About the Property
The Forest Society primarily manages this property for sustainable forestry, productive wildlife habitat, and other conservation benefits in support of the greater New Durham community. The Jennings Forest is south of Middleton Road, while the Malley Tract is north of the road. While there are no formal hiking trails, there are snowmobile trails and former woods roads that can be used to access both portions of this preserve. Hayes Brook is the dominant property water feature, with extensive wetlands in Jennings Forest, and waterfalls on the upper most section of the Malley Tract. Portions of the forest have had selective harvests and are now in regeneration. Visitors to this location should be comfortable navigating the forest without blazed, marked trails.
In 2024 an additional 314 acres was added to this property, generously donated by Elisabeth Maley, the daughter of Ellen Jennings who donated her property to the Forest Society in the 1980s.
Please see our Visitor Use Guidelines page for a complete list of rules and regulations for Forest Society reservations.
If you are looking to explore a unique forest in this area that offers a wider array of recreational opportunities, we encourage you to visit any of our “recommended properties nearby” featured below.
Recommended Properties Nearby
A network of trails starts from Avery Hill Road, including a 1.7 mile marked loop trail that winds through fields and forests to reach the top of Pine Mountain. The trail traverses the Avery Field near the site of the former Avery Farm and ascends the west slope of Pine Mountain. Open blueberry barrens at the summit provide spectacular views of the entire Belknap Range, including Mount Major and Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as excellent berry picking in season.
The land was first settled as farmland in the 18th century, as evidenced by the cellar holes, cemeteries, cleared fields, and old farm house that was removed from the property. The land also became a source of forest products for much of the last century.