CONCORD, N.H. (Aug. 19, 2024)—The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’ popular do-it-yourself hiking adventure is back for a fifth year this fall. The Forest Society’s 5 Hikes Challenge, from August 31 through October 31, includes more than 30 unique and scenic walking or hiking destinations on Forest Society conservation land throughout New Hampshire. Registration opens August 19.

Participants can choose five of the 30+ hiking and walking destinations to visit from a selection of Forest Society properties, located in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, Monadnock, Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee, Lakes, or White Mountains and North Country regions. New locations this year include Forest Society North at The Rocks in Bethlehem, Lamprey River Forest in Epping, Powder Major’s Forest in Madbury, and Peabody and Bald Cap Peak Forests in Shelburne.

“It’s really special to see the 5 Hikes Challenge reach more people year after year,” states Dave Anderson, senior director of education at the Forest Society. “We started the program at the beginning of the pandemic, recognizing people needed to get outside and feel safe exploring new places. Now in our 5th year, we still see people seeking new places, enjoying the outdoors, and participating in even larger numbers. A few of our reservations are well-known, like Mt. Major or Mt. Monadnock, but many are new places participants learn about and quickly add to their list of favorite outdoor places.”

Participants will discover some of the Forest Society’s very best staff-recommended trails along scenic shorelines and summits with views and vistas that you, your friends and family can put on the autumn ‘must do’ list for weekend fun.

This year, the Forest Society is also planning a series of free, guided hikes for affinity groups and a community gear swap on Saturday, October 26 to help ensure everyone feels welcome in the woods. Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country will lead several outings at Forest Society North at The Rocks and Bretzfelder Park (both in Bethlehem) for people with physical, developmental, emotional or behavioral disabilities; more information will be available soon.

Each registered participant receives printed trail maps and directions, hiking tips, and interpretive information for their selected hikes in the mail. This year, all registrants will receive a one-of-a-kind 5 Hikes Challenge sticker as the swag item. Participants can use the Forest Society Mobile App to track their progress on a leaderboard, access digital maps, and even post photos from the trail. The app is free to download; instructions and a link to the 5 Hikes Challenge in the app will be sent to those who register.

Registration is $45. Children (under age 18) are free with a registered adult. All current Forest Society members may register for FREE. Registration fees support the continued stewardship of these beautiful places. To register, visit https://www.forestsociety.org/5hikeschallenge2024.

More information on 5 Hike Challenge special events:

Friday, September 14 at 10 AM: Join Forest Society staff Nigel Manley for a hike along the trails at Forest Society North at The Rocks in Bethlehem. All are welcome on this hike, and if you have or know someone with disabilities that make hiking challenging, we are also partnering with Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country to assist anyone who needs it. Registration opens soon.

Sunday, September 29 at 10 AM: Join the NH chapter of LGBT Outdoors and LezHang Seacoast for a family-friendly visit to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations. After walking the one mile of boardwalk trail and exploring 11 boulder caves, participants will share a bring-your-own picnic lunch and enjoy views of Kinsman Notch. Registration details coming soon.

Friday, October 11 at 10 AM: Join Forest Society naturalist Dave Anderson to celebrate peak autumn foliage at Morse Preserve in Alton, one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations. Register here.

Saturday, October 26 at 10 AM: The Forest Society will hold a community gear swap from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Conservation Center in Concord. Donate gently used hiking gear for kids or adults (outerwear, backpacks, shoes, and boots) in advance of the gear swap on Friday, October 25 during the Forest Society’s business hours (8:30 AM to 5 PM) or bring gear to the swap on Saturday. Everyone is welcome to take up to three of the donated items. The swap will also include refreshments on the deck, raffle, and a photo opportunity for 5 Hikes Challenge finishers. Advance registration is encouraged so we can plan for snacks.

Saturday, October 26 at 11 AM: Join Forest Society naturalist Dave Anderson for an easy walk on the floodplain at Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area, one of the 5 Hikes Challenge destinations, and learn about the property’s history, tree identification, and unique wildlife habitats. Register here.

ABOUT THE FOREST SOCIETY
The Forest Society is a private, non-profit land trust and forestry organization established in 1901. The Forest Society also owns over 190 forest reservations constituting nearly 60,000 acres in 100 New Hampshire communities. It currently holds more than 750 conservation easements statewide, thus together permanently protects more than 190,000 acres of New Hampshire’s landscapes for the benefit of nature and people.