The Mahoosuc region is comprised of a fascinating variety of land types and uses, many of which are active working landscapes on private land. Approximately 85% of the land base in this region is privately owned. These land uses go back centuries, and landowners have deep local knowledge. Get to know where you’re going and ensure that you are aware of the rules and regulations for each place you visit. Please respect and follow any notices from landowners, which are designed to help and protect you.

When arriving at your destination, pay attention to signage and follow the guidelines posted.  Many of our favorite places to recreate are on private land and not following posted guidelines may jeopardize our ability to use those lands in the future.

Parking: Please pay attention to signage that indicates where and when you can park. If a parking area is too full to park legally, please move on to an alternative site and come back at a different time.

Trails: Going off trail, even a little bit, can endanger delicate natural areas, crush valuable tree seedlings or crops, and cause erosion over time.  These impacts can take years to recover from and may upset a landowner who has every right to discontinue use of a trail.

Get familiar with where you’re headed in advance of coming! You can find information on our primary outdoor recreation sites on the following websites:

• Inland Woods + Trails
• Mahoosuc Land Trust
• Grafton Notch State Park
• White Mountain National Forest, Evans Notch Area accessible from the Mahoosuc region
• Sunday River Ski Area

Note: Hunting is a way of life here in the Mahoosuc region. Many trails and private lands are closed to certain recreation activities during deer hunting season in November.  Wearing two pieces of hunter orange clothing is required for hunters and strongly recommended for other recreators. Inland Woods and Trails provides comprehensive information on area trails.  Visit their Facebook Group or Instagram feed for updates and trail closures.

Firewood: Help us prevent the spread of tree-killing bugs like the emerald ash borer or the citrus longhorned beetle. Use local firewood.  Don’t bring in firewood from outside Maine (its illegal) and don’t move firewood more than 50 miles from its source location.  Local firewood is readily available at most campgrounds and at roadside stands throughout the region.  For more information visit DontMoveFirewood.org. Waterways: Maine has 2,400 lakes greater than 10 acres in size with less than 1% of these infested with invasive aquatic plants. Please help us prevent the spread of aquatic hitchhikers such as the infamous milfoil! Review the recommended Clean, Drain and Dry procedure that should be followed each and every time you move your watercraft from one body of water to another.

Many youth summer camp options are available in Maine’s lakes and mountains region.  Let’s ensure our next generation grows up with outdoor recreation skills and environmental ethics that will last a lifetime. In the Mahoosucs you’ll find the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond and the Mahoosuc Kids Association that provides after school and summer programs.