooding. In rare cases, the entire park may flood, resulting in the complete shutdown of all facilities. Heavy snowfall during the winter season can also make it difficult to enter and exit the park. Before leaving, always check the road conditions and weather forecast.

Public Transport

There are no public transportation options.

Parking

There is parking available.