Where giants grow

Tucked away in the southwest corner of New Hampshire in the town of Fitzwilliam is a National natural landmark known as Rhododendron State Park.

The park is home to the largest grove of Rhododendron maximum, or giant rhododendron, in northern New England. Though native in moist woodlands from Maine to Georgia, It is rare to find such a large stand of these shrubs in New England. Also known as rosebay and great laurel, they are far more common in more southern states. Books explain that “though they normally reach a maximum height of 15 feet, they may become tree like.”

In Rhododendron State Park they have indeed become tree like, and you may feel a bit small as you wander through and under these giant plants. Visitors may find that the common landscape shrubs they are used to never seem the same again. On my first visit years ago, I was amazed by the size of them.

Rhododendron maximum is also prized for its late flowering habit; in mid July the fragrant pink and white blossoms can be found throughout the 16 acre grove. A 0.6 mile-long, wheelchair accessible trail meanders around and through the grove and allows visitors close up access to these beauties.

There are also nature and wildflower trails with native wildflowers planted and maintained by the Fitzwilliam garden club. Wildflowers bloom throughout the 2,723-acre park from early April into October. Another trail leads to Little Monadnock Mountain, which has excellent views of Mt. Monadnock and the surrounding countryside.

At the park entrance is a 200 year old farm house known as the Old Patch Place, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house boasts a colonial Herb Garden containing the medicinal, culinary and household herbs that would have been used 200 years ago. Common names, Latin names, the part of the plant used, and what it was used for are noted.

Rhododendron State Park is open all year during the daytime but isn’t maintained in winter. During the summer months from May through October, you may find a State Park Ranger at the park. He is there to answer questions and to collect the $3.00 per visitor admission fee. Children and seniors are admitted for free.  Pets must be on a leash and are not permitted on the wild flower trail or other nature trails, but can be taken up Little Mt. Monadnock. Just follow the instructions on the many signs and maps found throughout the park. The best time to see these spectacular rhododendrons in full bloom is mid July.

Remember, the park is for the enjoyment of us all, so please don’t pick any of the flowers, and if you carry it in, please carry it out.

Rhododendron State Park is on Route 119W in Fitzwilliam. From Rte. 119 between Fitzwilliam and Richmond, take Rhododendron Road and follow signs to the park. Phone: 603-532-8862 (at Monadnock State Park)