In The Heart Of This New Hampshire City Is A Charming Island Park With Little Crowds And Miles Of Trails

New Hampshire's Nashua harbors a little-known secret — the 325-acre island of Mine Falls Park boasts forests and wetlands right alongside city living, making it a great place for visitors and locals to spend some peaceful time outdoors. Acquired by the city in 1969, this urban oasis sits in the very heart of Nashua and features a network of trails that stretch for nearly 10 miles, making it perfect for walking, running, and biking in the warmer months, along with cross-country skiing in the winter. Those interested in fishing and boating are sure to find some prime spots here, as the Nashua River and Canal both run through the park, which also includes Mill Pond and Oxbow Lake. There are even several fields for sports, proving there is something for everyone in the whole family when it comes to visiting this special spot.

City roadways and modern sidewalks don't often go hand-in-hand with nature trails, but it's actually not uncommon to come across opportunities for outdoor exploration, recreation, and wildlife viewing alongside the larger cities of New Hampshire. Nashua is second in population to Manchester, where one of the best neighborhoods is a lakeside gem with small-town character and historic trails. One of the greatest things about Mine Falls Park is its accessibility, with plenty of restaurants and attractions within a few miles of the park.

As mentioned, Mine Falls Park is actually an island, with the Nashua River to the north and the Mill Pond canal system to the south. You may want to begin your journey by parking at 5 Stadium Drive for a view of the Mine Falls Dam, which runs lengthwise for 145 feet and stands 24 feet tall. You can also leave your car at the Lincoln Park lot located at 30 Greenlay Street or at 59 Chestnut Street.

There are three main pathway options to choose from, with the opportunity for many trail connections, including three bridges across the canal system. For those looking for spectacular river and wetland views, start at the northern side of the park and move east to see ample wildlife, as well as Oxbow Lake and the Cove.

Mine Falls Park is listed as the No. 1 thing to do in Nashua by Tripadvisor, and the reviews make it clear why people have awarded it a 4.6 out of 5 rating. One reviewer states, "You can get in a good workout either on foot or wheels, or take a refreshing stroll in the woods or along the water to clear your mind. It's a fabulous break from the pavement and noise from the city." After exploring the park, you can drive about 30 minutes away to explore the scenic and quiet Purgatory Falls Trail.

Although there is a lot of natural beauty to be seen in Mine Falls Park, the land was initially used to harness the energy potential of the area's ample water supply to power textile mills during the Industrial Revolution. The existence of a low-quality lead mine located beneath the natural falls makes it clear where the park got its name, which dates back to the 1700s.

While the falls still flow today, almost everything in the surrounding area has changed significantly from that time due to artificial interventions. A hand-dug canal that stretches for 3 miles was forged at the turn of the 19th century, creating a dramatic 36-foot water drop to support the textile mills. Additional work on gatehouses used to manipulate river water into specific areas, like Mill Pond, began in 1826 and concluded in 1886. Finally, the hydroelectric plant was added in the mid-1980s.

The Nashua River Canal and the Nashua Manufacturing Company Historic District have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987, and today, the city of Nashua works hard to keep Mine Falls Park maintained and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. The Mine Falls Committee Group meets throughout the year to see that this land is getting the maintenance it deserves, ensuring that everyone will get the chance to enjoy this communal treasure for years to come. In addition to this park, history and nature buffs should check out Berlin, a "city that trees built" in New Hampshire's White Mountains, about 2.5 hours away.