Outdoor Activities & Policies
"Leave No Trace" on LRCT Properties
Help keep our Lakes Region beautiful by following LNT Practices.
Walking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Nature Observation
LRCT believes that it is important for Lakes Region residents and visitors to be able to enjoy and learn from our conserved lands. Residents and visitors can enjoy low-impact and non-mechanized recreational uses such as walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and nature observation, from sunrise to sunset on LRCT-owned properties. These uses and activities recognize and respect the importance of protecting wildlife habitat and other resource values intrinsic to the natural world—e.g. the sights, sounds, smells, and peaceful settings that nature affords.
In a few cases, access may be limited to specific areas or to a specified number of people at any one time. This could be because of sensitive ecological conditions or restrictions that were imposed in the deed conveying the land to LRCT. In addition, some properties are not promoted for extensive public use because they do not have frontage on a public way or an improved parking area.
Fishing, Hunting, and Game Cameras
- Fishing is allowed in all waterways and water bodies on LRCT-owned property in accordance with the requirements of New Hampshire law.
- Hunting is a traditional use of woodlands in New Hampshire and is allowed on many LRCT-owned properties, in accordance with the requirements of New Hampshire law.
- Hunting is not allowed on certain properties or portions where:
- it would pose a safety risk given intensive recreational or other use of the property or the close proximity of structures, or
- the deed conveying the land to LRCT prohibits hunting.
- Hunting with bear dogs, training of bear dogs, and bear baiting are not allowed on LRCT-owned land. Please click below for a list of LRCT properties where hunting is restricted.
- Game Cameras: Effective January 1, 2024, there are a few changes to existing NH RSA 207: General Provisions as to Fish and Game, which gives private landowners more control over the placement of game cameras (NH RSA 207:63) and tree stands/blinds (NH RSA 207:36-a) on their property:
- The placement of game cameras requires written or verbal permission from the landowner.
- Permission expires on December 31 of each year unless permission is revoked or extended.
- Game cameras must be labeled with the name on contact information of the owner in a way that is visible when the camera is mounted.
- Game cameras do not require permission on state-owned or state-managed lands or municipally owned property.
If you wish to place a game camera on LRCT lands, please complete our form.
Mountain Biking
- Mountain bikes are allowed on certain LRCT-owned properties where LRCT has determined that such use will not cause unacceptable impacts to trails and will not result in unacceptable conflicts with other users. These properties include: Page and Glory Hill and the Sewall Woods Conservation Area. Mountain biking is also allowed on the snowmobile trails at the Red Hill Conservation Area and at Center Harbor Woods on a trial basis.
- E-bikes: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed where mountain bikes are permitted. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted.
Mechanized and Motorized Vehicles
- Snowmobiles are allowed on certain LRCT-owned properties where such use has traditionally occurred, and LRCT has determined that the use won’t cause unacceptable impacts to trails and won’t result in unacceptable conflicts with other users, and where LRCT has a trail maintenance agreement with the NH Trails Bureau or a local snowmobile club.
- ATVs are not allowed on LRCT-owned properties because of their potential for safety hazards, damage to trails and vegetation, and conflict with other trail users.
Dogs & Horses
- Dogs are allowed with their masters on LRCT-owned property provided that the dogs are under leash or verbal control at all times, with the exception of the Sewall Woods Conservation Area, where dogs must be leashed at all times (per Town Ordinance), and are not allowed during periods when there is snow cover to prevent interference with the maintenance of the cross-country ski trails.
- Horses and horseback riding are not allowed on LRCT-owned property because of their potential for damage to trails and vegetation, introduction of non-native vegetation, and conflict with other trail users.
Hours of Use
From sunrise to sunset only; no overnight use.
Camping & Fires
- Camping and fires are not allowed on LRCT lands.