5 Hikes Challenge Begins August 31
5HC participant Scott Casper and his family during a hike in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Scott Casper)
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’ popular do-it-yourself hiking adventure is back for its third year this fall. The 5 Hikes Challenge runs from August 31 through October 31 and includes 28 unique and scenic walking or hiking destinations on Forest Society conservation land throughout New Hampshire. REGISTER HERE!
The 5 Hikes Challenge is designed for anyone, with 28 different hiking and walking destinations for all abilities, interested in reaching new places and exploring unsung natural destinations in different regions throughout New Hampshire. Participants can choose five of the 28 hiking destinations from a selection of Forest Society Reservations, located in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, Monadnock, Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee, Lakes, or White Mountains and North Country regions.
Each participant will receive a limited-edition 2022 Forest Society buff, trail maps and directions, hiking tips, and information for your selected hikes in the mail. Registration is $8 per adult per hike (non-members). Children (under age 18) and all current Forest Society members may register for FREE. Registration fees support the continued stewardship of these beautiful places.
“From Andrew Brook Trail to beautiful Lake Solitude on Mount Sunapee to the easy walking trails at Weeks Woods in Gilford, hundreds of people have hiked at Forest Society reservations across New Hampshire as part of the Forest Society's 5 Hikes Challenge over the last two years,” said Dave Anderson, senior director of education at the Forest Society. “Participants will discover some of our very best staff-recommended trails along scenic shorelines and to summits with views and vistas that you, your friends and family can put on the autumn ‘must do’ list for weekend fun. All you need to do is pick your 5 hikes and get outdoors.”
This year, participants can continue to use the Forest Society Mobile App, powered by OuterSpatial, to track their progress, access digital maps, and even post photos from the trail. And, the Forest Society’s newest reservation, Ammonoosuc River Forest, will also be included as a destination choice for the first time. The app is free to download, and instructions and a link to the 5 Hikes Challenge in the app will be sent to those who register.