CONCORD, New Hampshire ??” The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation announces that New Hampshire State Parks will be opening for the season on Memorial Day weekend. From hiking in Crawford Notch, fishing at Lake Francis, swimming at Wadleigh, exploring the trails at Pisgah, camping at Moose Brook or just sharing a family picnic at Rye Harbor, New Hampshire State Parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities and activities throughout the state.

The Division has 19 state park campgrounds providing a range of camping experiences from primitive sites to RV hook-ups. Camping reservations can be made through the Division??в„ўs Central Reservation office for stays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The reservation phone number is 877-NHPARKS or 603/271-3628 and the office is open Monday through Friday.

New Hampshire State Park beaches, picnic areas, and other day-use parks are opening on Memorial Day with limited services. Bathrooms will be open but lifeguards at beaches will not be on duty until mid-June. New Hampshire State Parks trails are open for the riding season on May 23rd. The Hopkinton/Everett Riding Area and Clough State Park will be closed until mid-June due to flooding from the recent storms.

The Division manages several New Hampshire historic sites. Historic site hours vary so visit www.nhstateparks.org for a complete opening listing. The Robert Frost Farm in Derry, the John Wingate Weeks Historic Site in Lancaster and the Daniel Webster Birthplace all offer events throughout the summer.

In Franconia Notch State Park, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway will open for the season on Friday, May 26th. The tramway runs daily from 9am to 5pm. The Flume Gorge is currently open daily from 9am to 5pm. The Flume Gorge is a natural gorge extending 800 feet. The walls of the gorge rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. During the two-mile walk, you will see spectacular waterfalls and historic covered bridges. The Visitor’s Center offers a cafeteria and gift shop, and a free introductory movie about the history of Franconia Notch.

On Father??в„ўs Day, Sunday, June 18, New Hampshire State Parks will host the annual Free Father??в„ўs Day promotion. New Hampshire residents can take Dad out to the parks for a picnic, fishing or just to relax by the sea. Families are encouraged to use this special weekend to reconnect with all that New Hampshire State Parks have to offer. Park admission for Father??в„ўs Day will be free to New Hampshire residents who show proof of residency (a N.H. driver??в„ўs license or state-issued ID).

The Division of Parks and Recreation, a division of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, has 72 parks, campgrounds, historic sites, beaches, grant programs, and thousands of miles of trails. For a list of State Park opening dates, visit www.nhstateparks.org.