Many of us who live in the Monadnock Region have a deep connection with the surrounding forests – perhaps it’s because wherever you are in the area you’re never very far away from trees – lots of them.
New Hampshire, in fact, is the second most forested state in the nation (number one is Maine); forests are spread over 4.8 million acres – that’s 84 percent of the entire state.
Seems like an incredible statistic when you consider that deforestation on a global level is at an all time high (about 32 million acres of forest worldwide are destroyed every year – equal roughly in size to New York State) and that only 27 percent of the entire U.S. is forested land.
When staying at a Monadnock Region inn or B&B put on your hiking shoes and explore some of our beautiful and protected forest locations. It’s a perfect way to go “leaf peeping” during the fall season.
Fox State Forest * Hillsborough * 1,445 acres
This forest has been a State of New Hampshire research station since 1933. Open daily with more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing. The forest has an education center and farmhouse/office.
Shieling State Forest * Peterborough * 45 acres
Enjoy more than 2 miles of self-guided foot trails through valleys, tree-covered ridges and even a wildflower preserve. There is also a learning center with an exhibit area. Located ¼ mile south of the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough. For more information call 603-271-2214.
Gap Mountain * Jaffrey/Troy * 1,100 acres
A fascinating 1.5 mile to the top that includes old cellar holes, apple trees, stone walls, meadows, and an old unfinished ski tow. At the top, enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Monadnock and enjoy picking wild blueberries in the summer.
Heald Tract * Wilton * 975 acres
This forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, birding, nature walks and picnicking. And, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch: moose, beaver, otter, hares, blue heron, fox and deer.
Madame Sherri Forest * West Chesterfield * 513 acres
The forest was named for an eccentric wealthy woman, Madame Antoinette Sherri, who worked as a costume designer for the Ziegfeld Follies in the 1920s and built her “castle” in the woods in West Chesterfield. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1962, but the foundation and grand stone staircase remain with the forest grown up all around it.
McCabe Forest * Antrim * 192 acres
This forest was once in danger of being developed into a golf course and/or a housing complex with river views. Instead, owner Dorothy McCabe deeded the land (and her home) in 1982 to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to manage and protect. Today, you can walk along 2 mile loop of diverse and lovely trails through meadows and forests along the Contoocook River.
Monson Village * Wilton (but must be accessed through Hollis) * 215 acres
A 3-mile trail that is steeped in history: You’ll find a restored Colonial-era house, old cellar holes and stonewalls. Monson Village was New Hampshire’s first inland pioneer settlement.
And the list of Monadnock Region forests goes on!
Here are a few more forests you may want to explore if you happen to be staying in one of these Monadnock Region towns. Make sure you ask your Monadnock Region inn or B&B host for more information and directions:
Alison Nims Piper Memorial Forest * Sullivan * 199 acres
Blaine Forest * Jaffrey * 167 acres
Olson Family Forest * Sullivan * 775 acres
Parker Hill Forest * Roxbury * 89 acres
Rumrill Family Forest * Stoddard * 89 acres
Stearns-Lamot Forest * Rindge * 123 acres
Stephens Forest * Wilton * 120 acres
Taves Forest * Roxbury/Marlborough * 175 acres
Thurston V. Williams Family Forest * Stoddard * 379 acres
Welch Family Farm Forest * Hancock * 120 acres
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