Forest Society Offers 5 Easy Hikes, in 5 Weeks

Photo credit: A. Garrett Evans

CONCORD, N.H. (September 6, 2018)—Fall in New Hampshire is quintessential, with its brilliant red and gold leaves, warm days and crisp nights, and some of the best hiking and walking trails in the Northeast. Join a series of five guided hikes this fall through southern and central New Hampshire, as WMUR TV and The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) team up to explore some of New Hampshire's diverse landscapes. From central to southern New Hampshire, walk along a boardwalk that descends into a gorge, take in a pastoral vista at an historic farm, and hear about the haunted stories of Madame Sherri Forest. Each hike on the fall series offers a unique blend of cultural and natural history.

As the state's oldest conservation organization, the Forest Society has conservation reservations in more than 100 communities. “Our Fall 5 Easy Hikes, in 5 Weeks will travel north to south to follow the beautiful foliage the Granite State offers,” said David Anderson, director of education for the Forest Society. “The guided hikes were designed to explore the natural history of the properties, as well as the rich cultural history. Many of our forest reservations are off the beaten path and we hope participants will come to one, several or all five of the hikes to explore the Forest Society’s beautiful reservations.” WMUR TV will also document the five hikes throughout the fall for a special online series.

The hikes will offer outstanding views of foliage, explore our natural landscape, and offer attendees a unique cultural history lesson. They include a walk to a gorge and cave, a working farm, and the true story behind Madame Sherri’s castle and forest. The hikes are by reservation only and space is limited. A fee of $8 per adult will be charged and is free for Forest Society members and children under 18. To sign up for one or all five of the hikes and for more details, visit https://forestsociety.org/five-hikes-five-weeks.

Anderson said registrants would get a confirmation email along with trip details. “It’s a great opportunity to explore new reservations and meet new people," Anderson said. "Each hike will include scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The goal is getting like-minded folks together in the fresh, crisp fall air on this series of Forest Society staff-guided hikes to discover new places,” he said.

Here is a brief overview of the Forest Society’s FIVE EASY HIKES, IN FIVE WEEKS.

HIKE 1: Lost River, North Woodstock on Tuesday, September 18, 2-5:00 p.m.

The Lost River Reservation is the Forest Society’s oldest property. Join us as we explore the 157-acres, including the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. At 2 p.m. help us celebrate the 100th birthday of the White Mountain National Forest with special speakers from the White Mountains Attractions Association, Plymouth State University Museum of the White Mountains, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Following the celebration, a tour from 3 to 4:30 will feature stunning scenery, geology, and rich cultural history of the Lost River. The tour is a moderately easy, 1-mile hike on a boardwalk, descending 300 feet into the gorge, including 1,000 stairs, and gradually climbing back out of the gorge again. Stay for refreshments after from 4:30-5 p.m. Registration is free and reservations are required. However, a $16 fee per person and $12 fee for each child (4 to 12 years old) is required to cover the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves group admission.

HIKE 2: Moose Mountain, Middleton, Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hike to sweeping fall foliage views from 1,178’ elevation of Phoebe’s Nable. Set in the heart of the 2,475-acre Moose Mountain Reservation, this moderately difficult hike is 2.5 miles long. Following Phoebe’s Nable trail will take us pass cemeteries and historic cellars of former farm fields. Participants will also learn how this property was conserved. Pre-registration is required. The cost is free for Forest Society members and $8 for non-members; children under 18 can join free.

HIKE 3: Muster Field Farm, North Sutton, Wednesday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An easy walking tour of the 252-acre Bob Bristol conservation easement held by the Forest Society will delight all. The tour of the spectacular, scenic Muster Field Farm will connect attendees to local food and the fall harvest season, including a visit to the farm stand. The property is a working farm with extensive gardens, seasonal vegetables, open-fields, historic buildings, and a working forest. The cost is free for Forest Society members and $8 for non-members; children under 18 can join free.

HIKE 4: Monson Village, Hollis, Friday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take a step back in time at the 270-acre Monson Center. This is an easy hike to the restored Gould Clockmaker’s Shop, old cellars, a beaver pond, and a seasonal nesting rookery for Great Blue Herons. We’ll share the story of Monson Center, which lasted from 1737 to 1770 as the earliest, inland Colonial-era settlement of Dunstable, part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The cost is free for Forest Society members and $8 for non-members; children under 18 can join free.

HIKE 5: Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, Sunday, October 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A haunted Halloween hike at Madame Sherri Forest will tell you the true story, not the myths, behind Madam Sherri’s castle. We’ll share how the story how Ann Stokes protected the land and tour the ruins. A hike to Indian Pond along the Ann Stokes Loop Trail and onto Daniels Mountain. There is a lot to tell on this unique and colorful tour. The cost is free for Forest Society members and $8 for non-members; children under 18 can join free.

Anderson said these are just a sampling of the collection of forest reservations within the Forest Society's protection. To register for the hike visit, https://forestsociety.org/five-hikes-five-weeks.

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ABOUT THE FOREST SOCIETY

The Forest Society is a private, non-profit land trust and forestry organization established in 1901. It currently holds more than 750 conservation easements statewide permanently protecting more than 125,000 acres of New Hampshire’s landscapes. The Forest Society also owns over 180 forest reservations constituting more than 50,000 acres in 100 New Hampshire communities.