Scattered in roughly 200 parcels, these forests are managed by a coordinated group of agencies for outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, abundant clean water, and timber. The Forestry Information Center can provide a free map showing locations of state-owned lands. They welcome snowshoers and cross country skiers to their lands and conduct educational walks and workshops. By far, most of New Hampshire forests are privately owned. The average size ownership is 39 acres.
Many landowners welcome considerate visitors to their lands.
Special among these 100,000 private landowners are the 1,600 Tree Farmers in the state. Many of them welcome hikers to their land and even maintain trails to share with others. These properties are designated with a green and white diamond shaped sign. This is truly recreation with a purpose and the best activities are done after careful planning and consultation with a forester. Much can be seen without leaves with large areas visible from fewer vantage points.