Skip to main content

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests

Get our e-news!

Sign up

small nav

  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Trustees
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Partners
    • Business Members
    • Annual Reports
    • Bylaws
    • Policies
    • Conservation Center
    • Employment
  • log in
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Main menu

  • What we do
    • Land Conservation
    • Education & Events
    • Advocacy
    • Forestry & Recreation
    • News & Features
    • Forest Notes & More Publications
  • Current Projects
    • Mahoosuc Highlands, Shelburne
    • Kelley Forest Addition, Gilmanton
    • Morse Preserve Additions, Alton
    • Forest Society North at The Rocks Campaign
    • Champlin Forest Addition, Rochester
    • Mount Major Stewardship Fund
    • Welch-Kulish Stewardship Fund
    • Recent Accomplishments
  • Visit & Explore
    • The Rocks
    • Conservation Center
    • Mount Major
    • Creek Farm
    • Forest Reservation Guide
    • Visitor Use Guidelines
  • Get Involved
    • Upcoming Events
    • Membership/Renewal
    • Support Our Work
    • Take Action
    • Volunteer
    • Subscribe to E-news
  • Search

Search form

Donate
Menu

News

  • Pick a Paddle This Summer: Tips for Exploring Local Rivers

    Anna Berry
    June 12, 2022

    Whether you’re taking part in this summer's Merrimack Paddle Challenge or are boating for the first time, experienced paddlers share their advice for getting out on the water.

  • Recreate Responsibly on the Water This Summer

    Anna Berry
    May 17, 2022

    Whether you're taking part in our Merrimack Paddle Challenge along the mighty Merrimack River or just planning to kayak in a local pond, it's important to recreate responsibly and safely this summer.

  • COVID-19 Updates

    Anna Berry
    April 1, 2022

    In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the health and well-being of our staff and community is our greatest priority. Here is how we are doing ...

Cold is Cool IF You're Prepared! A Guide to Winter Hiking & Recreation

A "Winter's Dozen" of Forest Society Reservations are Plowed
Anna Berry
January 5, 2022
Recreation
Land Conservation
Dame Forest, New Durham. (Photo: Jerry Monkman)

A graphic of a night sky over snow-covered trees that says Cold is Cool.

Planning on enjoying the colder months by hiking, snowshoeing or just forest bathing in the fresh air? Our 191 Forest Reservations are open year-round and you don't need to register in advance to use these protected spaces, except for Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves (closed for the season) and Mount Monadnock (reservations highly recommended). However, winter access may be limited — visitors must follow roadside parking bans that ensure transportation routes are plowed, which means that if there are no plowed parking spaces, you may need to find somewhere else to explore. Below is a list of 12 Forest Society reservations across New Hampshire that have parking spaces plowed regularly during the winter. 

 

12 Forest Reservations with Plowed Parking

  • Bretzfelder Park, Bethlehem
  • Creek Farm, Portsmouth
  • Dame Forest, New Durham (Longmarsh Road-Route 108 end)
  • Hay Reservation, Newbury (The Fells parking area)
  • Madame Sherri, Chesterfield
  • Merrimack River Outdoor Recreation & Conservation Area, Concord
  • Monson Village, Hollis/Milford
  • Morse Preserve, Alton
  • Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey (Monadnock HQ and Old Roll Road parking only)
  • Mount Major, Alton
  • The Rocks, Bethlehem (more information about The Rocks)
  • Weeks Woods, Gilford

 

Cold is cool IF you're prepared! Remember to:

  • Hike safe and recreate responsibly (here is a guide to the 10 Essentials you need to pack, and see the bottom of this page for some universal guidelines);
  • You can download the Forest Society Mobile App, powered by OuterSpatial, for digital maps of our reservations;
  • Follow "The Hiker Responsibility Code" that was developed and is endorsed by The White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.
  • Check in advance to see whether parking lots are plowed and respect roadside winter parking bans;
  • Be prepared for winter conditions and early sunset times!

A graphic of 10 essentials for winter recreation: navigation, flashlight, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire starter, shelter, extra food, water and clothing.

P.S. Here is a list of recommended NH State Parks for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

 

A graphic with recreate responsibly guidelines.

 

Download the Forest Society Mobile App, powered by OuterSpatial

Footer menu

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests54 Portsmouth St.Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603.224.9945Fax: 603.228.0423info@forestsociety.org
Land Trust Alliance accreditation logo