Forest Society offers unique opportunity to cut Christmas tree

Last Friday, Nancy and I decided to do something different. Instead of going to the Gilford Rotary Christmas tree sale, which we’ve enjoyed for many years, we said let's head North and cut our own tree. My sister Donna many times mentioned The Rocks Christmas Tree Farm in Bethlehem as a fun place to visit and get into the Christmas spirit. 

It was snowing lightly, and as we drove through Franconia Notch, Canaan Mountain looked awesome. We pulled into the busy parking lot, and I wished we had our skis with over 40 inches of fresh snow on the slopes. However, this journey was to cut our vintage 2025 Christmas tree. The trip was well worth it. The Rocks, in the scenic town of Bethlehem, is a magical place in a true Currier and Ives setting. We have skied numerous times at nearby Bretton Woods and dined in Bethlehem. It is a quaint little village with a vibrant art scene. There’s an eclectic mix of craft shops, cafes, unique boutiques, antique stores, the Historic Colonial Theatre, the Bethlehem Village Store, the Heritage Society Museum, an Italian restaurant, and a brew pub. 

The Rocks is located on the south side of Route 302, near the junction with I-93 off Glessner Road. It is a short 2.5-mile drive from the shops and restaurants, and only a seven-minute drive to Littleton. The property is a landmark historic estate, also known as the John Jacob Glessner Estate, an industrialist from Chicago. Glessner started acquiring the property in 1882 when he purchased the initial 100 acres and built a Queen Anne style summer home. The property rapidly expanded to a working farm with the construction of multiple historic buildings. Today, the property encompasses 1,400 acres. In 1979, the Glessner grandchildren donated the 1,400-acre estate to The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society).

Today, The Rocks is the northern headquarters for the Forest Society, a statewide land conservation organization that will be celebrating 125 years as an organization next year. The 1,400 acres of open fields and sustainably managed forest land surround the Christmas tree farm and the New Hampshire maple experience. The views of the Northern White Mountains are stunning, and the landscape includes manicured Christmas tree rows in all directions, with the stone walls blending into the historical architecture and stone buildings. The old maple trees, fields, and views create a storybook scenery. 

The historic Carriage Barn and visitor center is surrounded with ample parking. When you step inside, you learn about the local forests, wildlife, and the history of The Rocks. The expansive gift shop blends beautifully into the post and beam structure, now a net-zero facility.

Both Nancy and I were handed a plastic toboggan and a saw, and we headed off to our Christmas tree adventure. We walked through rows of Christmas trees until we saw the one… Perfectly shaped and would fit in beautifully in our living room. It felt great cutting down the tree, knowing it will be replaced by a new tree the following year. We trucked through the snow with the toboggan and tree in hand, hoping it would fit in our SUV. The staff at The Rocks was tremendous. They baled/netted our balsam tree with a tree baler, making it easy for transport, and we picked up a handmade wreath for the office.

Visitors to The Rocks can ramble along five marked scenic snowshoe, walking, and cross-country trails throughout the 1,400 acres. Sightings of moose, bear, coyote, kestrels, deer, and bobolink have been reported. Horse-drawn sleigh rides during certain dates are offered with hot chocolate. Educational programs are held throughout the year, as well as weddings, special events, and company retreats. 

Since 1990, The Rocks has grown into a family holiday destination. The festive outdoor activities are certainly cheerful. In the springtime, the sugar house comes alive as they demonstrate the maple sugaring process with sweet samples of their own maple syrup. The New Hampshire Maple Experience is a collaboration of the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association and the Forest Society.

Forest Society North at The Rocks is only one of the Forest Society's 35 reservations featured throughout the state of New Hampshire. In total, the Forest Society manages 185 reservations statewide. From the Seacoast to the North Country, you can get out and hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, paddle, and fish. 

After we packed up the Christmas tree and wreath, we headed down the road to the Rek’-Lis Brewing Company for an early dinner at 2085 Main St., Bethlehem. The atmosphere was very unique, and the food was very good and reasonably priced. Our great state of New Hampshire has so much to offer within a short driving distance. From the lakes, ponds, rivers, and ocean beaches, to the 800,000-acre White Mountains National Forest, there’s something for everyone, so get out there and explore the Granite State.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.