Recreation

The Forest Society's mission includes conserving lands that provide recreational opportunities--and economic benefits through tourism--for New Hampshire residents and visitors. Visit this page to explore stories related to recreation on conserved lands.

5 Hikes Challenge

A "Hike-it-Yourself" Autumn Adventure: August 31- October 31, 2021

Hit the trail with your family, friends, or on your own for a do-it-yourself hiking experience. Hike just one or a collection of five trails located on Forest Society reservations! 

Registered participants receive a colorful Forest Society buff, trail maps with directions, and hiking tips. Registration fees support the continued stewardship of these beautiful spaces.

A wood sign at the entrance to Monson Center.

Settlers may have abandoned Monson Center in 1770, but it's a pretty ghost town today

July 30, 2020

"[T]his picturesque historic site, presided over since 1998 by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, is a complicated collection of things lost and found in hardscrabble ground."

Recreation
Land Conservation
A river flows past the Moose Mountains.

U.S. House approves Great American Outdoors Act

Matt Leahy
July 23, 2020

In an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Great American Outdoors Act.

Advocacy
Recreation
A woman walks across a field carrying a container to pick blueberries.

Hike, Pick, Eat & Repeat

Anna Berry
July 14, 2020

It's blueberry season! Combine walking or hiking with blueberry picking on these five featured Forest Society reservations and easement lands.

Recreation
Land Conservation
The bow of a canoe with the Merrimack River ahead.

Explore the Merrimack River Watershed

Anna Berry
May 15, 2021

From Franklin, New Hampshire, to Newburyport, Massachusetts, there is much to see and experience along the Merrimack River watershed.

Clean Water
Recreation
Land Conservation
A preschool boy bear crawls through a dark cave.

Forest Journal: Finding Lost River Gorge & Other Outdoor Attractions Open is Good News for Families This Summer

Anna Berry
June 23, 2020

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, part of the Forest Society's Lost River Reservation, opened for the summer on June 13.

Recreation
Land Conservation
A panorama of Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer as seen from the top of Mount Major.

U.S. Senate Approves Milestone LWCF Legislation

Matt Leahy
June 18, 2020

In an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate recently approved the Great American Outdoors Act.

Advocacy
Recreation
Land Conservation
A view of a lake in summer sunshine with a sailboat on the water.

Momentum Builds in Support of the Great American Outdoors Act

Matt Leahy
June 15, 2020

The Forest Society joins a broad coalition of groups calling for Congress to pass the Great American Outdoors Act.

Recreation
Advocacy
Two boys in snowsuits play near a puddle in a field.

Forest Journal: Responsible recreation in the ''new normal"

Anna Berry
May 10, 2020

Since the Berry family's winter hike two months ago, they have walked a lot of new trails — even if they've only made it halfway. And for the time being, they are grateful to be healthy and be outside.

Recreation