Fitzwilliam has been called a living piece of history and there is perhaps no better example of this than at Rhodendron State Park. The Park is home to a grove of native Rhododendron maximum that have survived and even thrived in an area prone to extreme New England weather. Despite the climatic hardships these "rhodies" have endured they are still considered the healthiest cluster in New England, and at 16 acres, the largest as well.
There are several trails to choose from to tour the Park. Surrounding the grove is the 0.6 mile long Rhododendron Loop Trail, by which you can access the Wildflower Trail and the Laurel Trail. All three are well graded and wheelchair accessible. Also available is the mile long climb to the top of Little Monadnock Mountain. More...
Seasons
The best time to visit the Park is in late July when the rhododendrons are in bloom. However, a hike through their lush foliage is an interesting trip at any time of the year. A variety of seasonal wild flowers can be seen along the Wild Flower Trail from April through the summer months. If you visit the Park in May or June, be prepared for blackflies and mosquitoes. More About Bugs.
Rhododendron maximum
Believed to have descended from magnolias, the rhododendron originated millions of years ago in Asia, where the still exist in a rather primitive form. Fossil records indicate the rhododendron had dispersed to North America some 50 million years ago.
Rhododendrons are very shade-tolerant with large leaves to help absorb what light is available. In the winter their leaves curl and droop to help shed the snow. A member of the heath family, they prefer acidic soils and are usually found near hemlock and red maple trees, which favor the same conditions.
For more about the history of the park and the old Patch Place, please
click here.