Visits to our forests are free and welcome from dawn to dusk! NEFF owns and manages more than 40,000 acres of woodlands, and with rare exception, these forests are open to the public. Here are a few guidelines we ask visitors to follow and tips that will help keep you safe on NEFF forestlands, as well as what types of recreation are welcome.
Learn a few practical considerations and rules to keep in mind when preparing for your visit to a NEFF Community Forest, as well as what types of recreation are welcome.
Our forests are open from dawn to dusk. If you or your group would like to explore our properties at night, please be sure to contact us for permission.
Please help us care for our properties by following Leave No Trace practices. All trash must be carried out and disposed of responsibly.
Parking availability varies with each forest. During high-traffic times, visits may need to be coordinated to space availability, as parking on public roads is under the jurisdiction of local towns and thus can neither be encouraged nor permitted by NEFF. When gates are present, please do not block access with your vehicle. The majority of our driveways and parking areas are not plowed during winter. As a result, we cannot guarantee access during these months.
Dogs are permitted on our properties, but they must be on a leash at all times. Dogs must have a current rabies tag and town registration on their collar. All NEFF forests are carry in-carry out, and as such, owners must clean up after their pets and remove waste from the property.
Because they may cause extensive damage to the ecological, cultural, and economic value of the forests we are working to conserve, all motorized vehicles are prohibited on our properties. On occasion, formal snowmobile clubs may be granted permission to use trails on our properties, but this permission is at the sole discretion of NEFF. Under no circumstances is individual permission granted.
Alcohol is prohibited at all NEFF forests, without exception.
We encourage all of these low-impact activities at our forests! Please feel free to explore our woodlands to your heart’s content.
Visit our ROC Skiing page to learn more about an exciting partnership between the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective (ROC) and NEFF that has culminated in the addition of challenging backcountry wilderness skiing to a 1,000-foot slope in NEFF’s Braintree Mountain Forest. The property is groomed for safer skiing in a way that allows it to also remain a high-quality working forest.
Hunting and fishing are permitted at most NEFF properties in accordance with individual state law. For a comprehensive look at hunting practices at NEFF forests, please visit our hunting page.
Please note that we permit only modern tree stands, which are not nailed or spiked to trees. Because we actively manage our forests for many resources, including timber, we cannot allow any stands that may damage trees or put loggers in harm’s way if equipment was to hit residual metal. Please also note that stands must be labeled clearly, with the name and contact information of the hunter. Stands may be placed on NEFF property one month prior to opening day and they must be removed within one month of the close of hunting season. We reserve the right to remove, dismantle, and/or discard any stand on our property that does not abide by our guidelines, or any stand that remains after the end of hunting season. Target shooting and game cameras are prohibited on all NEFF properties.
Biking is permitted on our properties. We ask that all bikers maintain a safe and reasonable speed, remain only on marked trails, announce themselves when approaching hikers from behind, and yield to all hikers and equestrians.
Camping is not permitted on our properties, with the exception of Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. Reservations are required, and must be made through The Squam Lakes Association by contacting them at 603-968-7336 or visiting their website at squamlakes.org/camp. Fires are prohibited in all NEFF forests.
Horseback riding is permitted in our forests, but equestrians should maintain control of their horses at all times and remain only on marked trails.
There are inherent rewards in enjoying a hike, snowshoeing, watching wildlife, or blazing a new trail; however, safety should always be an important consideration. Below are our best tips to remain safe while pursuing a wide variety of activities in our woodlands.
If you spend time outdoors, ticks are an inevitable menace. These suggestions can minimize your risk of Lyme disease.