A "Hike-it-Yourself" Autumn Adventure: August 31- October 31, 2024
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’ popular do-it-yourself hiking adventure will be back for its fifth year this fall with the theme of “We all belong outdoors!” The 5 Hikes Challenge runs from August 31 through October 31 and includes more than 30 unique and scenic walking or hiking destinations on Forest Society conservation land throughout New Hampshire.
See the list of hikes and descriptions here before you register.
The 5 Hikes Challenge is designed for everyone interested in reaching new places and exploring unsung natural destinations in different regions throughout New Hampshire.
Participants can choose five of the 30+ hiking and walking destinations to visit from a selection of Forest Society properties, located in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, Monadnock, Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee, Lakes, or White Mountains and North Country regions. New locations this year include Forest Society North at The Rocks in Bethlehem, Lamprey River Forest in Epping, Powder Major’s Forest in Madbury, and Peabody and Bald Cap Peak Forests in Shelburne.
Each participant receives printed trail maps and directions, hiking tips, and interpretive information for their selected hikes in the mail. Participants are also invited to guided hikes led by Forest Society staff. This year, all registrants will receive a one-of-a-kind 5 Hikes Challenge sticker as the swag item!
Registration fees ($45 per household) support the continued caretaking of these beautiful places; Forest Society members participate for free.
This year, we’re also planning a series of free, guided hikes for affinity groups - in partnership with Adaptative Sports Partners, LGBT+ Outdoors, and LezHang Seacoast - and a community gear swap on Saturday, October 26 to help ensure everyone feels welcome in the woods.
Adaptive Sports Partners will lead several outings at The Rocks and Bretzfelder Park (both in Bethlehem) for people with physical, developmental, emotional or behavioral disabilities; more information will be available soon on our website.
More information on the special (free!) events:
- Thursday, September 12 at 1:30 PM: Celebrate the re-opening of the Main Trail at Mount Major (Alton) and hike the new, sustainably built section of the trail (or go all the way to the summit) with Forest Society staff. Register here.
- Saturday, September 14 at 10 AM: Forest Society naturalist Nigel Manley will lead a hike along the trails at The Rocks in Bethlehem. All are welcome on this hike, and if you have or know someone with disabilities that make hiking challenging, we are also partnering with Adaptive Sports Partners to assist anyone who needs it. Register here.
- Sunday, September 29 at 10 AM: Join the NH chapter of LGBT+ Outdoors and LezHang Seacoast for a family-friendly visit to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations. After walking the 1 mile of boardwalk trail and exploring 11 boulder caves, participants will share a (BYO) picnic lunch, good company, and beautiful views of Kinsman Notch. (Moderate hike with 1,000 steps into and out of the gorge.) Register here.
- Friday, October 11 at 10 AM: Join Forest Society naturalist Dave Anderson to celebrate peak autumn foliage at Morse Preserve in Alton, one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations. Register here.
- Saturday, October 26 at 11 AM: Join Forest Society naturalist Dave Anderson for an easy walk on the floodplain at Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area (Concord), one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations, and learn about the property’s history, tree identification, and unique wildlife habitats. Register here.
- Saturday, October 26 at 10 AM: The Forest Society will hold a community gear swap on from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Conservation Center in Concord. Donate gently used hiking gear for kids or adults (outerwear, backpacks, shoes, and boots) in advance of the gear swap on Friday, October 25 during the Forest Society’s business hours (8:30 AM to 5 PM) or bring gear to the swap on Saturday. Everyone is welcome to take up to three of the donated items. The swap will also include refreshments on the deck, raffle, and a photo opportunity for 5 Hikes Challenge finishers. Advance registration is encouraged so we can plan ahead for snacks. Learn more & RSVP.
