Stonehouse Forest

Stonehouse Forest consists of more than 50 parcels of land that were acquired over a period of years by an European investor. At one time, the landowner planned a private exotic game hunting reserve for the property. In 2015, prior to listing the property on the open market, the landowner offered the opportunity for conservation organizations to consider acquiring it as public open space.

Later that year, SELT began negotiating with the owner and finalized an agreement to acquire the land in November 2015. Under the agreement, SELT agreed to close in the fall of 2017. Fundraising efforts successfully raised $3.5 million to acquire, conserve, and steward Stonehouse Forest in time to meet the closing date in December 2017.

SELT now owns the land subject to a conservation easement held by the NH Fish and Game Department and the town of Barrington.

In 2019, Stonehouse Pond became part of Stonehouse Forest. The 230-acre Stonehouse Pond Conservation Area located in Barrington, NH was conserved through a partnership between the Trust for Public Lands, the Town of Barrington, Strafford Rivers Conservancy and the NH Fish and Game Department. The partnership worked to place a conservation easement on the land through the Wetlands Reserve Program after which the ownership was transferred to the Strafford Rivers Conservancy.

Surrounded by thousands of acres of unfragmented forest, the 14-acre Stonehouse Pond itself is a popular place for fly-fishing. A network of trails weave through the remainder of the property, allowing for exploration of the forested uplands, over two dozen wetlands and vernal pools as well as to enjoy the view from atop the 150 foot high granite cliff.

The conservation easement allows SELT, as owner, to use the existing woods road network and construct and maintain trails and information kiosks at trailheads in locations identified through the management plan developed for the property. SELT has the ongoing responsibility to manage, maintain, and repair the trail system it creates. This work is completed with staff, volunteers, and contractors.

Explore Stonehouse Forest!

This property is open to explore. Please hike safe. Dress appropriately (and knowing how to use a compass will be very helpful).

Stonehouse Forest offers three trail heads: Marison Trailhead, Merryhill Trailhead, and Stonehouse Pond Trailhead. Note: The Stonehouse pond Trailhead is not maintained in winter. Please use the Marison and Merryhill Trailheads throughout the winter months.

Download KML and GPX trail files on Trail Finder

Allowed Uses