Not only do I enjoy seeking out new places to hike as a guidebook editor, but it's also something that I enjoy anyway! I have my favorite spots, but I'm always looking for new locations as exploring unseen locations is exciting. I've been keeping tabs on New Hampshire's Merrymeeting Lake region, as there has been a surge of land conservation happening here in recent years. Last fall, I took a tour of the new Collins Family Forest and can say without hesitation that it's a favorite and one of the best new hikes in New Durham.

Collins Family Forest in New Durham is a newly conserved property of more than 500 acres overlooking Merrymeeting Lake. In October of 2023, I had a chance to check out the new trail system here as it was being finalized.

The slopes and summit of Mt. Molly were originally owned by the Collins family, and we as hikers have them to thank for putting their land into permanent conservation forever.

The centerpiece of the property is Mt. Molly. Scenic ledges just off its 1,249-foot summit provide panoramic views to the south over the lake.

Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) has been leading the effort to conserve lands around Merrymeeting Lake to protect its pristine water quality.

In addition to Collins Family Forest, SELT has been hard at work protecting other land around the lake, including Birch Ridge Community Forest, which can be seen rising above the lake opposite Mt. Molly.

I was impressed at the variety of route options available here, from easy strolls to trails with steeper and rougher sections. This would be a great trek for new hikers or for kids.

After visiting last fall, I am sure I will be back for repeated visits. Thanks to both the Collins family and SELT, the trip to the summit of Mt. Molly will surely become one of the best hikes in New Durham.

To plan your visit to Collins Family Forest and to download a trail map, visit the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire website and be sure to also follow Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire on Facebook for any updates and field trips.

It's not calendar spring yet in New Hampshire yet, but there are plenty of places to go where you will only need bare boots. You can leave the snowshoes and microspikes at home for a hike to this backcountry pond in Weare.