Stratham Hill Park

Stratham Hill Park

Stratham Hill Park is located in Stratham, NH just off Rte 33 or Portsmouth Avenue. This is the main route between Exeter and Portsmouth, NH. The park's claim to fame is the annual Stratham Fair which is a summer time extravaganza, but that's reserved for another article. The park has plenty of parking just right off of the main entrance. The park has hiking trails, which also can be used as cross-country ski trails in the winter. One trail has an exercise station system set up along it's route. There is a ball field and covered picnic pavilions at several locations throughout the park. One can contact the town office for information on reserving the pinic pavilions for special functions.


The park's namesake is Stratham Hill, and located at the top of this 290 foot hill is a refurbished fire tower. To find the trail to the fire tower, look for the highest terrain point up and to the left as you leave the parking area. The trail itself is located just pass a small brown building and just prior to a second small brown building. The hike to the base of the fire tower is short. Along the trail, at several locations, are park benches. These benches are a great place to take a break, have a snack, read a book or just sit and relax and enjoy your surroundings. Also part way up the trail is a small boulder with a brass plaque that reads: "Robert T. Linclon- a student at Phillips Exeter Academy, son of Abraham Lincoln, read the Declaration of Independence on this rock, July 4, 1860."


Once you reach the top, the hill flatens out and opens up into a small clearing. The hill was the site of a small forest fire over a decade ago which destroyed many of the trees. The hill has since recovered, but has dense smaller undergrowth and younger trees in areas. You'll find a century old marker at the base of the tower. This aligns and points in the direction of landmarks on the horizon. The current ground cover and mature trees prevents one from seeing the sites from this ground level location. It's worth stopping by to take a look and help with your orientation once you climb to the top of the tower.


The Tower itself is a metal structure with steep, narrow and open steps. The stairways alternate directions over 8 levels on the way to the top. Take your time as the steps can be slippery when wet! The stairways are well protected, but with the openess there is a feeling of exposure which adds to the excitement of the climb. Once you reach the top there is a small railing protected platform with a covered roof. The view is great in most directions, but some are limited by taller trees. The first time I scanned the horizon, I was surprised by the amount of forested land around the Seacoast. On a clear day you can see the White Mountains to the north including Mt. Washington. Portsmouth, NH and the coast well into Maine, can be easily seen. Also, the Isle of Shoals to the east and the Pawtuckaway mountains to the west. To the south, as you look over Stratham and Exeter, NH, you can see into Massachusetts. Enjoy the view and remember the climb up was optional, but the climb back down is mandatory. Take your time as the stairway going down seems a lot steeper than when you climbed it!

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