Recreational use of forestland includes leasing land for hunting and fishing, as well as charging fees for other outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking. The economic viability of this type of enterprise depends on the type of land and its location, as well as the scope of services offered. Hunting requires large acreage and high quality habitat for wildlife.
Fishing requires access to ponds or streams.
A well developed trail system is essential for dispersed recreation, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, trail biking, or horseback riding. An option for landowners with small acreage could be to work cooperatively in order to create larger acreage with more extensive trail system. The issue of liability makes landowners reluctant to grant access to their property for any type of recreation. Liability insurance is a necessity for any commercial enterprise. This may be available as a rider on your homeowners policy.