Odiorne Point State Park

Introduction of Odiorne Point State Park

Explorers can find signs of previous military occupation, while picnickers can take in the expansive vistas of the ocean and the rocky beach. The park is traversed by a vast network of pathways that run through the thick foliage. The park’s Seacoast Science Center features displays about the natural and human history of Odiorne and the seacoast region. Cross-country skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature hikes are just a few of the other things you may do in the park.

Picnic tables, a sizable playground, a boat launch, bathrooms, and a paved cycling route are among the features of Odiorne Point State Park. A excellent spot for group trips is Odiorne. For family reunions, class picnics, weddings, and business excursions, a separate picnic area with views of the Atlantic Ocean is the perfect location. The Seacoast Science Center offers self-guided tours, self-guided displays, and events for people of all ages, educational levels, and learning preferences.

Odiorne Point State Park Activities

Boating

Visitors to the park may access the lake easily by using the existing boat launch.

Hiking

Hike along the rocky seaside shoreline and via the park’s vast path network.

Picnicking

There are areas for picnics and a sizable group usage space with a capacity of 250 people that may be reserved.

Historic Sites

For displays on the natural and human history of Odiorne and the seacoast region, visit the park’s Seacoast Science Center. Study the park’s military past as well.

Winter Sports

The park’s vast path system makes it a great location for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Odiorne Point State Park History 

Before 400 years ago, Odiorne State Park was a “real wilderness.” The Abenaki and Penacook Native American tribes were the first to learn of Odiorne Point. They called Odiorne Point “Pennaway,” and they only paused there when they were passing. They made use of the numerous resources around during this period. This includes clamming and mussel-digging in the sand and coastal fishing. In the 1600s, permanent habitation started. David Thompson, an Englishman, sailed in 1623 on the Jonathan with the intention of settling on the New England coast. The first ship to settle on Odiorne Point in New Hampshire would be this one. John Odiorne joined this colony decades later, in 1660, and went on to amass several acres of property and shoreline. Later, John Odiorne would be honoured with a state park. There are several pre-Civil War forts and bunkers still standing today.

Transportation

Driving

Route 101 east, I-95 north, exit 5 (Portsmouth Traffic Circle), from I-93. To get to Route 1 By-Pass south and Route 1, go 1/4 of the way around the circle. At the Elwyn Road traffic signals, turn left onto 1A south. Odiorne State Park will be on the left after many miles of travelling south on Route 1A.

Exit 5 of I-95 North will take you to the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. To get to Route 1 By-Pass south and Route 1, go 1/4 of the way around the circle. At the Elwyn Road traffic signals, turn left onto 1A south. Odiorne State Park will be on the left after many miles of travelling south on Route 1A.

NH Concord (1 hour, 25 minutes) MA Boston (1 hour, 25 minutes) Providence, RI (1 hours, 20 minutes) Boston, MA (3 hours) NY, New York (5 hours) ME Portland (2 hours, 20 minutes) VT – Burlington (4 hours) Toronto, Canada (6 hours)

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.