Of all the activities to enjoy in New Hampshire, hiking is certainly one of my favorites. From those located high in the mountains to the ones accessible more locally, there is so much to enjoy outside in the Granite State. There's truly no better way to enjoy some fresh air than by heading off on a fun hike. This state is great for exploring; whether it's the woods, the coast, or even an abandoned zoo in NH. While it's creepy, we also think it's pretty lovely for hiking in New Hampshire! Before doing some research, I had no idea there was an abandoned zoo near me, so perhaps this will be a new adventure for you, too!

Welcome to Benson Park, located in Hudson, New Hampshire.

The area is absolutely beautiful and the park was once the site of Benson's Wild Animal Farm. In operation from 1927 to 1987, this privately run New Hampshire zoo and amusement park was a fun place to enjoy a day. I had absolutely no idea I'd find an abandoned amusement park near me. But, it's always fun to be surprised.

After closing in 1987, the park sat unused and became more like ruins in NH.

Today, the area is comprised of 165.8 acres open for recreational use and hiking in the Granite State.

The Benson Park Hiking Trail located within the park is a great way to explore the abandoned zoo in NH.

The 3.3-mile loop offers access to lakes, forests, and lots of wildlife.

But there's still a presence of the former NH zoo.

Structures that were once used as animal enclosures can still be explored.

Visitors can even go inside the abandoned zoo in NH's gorilla house.

The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe area is fun to see.

While it is creepy to see anything that's been abandoned, these ruins in NH are a fun place to enjoy for some time outside!

Benso Park can be visited daily, but there are occasional closings based on the season. Before heading out, be sure to plan your visit by checking out the Benson Park section of the Hudson NH website. Have you ever seen these ruins in New Hampshire? Where is your favorite hiking in NH? Let us know in the comments!

If parks are your thing, be sure to check out these under-appreciated state parks in New Hampshire. If you're not local to Hudson, don't worry! One of the best things about exploring a new part of the state is the opportunity to turn it into a long weekend. And, for that, we love booking a vacation rental.