Newbury offers nature experiences at Mount Sunapee State Park and cultural and historical insights at The Fells; seasonal activities at the Mount Sunapee resort add to the options. When planning an overnight stay, it’s worth deciding first whether hiking trails, boating, winter sports, or the history of The Fells will shape your stay. The offerings vary in type and, in some cases, by season.
Hiking Trails and Boating at Mount Sunapee State Park
The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway runs through Mount Sunapee State Park. Trails in the park lead to the summit of Mount Sunapee. These details provide concrete starting points for planning a hike: a route that runs through the park and trails with the summit as their destination. The state park offers activities year-round, so hiking is only one part of the recreational options available there.
Boating options include a boat launch, which is subject to restrictions, and boat rentals. Check the applicable conditions before using the launch. For family camping in a natural setting, the park campground offers sites with lean-tos and platforms. The options therefore include camping as well as hiking and boating.
Garden History and Forest Trails at The Fells
The Fells is located on a hillside in Newbury, overlooking picturesque Lake Sunapee. The estate served three generations of the Hay family as a summer home. The Fells also includes a 22-room Colonial Revival-style house. Its former use as a summer home gives the site a historical connection, while the house adds a specific architectural feature.
Visitors can hike the forest trails. Seasonal historical tours take visitors through all six gardens. At The Fells, visitors can choose between forest trails and a guided garden visit. The estate’s former use as a summer home is part of its history, while the garden tours are a seasonal offering for visitors. If you’re especially interested in the gardens, factor their seasonal schedule into your travel plans.
Seasonal Activities at Mount Sunapee
The Mount Sunapee resort in Newbury offers downhill skiing in winter. In summer, activities include an aerial tramway ride to viewpoints at the summit and an 18-hole disc golf course at South Peak. The activities appeal to different interests: the tramway ride leads to viewpoints, while the 18-hole course offers a disc golf option of its own. These summer activities may operate seasonally, so check whether they’re available during your travel dates.
Comparing seasons can help you choose when to travel: downhill skiing is tied to the winter season, and garden tours and the resort’s summer offerings are also seasonal. The state park, meanwhile, offers activities year-round. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Newbury, you can first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Pembroke, Boscawen, Andover, Loudon, Wilmot, Bow, Sutton, Hooksett
For the broader travel overview: Merrimack County.
