<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"With access for wheelchairs into a remote wilderness-like setting in the Southeastern part of the state, Northwood Meadows State Park is a place to check out.For 40 years I have been driving past this park on Route 4, with the iron gate, wondering what was out there.There are a lot of nice trails and a pretty lake on the more than 600 acres. And hard to believe such a remote, wilderness-like experience is in this heavily-populated region.Early for a 2 p.m. appointment at UNH, this week, I pulled in to see what was there.My footwear options were limited.I was in my pointy flat back shoes I wear on TV. I was not ready for a rugged experience.It was either them or my bright red Hunter rubber boots I keep in the back of the car. It was 83 degrees and I was either going for the party shoes or barefoot.I chose the party shoes.The first thing that struck me was handicap access.In the New Hampshire outdoors, there is not enough of it. But this state park has it in spades.Universal access trails on this day were dominated, however, by dogs out with their people, loving it.I met an aging Basset hound. She had just made the 2-mile loop trail around the lake and was headed the half mile back with her people.She was happy to stop for a pat and a pant.Lots of pink lady's slippers could be seen on the trails, which in winter are used for snowmobiling.A stream with an old dam is the first thing I noticed in the woods. Little split log benches are along the stream and at nice rest stops throughout.The trail leads down hill to this nice quiet little lake with no houses in sight and a yellow rope swing.It was a school day and no one was playing on that swing. But, I took the trail around the lake which led to it and checked it out for a photo.Northwood Meadows State Park does not indicate it has swimming in its icons but I think a cool swim after a long walk on a warm day at this rope swing looks inviting.It spans 674.5 acres, not far from a lot of houses in Southeast New Hampshire. I was told by a woman at the park it was given to the state by a man who wanted it kept the way it is. A gate closes off the old dirt road and it is wide and relatively flat.According to NH Parks, \"This wooded park has a vast wetlands area and is excellent for nature walks and picnicking. The park includes a pond created by a dammed brook - a popular place for fishing and non-motorized boating. The easily accessible trails also make the park an ideal place for biking, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.\"This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting. During the off-season the park is typically not staffed and comfort stations are not available.Pets are permitted in the park and the sign says to keep dogs always on a leash, but I found many who were being well-controlled by voice command. It is great for dog walks.People ought to be better about cleaning up after them in the middle of the trails, though.I met an equestrian at the end of my hour walk when my pointy shoes were causing blisters.Diane Kozwich of Nottingham and her magnificent Spanish horse Belarosa were enjoying the trails.She said she comes with horses in the spring and fall to Northwood Meadows when she has room to park the trailer in the further lot.Weekends are too busy.The iron gate has a gap wide enough for a horse and for wheelchair access and the grade of the hills is moderate but should be checked out first before attempting it with a wheelchair.Located at 755 First NH Turnpike (Route 4) in Northwood, the phone for the park is 603-227-8722.There is also more information at http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/northwood-meadows-state-park.aspx."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wmur.com/article/granite-state-parks-northwood-meadows-state-park/5190851>