Tin Mountain's Bear Paw Conservation Easement

Conservation Easement

Public Access
Trails
Trailhead

November 16, 2006

A working forest conservation easement on the 1,180 acre Bear Paw lands, which are scattered across several large parcels along Conway's eastern edge, ensures that the property will remain undeveloped while producing forest products using best management practices. This was a partnership project involving the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (easement holder), The Nature Conservancy (interim landowner and easement donor), and Tin Mountain Conservation Center (current landowner).

“The acquisition of working forest lands by Tin Mountain provides a fantastic opportunity to lead by example in practicing sustainable forest management that directly benefits our local economy and also protects the integrity of the forest resource underpinning that economy. We hope to use the lands in a larger effort to re-establish the necessary wood processing capacity in the greater Mount Washington Valley to support the production of local wood products and craftsmanship.”

– Dr. Michael Cline, former Executive Director, Tin Mountain Conservation Center

East Bear Paw Preserve

"East Bear Paw" is a 500-acre section of the easement located off of Route 302, just before crossing into Maine from Conway, NH. Contained within the East Bear Paw property is a trail network, approximately 6 miles long, that is excellent for beginner mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. This low-impact traditional public recreation is allowable within the easement terms and is a great example of how conservation and recreation can live together.

A downloadable trail map of the East Bear Paw trails is available HERE.

Directions 

From downtown Conway, head east on NH 113-E/Main Street for 6.5 miles. The trailhead is located on the south side of Route 302, .1 miles west of the State Line Store. It will be on the right, between the highway and the railroad tracks.

 

State(s): NH
Town(s): conway
Acres: 1180
Back to All Lands