Recreation Guidelines

The New England Forestry Foundation owns and manages more than 24,000 acres of woodlands throughout New England.  With rare exception, these forests are open free to the public for you to explore and enjoy.  Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind when preparing for your visit. 

Time your Visit

Respectful public visits are welcome from dawn to dusk.  If you or your group would like to explore our properties at night, please be sure to contact us for permission.

Leave No Trace

Please help us care for our properties by practicing Leave No Trace practices. All trash must be carried out and disposed of responsibly.  

Access and Parking

Parking availability varies with each forest.  During high-traffic times, visits may need to be coordinated when spaces are available, as parking on public roads is under the jurisdiction of local towns and thus can neither be encouraged nor permitted by NEFF.  When gates are present, please do not block access with your vehicle. 

The majority of our driveways and parking areas are not plowed during winter.  As a result, we cannot guarantee access during these months.  

Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing and Trail-Running

We encourage each of these low-impact activities at our forests!  Please feel free to explore our woodlands to your heart’s content. 

Dog-walking

Dogs are permitted on our properties, but they must be kept on marked trails, must not damage property or harass wildlife, and must be under control at all times.  Please remember that our forests are carry in-carry out, and as such, owners are responsible for removing all waste off the property. 

Equestrians

Horseback-riding is permitted on our forests, but equestrians should maintain control of their horses at all times and remain only on marked trails. 

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing is permitted at most NEFF properties in accordance with State law.  For a more comprehensive look at hunting at NEFF forests, please visit Hunting on NEFF Lands. 

Biking

Biking is permitted on our properties.  We ask that all bikers maintain a safe and reasonable speed, remain only on marked trails, announce themselves when approaching hikers from behind, and to yield to all hikers and equestrians.

Camping and Fires

Camping is not permitted on our properties, with the exception of Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest in Center Harbor, NH.  Reservations are required, and must be made through Squam Lakes Association by contacting (603) 978-7386.  Fires are prohibited on all NEFF forests.   

Motorized vehicles

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on our properties.  These vehicles may cause extensive damage to the ecological, cultural and economic value to the forest that we are working to conserve.  On occasion, formal snowmobile clubs may be granted permission to use trails on our properties, but this permission is at the sole discretion of NEFF.  Under no circumstances is individual permission granted.

Alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited at all NEFF forests, without exception.