Tilton, New Hampshire
 

I'll be the trailing spouse, based at the Tilton school for 5 days and was wondering what parks or outdoors things are near-by for short days trips - I'll have a car.

When will you be traveling? Mud season hasn't even begun up there yet.

Sorry, meant to give time - mid-June

That's perfect timing for the annual Sugar Hill Lupine Festival, about an hour north of Tilton near Franconia Notch, which also has spectacular hiking.

http://www.franconianotch.org/

http://www.harmanscheese.com/lupine.html

If you're into shopping, there is an outlet mall in Tilton in a state with no sales tax!

The Tilt'n diner is across the street for some dinner food.

There is Lake Winnepausaukee area.
Google and look for your favorite types of activities.

If you don't live near the ocean you can head to the ocean.

It can still be cool in the evenings that time of year.

We were close to the beginning of mud season this week, but yesterday's snow froze the road's again. Soon....

Enjoy NH!

There are several places for kayaking/canoeing. Hannah Dustin in Canterbury (exit 17/rt 93) might be closest. Portsmouth NH is about 1 1/2 hours from Tilton. Strawbery Banke historic area etc. Tilton is almost in the White Mountains. In less than an hour you could go to the Flume, etc. Lots of hiking opportunities. Lake Winnisquam is the first lake north of Tilton before you get to Lake Winnipesaukee but there's more going on around Lake Winnipesaukee. Concord is south at exits 13/14. Christa McAuliffe planetarium, Audubon center, great downtown area, bike path and bike rentals at S&W Sports, Forest Society has hiking area along Merrimack River. I've seen a map of trails in and around Concord. There are also short hiking trails in various towns that have been developed by local conservation groups. I think there is also some trails in govt flood control area around Tilton and Franklin. These are run by the Army Corps of Engineers. Beautiful drives near Squam Lakes (Holderness, science center) and Center Sandwich. If it's warm enough for swimming there are several state parks, Webster Lake in Franklin, etc. You should probably get a hiking guide but a State Atlas and Gazetteer by DeLorme would also show all roads, fishing spots, covered bridges, waterfalls, etc.
Highly recommend a little Thai restaurant in Franklin (next town south). It's right next to the Opera House on Main St. There's a small take-out place called the Dipsy Doodle located right across from the town ball field in Tilton/Sanbornton. Very good lobster rolls, fried clams. If you like mountain biking there are lots of places you can go. Because of the flood control system there are a lot of public areas on the discontinued roads. Plus the state park system. Not sure if local ski areas have mountain biking but that's something you could also check. You aren't very far from Lake Sunapee either.

Lots of really great information. Thank you all so much.
Lupines are one of my favorites.
The former really active body isn't so great these days, so drives to the many places listed (thank you especially DFNH) with short walks sound just perfect.
Can't wait.