Registration now open for the Forest Society’s 2026 Five Hikes Challenge

CONCORD — The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) invites outdoor enthusiasts across the state to take part in the 2026 Five Hikes Challenge, running from Aug. 15 through Oct. 31.

This year’s theme, “Fuel Your Hike. Feed Your Spirit,” celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Forest Society. For 125 years, the Forest Society has been connecting people with New Hampshire’s forests. Participants in the Five Hike Challenge can select five hikes from a list of more than 30 Forest Society destinations statewide, ranging from quiet woodlands to scenic summits. All hike destinations can be explored on your own time and schedule, although a number of naturalist-led guided hikes are also scheduled for those who would rather complete some challenge hikes with a group.

Guided hike opportunities include the following, and more information is available online at forestsociety.org/events:

• Thursday, Sept. 3: Bald Cap Peak Forest in Shelburne
• Friday, Sept. 18: Creek Farm in Portsmouth
• Friday, Oct. 2: Morse Preserve in Alton
• Friday, Oct. 16: Merrimack Floodplain Forest in Concord
• Friday, Oct. 30: Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield

Upon registering for the challenge, participants will receive printed trail guides, interpretive materials, and a 125th anniversary sticker. The Forest Society mobile app offers additional tools, including mobile maps and navigation, photo sharing, check-ins, and additional anniversary event listings.

New this year to focus on the theme of fueling hikes with healthy nutrition, registered participants will receive a special 125th anniversary reusable snack/sandwich bag. In addition, to celebrate 125 years of land conservation, the Forest Society has also hidden 25 wooden “tree cookies” along the trails on select Forest Society properties. Find one, scan the QR code and complete the online form to claim an additional prize designed to help fuel future hikes and adventures.

“We hope the tree cookie scavenger hunt will add a new element of fun to our already popular Five Hikes Challenge this year,” said Carrie Deegan, VP for recreation management and public engagement. “Fall is an amazing time to be out in the woods enjoying all of the scenic beauty New Hampshire has to offer, and that time spent outdoors feeds our soul just as much as the trail mix powers us along the trail. Challenge yourself to get outside more this year.”

The Five Hikes Challenge is free for Forest Society members. Because membership dues match the standard challenge registration fee, all participants are highly encouraged to become members.

Registration is open now at forestsociety.org/Fivehikeschallenge2026.