Oliverian Boating Site, Benton, NH

For many New Hampshire locals, the best days are spent quietly on the water, fishing rod in hand or paddle dipping silently into a clear pond. The Oliverian Boating Site in Pike, NH, provides just this sort of cherished, low-key experience. Officially managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the vast and beloved White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), this site is a designated public access point to the beautiful Oliverian Pond.

It is important to clarify that the Oliverian Boating Site is not a traditional, overnight campground with tent or RV sites. Instead, it is a developed access point—a recreational amenity—that provides the essential infrastructure for locals to enjoy the water. The surrounding area is part of the larger Oliverian Brook watershed, which is a significant regional resource known for its natural beauty and history as a flood control area. The site’s primary identity is that of a quiet, non-motorized boating and fishing destination, which makes it a unique and highly valued piece of public land for day-use recreation in the western foothills of the White Mountains.

This spot is a testament to the preservation efforts in the WMNF, offering a clean, user-friendly entry point to a peaceful 33-acre body of water. Its focus on non-motorized craft ensures a tranquil atmosphere, far removed from the noise and speed of busier lakes and reservoirs in the region. For the New Hampshire resident seeking a day of restorative solitude on the water, the Oliverian Boating Site is a perfect, accessible escape.

The Oliverian Boating Site is located in the small village of Pike, within the town of Haverhill, NH, with the general address of Pike, NH 03780, USA. This places it geographically in the Grafton County region, right on the western edge of the White Mountain National Forest.

Accessibility is a key feature of the site:

Road Access: The site is accessible via a forest road, officially designated as Forest Road 123A (Oliverian Boat Launch Road). This road typically runs seasonally, generally opening around late April or early May and closing around late November, depending on weather and snow conditions. Local users should always check the WMNF status reports before planning a visit outside the main summer season.
Proximity to Towns: The site is situated off New Hampshire Route 25, which provides a key artery connecting it to nearby towns like Warren, Benton, and Haverhill. Its location is a short, scenic drive for residents of the Upper Valley and western New Hampshire.
Easy Parking: The site includes a designated parking lot, making access straightforward for day-trippers transporting non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

This balance of remote location and reliable road access makes it a convenient yet secluded spot for local residents to utilize. It's close enough for a spontaneous afternoon trip, yet far enough into the forest to provide the desired peace and quiet.

As a U.S. Forest Service day-use area, the services offered at Oliverian Boating Site are focused on providing safe and regulated public access to Oliverian Pond. The simplicity of the site reflects its mission to protect the natural environment while facilitating responsible recreation.

Vehicle Parking: A formal parking lot is available for vehicles, ensuring safe access for visitors.
Watercraft Launch Area: The primary service is a designated launch area designed specifically for non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats.
Trout Fishing Opportunities: The pond is known for being regularly stocked with yearling brook and rainbow trout, providing excellent cold-water fishing opportunities for local anglers.
Flood Control Reservoir: Oliverian Pond is an artificial body of water created by a flood control dam, and its regulated status helps maintain consistent water levels suitable for paddling and fishing.
Day-Use Regulation: As a WMNF site, it operates under federal regulations that help preserve the resource, promoting clean water, safety, and a minimal impact environment.

Users should note that the site does not offer restrooms, picnic facilities, trash services (users must pack out what they pack in), or overnight camping infrastructure. It truly is a functional launch site for water recreation.

The highlights of the Oliverian Boating Site lie in its specialized focus and serene location on the boundary of the White Mountain National Forest.

Non-Motorized Zone: The prohibition on gas-powered motors maintains the tranquility of the pond, making it perfect for quiet paddling, wildlife observation, and a peaceful fishing experience, which is a major draw for New Hampshire locals seeking quiet time.
Excellent Trout Habitat: The pond is a reliable spot for trout fishing, a beloved local pastime, due to the annual stocking of cold-water species.
Scenic White Mountain Backdrop: Located near the base of Owl’s Head Cliff and within the Oliverian Notch area, the site is surrounded by dramatic mountain foothills and wooded areas, providing an inspiring setting that is instantly recognizable as the heart of New Hampshire.
Public, Free Access: Being a Forest Service site, access is free for day use, though a WMNF parking pass may be required for other adjacent activities, providing great value for local outdoor recreation.
Focus on Solitude: The primitive nature of the site discourages crowds and long-term stays, ensuring that day visitors can enjoy a high degree of solitude and uninterrupted time in nature.

The site is essentially a well-maintained entry point to a beautiful, quiet body of water—a precious commodity in the Granite State.

As a federally managed site within the White Mountain National Forest, Oliverian Boating Site does not have a dedicated, direct phone number or reservation system, as it operates on a first-come, first-served day-use basis.

Address: Pike, NH 03780, USA (General location on Forest Road 123A)

Primary Contact for Information:

For the most accurate and current information, particularly regarding the seasonal opening and closing of Forest Road 123A, locals should contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for that district.

White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office

71 White Mountain Drive

Campton, NH 03223

Phone: (603) 536-6100

Local users are strongly advised to call the WMNF office or check their official website for road status updates before driving to the site, especially during the shoulder seasons of spring and late fall.

The Oliverian Boating Site is ideally suited for New Hampshire locals because it embodies the state's deep connection to tranquil, accessible, and conservation-minded outdoor activities. It is the perfect antidote to the busyness of commercial recreation areas. For local anglers, the reliably stocked pond provides a convenient and highly rewarding spot for trout fishing. For paddlers, the non-motorized rule guarantees a peaceful experience that enhances wildlife viewing and relaxation.

This site allows residents to quickly tap into the vast natural resource of the White Mountain National Forest without committing to a multi-day trip. It requires only a boat, a fishing rod, or a paddle, and offers a straightforward, public access point to a beautiful body of water. By providing this clean, well-managed access to Oliverian Pond, the Oliverian Boating Site ensures that the quintessential New Hampshire experience—a quiet day spent on the water, surrounded by mountains—remains a simple reality for all who live here.